Engine Starter Control Aborts Startup on Clutch Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Engine speed fluctuations during cranking can cause vibrations and potential damage to engine and transmission components, as well as improper clutch adjustment, when the clutch pedal is released during engine startup.

Innovation Solution

An engine control system that includes a starter control module and an abort module, which disengages the starter motor and disables fueling when the clutch pedal is released during engine cranking, and displays an indicator for aborted startup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the clutch pedal is released during engine cranking, then the engine can be quickly started, but engine speed fluctuations cause vibrations and potential damage to engine and transmission components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine startup speedVSAvoidvibrations and component damage

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by monitoring clutch pedal position during cranking and preemptively aborting startup if the pedal is released, preventing the harmful speed fluctuations and vibrations from occurring in the first place rather than reacting after damage occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the clutch pedal position sensor to continuously monitor the clutch state during cranking operation, and based on this feedback, the control module decides whether to allow or abort engine startup, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents harmful vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the clutch pedal is released during cranking, then clutch adjustment may be improper, but continuing cranking ensures engine startup completion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclutch operationVSAvoidclutch adjustment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors clutch pedal position through feedback from the clutch pedal position sensor during the cranking process, and based on this real-time feedback, determines whether the clutch remains properly engaged throughout startup, ensuring reliable clutch adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the starter motor continues running after clutch release, then engine startup can be maintained, but unnecessary energy is consumed and component wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine startup completionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by aborting the engine startup sequence before unnecessary cranking can occur, thereby preventing energy waste and reduced component wear that would result from continuing to run the starter motor after the clutch is released

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9115684B2Engine startup control systems and methods

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An engine control system of a vehicle includes a starter control module and an abort module. When a clutch pedal is depressed and a user activates an ignition system, the starter control module engages a starter motor with an engine and applies current to the starter motor. The abort module selectively generates an abort signal when the clutch pedal is released. The starter control module disengages the starter motor and disables current flow to the starter motor when the abort signal is generated.