Combustion Engine Starter with Dual Clutch Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for starting combustion engines burden the electromotor during engine startup, as they rely on both the flywheel and electromotor for assistance, leading to excessive loading.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second clutch in the drive line to allow separate disengagement of auxiliary drive sources, enabling the electromotor to be unloaded when the flywheel delivers power, with the electromotor only needing to maintain or rev up the flywheel speed, and using a freewheel bearing or centrifugal decoupling clutches, along with a gear train for direct coupling to the crankshaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If both the flywheel and electromotor are used to start the combustion engine, then the starting assistance is improved, but the electromotor becomes excessively loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The drive line is segmented into multiple independent branches (first branch with electromotor, second branch with flywheel, third branch with second auxiliary drive source) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged through separate clutch mechanisms. This allows the starting function to be divided between different auxiliary drive sources, so the electromotor does not have to bear the full starting load alone, thereby reducing electromotor burden while maintaining adequate starting assistance.
2Reliability
If the electromotor is used to heavily load for starting the combustion engine, then the starting reliability is improved, but the electromotor size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple auxiliary drive sources (flywheel, second auxiliary drive source, and electromotor) into a unified starting system where they can work together or independently. The flywheel and second auxiliary drive source are configured to provide primary starting assistance through mechanical coupling, while the electromotor serves as a supplementary or backup source. This combination allows the electromotor to be smaller and lighter because it does not need to provide all the starting power alone, yet the overall starting reliability is maintained through the redundant and cooperative auxiliary drive sources.
3Force
If multiple clutches are added to allow separate disengagement of auxiliary drive sources, then the electromotor can be unloaded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanisms are designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing them to be automatically engaged or disengaged based on operating conditions. The first clutch in the first branch and the second clutch in the third branch can be controlled to selectively connect or disconnect the electromotor and second auxiliary drive source from the drive line. This dynamic control enables the system to automatically unload the electromotor when the flywheel and second auxiliary drive source are sufficient, providing flexible load management without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control systems.
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
This configuration allows the combustion engine to be started solely by the flywheel, reducing the electromotor's load and enabling a lighter design, while maintaining efficient speed management through auxiliary electromotor assistance.
Implementation Method 1
the first clutch is preferably arranged as a freewheel bearing or centrifugal decoupling
Implementation Method 2
the second clutch as a friction clutch
Implementation Method 3
the second auxiliary drive source is formed by a flywheel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device 1 has an output 3 which is formed by a gearwheel that can be coupled to a gearwheel 5 on a crankshaft 7 of a combustion engine 9. The device comprises a first auxiliary drive source 11 arranged as an electromotor, which is coupled to the output via a node 13. A first branch 15 of a drive line is present between the electromotor and the node and a second branch 17 of the drive line is present between the node and the output, The device further includes a second auxiliary drive source 19 arranged as a flywheel which is coupled to the output via the node 13. A third branch 21 is then present between the flywheel and the node. A first clutch 23 which is arranged as a freewheel bearing is present in the first branch 15 and a second clutch 25 which is arranged as a friction clutch is present in the second branch 17. A third clutch can also be present in the second branch.