Engine Starter Controller Auto-Start Failure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles equipped with idle-stop systems, failures in the auto-start circuit for automatically restarting the engine cannot be detected until after the engine has been started by the user, posing a risk of unexpected engine failure and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

An engine starter controller with a failure detection circuit that switches the energization circuit from the user-start circuit to the auto-start circuit after a user-start operation, allowing for the determination of the auto-start circuit's functionality before the engine is automatically stopped for the first time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the auto-start circuit is only tested when actually needed (after engine automatic stop), then the circuit design is simple, but failure detection is delayed and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure detection timingVSAvoidenergization circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the auto-start circuit test during the user-start sequence before the engine actually needs to be restarted. Specifically, when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the control circuit automatically energizes the auto-start circuit through the OR relay, testing it in advance before any automatic stop occurs. This allows failure detection before the engine is automatically stopped for the first time, improving reliability without requiring a separate test circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If separate test circuits are added to test the auto-start circuit, then failure detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-start circuit functionalityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the existing OR relay serve dual functions: it acts as the normal energization switch for the starter motor during automatic restart, and simultaneously serves as the test switch for the auto-start circuit during user-start operation. The control circuit leverages the existing OR relay and its control terminal to perform the test function, eliminating the need for separate test circuits while maintaining the ability to detect auto-start circuit failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the auto-start circuit is tested early during user-start, then failure detection is improved, but the user-start circuit control becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-start circuit operational statusVSAvoidcontrol circuit logic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by having the control circuit automatically manage the auto-start circuit test without requiring separate user intervention or complex additional control logic. When the ignition switch is turned ON, the control circuit automatically detects this condition and energizes the OR relay to test the auto-start circuit. The system performs the test autonomously as part of the normal startup sequence, and the control circuit naturally manages the timing and execution of the test without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the detection of auto-start circuit failures before the engine is automatically stopped, ensuring reliable engine restarts and preventing potential engine failure, thereby enhancing vehicle reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

When a battery voltage VB is applied to a second end of the first solenoid coil 23, a solenoid coil 23 generates an electromagnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the starter motor 17 is driven and rotates, thereby the starter motor 17 cranks the engine 13

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9086043B2Controller for engine starter

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 DENSO CORP

AI summary

An engine starter controller for a vehicle equipped with an idle-stop controller includes a user-start circuit, an auto-start circuit, a switch, and a failure detector. The user-start circuit energizes a starter when a driver starts an engine. The auto-start circuit energizes the starter when the idle-stop controller automatically restarts the engine. The switch circuit switches an energization circuit for energizing the starter from the user-start circuit to the auto-start circuit after the user-start circuit starts to energize the starter by causing the auto-start circuit to energize the starter and by putting the user-start circuit into a forced state where the user-start circuit is forced to stop energizing the starter. The failure detector determines whether the auto-start circuit energizes the starter when the energization circuit is switched to the auto-start circuit.