Starter Control ECU Relay Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional starter control systems for internal combustion engines face issues with continued engagement of the pinion gear and motor operation due to relay abnormalities, leading to wasteful energy consumption and mechanical wear.
Innovation Solution
A starter control apparatus with a microcomputer-based electronic control unit (ECU) that includes switching parts and an operation preventing switch to manage relay operations, detecting abnormalities and preventing continued engagement or operation of the starter motor and pinion gear when faults occur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay abnormalities are not detected and prevented, then the starter system can operate continuously, but wasteful energy consumption and mechanical wear occur due to continued pinion gear engagement and motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit detects relay abnormalities before they cause continued operation. By monitoring relay states in advance and preventing pinion gear engagement or motor operation when abnormalities are detected, the system avoids wasteful energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If relay abnormalities are not detected and prevented, then the starter system remains operational, but mechanical wear increases due to continued pinion gear engagement with the ring gear
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection of relay abnormalities before they result in continued pinion gear engagement. When a relay abnormality is detected, the control unit prevents pinion gear engagement, thereby protecting the pinion gear and ring gear from excessive mechanical wear and extending their service life.
3Reliability
If multiple relays and switching parts are added to detect and prevent abnormalities, then reliability and protection improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls normal starter operation, detects relay abnormalities, and prevents continued operation when faults are detected. By integrating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the states of relays and switching parts, using feedback information to detect abnormalities and adjust operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables reliable fault detection and prevention while maintaining a manageable control circuit architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents wasteful energy consumption and mechanical wear by accurately detecting and addressing relay abnormalities, ensuring reliable and efficient engine starting and stopping.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid means an actuator, which includes a coil and a movable part operated by electromagnetic force of the coil
Implementation Method 2
a battery (power source) 7...a battery voltage (voltage of the battery 7) VB is supplied as a power source voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU for controlling a starter includes a transistor in addition to transistors, which turn on relays provided for a pinion gear and a motor of the starter, respectively. The transistor is provided in a current path, which connects a line of a battery voltage and a junction between upstream side ends of coils of the relays. The ECU operates the starter by turning on the three transistors, which turn on the relays. It further detects abnormality based on voltages of terminals.