Integrated Starter-Generator with Biased Lever Clutch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicles require separate starter and generator components, leading to increased complexity, cost, and space requirements in the engine compartment, particularly in heavy-duty machinery where high torque demands complicate the power transmission and generation processes.
Innovation Solution
A combined engine starter and electric power generator device with an integral transmission, featuring a gear set, clutches, and actuator devices that allow for dual functionality of engine starting and electric power generation, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the power transmission system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate starter and generator components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the starter motor and generator into a single integrated assembly that shares common components including the housing, gear set, clutch mechanism, and actuation system. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the functional optimization of each subsystem through dedicated design elements within the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated starter-generator assembly performs multiple functions through a single device: it can operate as a starter motor to crank the engine, as a generator to produce electrical power, and includes a transmission system with multiple gear ratios for both starting and generating operations. The clutch mechanism enables selective engagement for different operational modes.
2Ease of repair
If separate starter and generator components are used, then each component can be independently maintained, but assembly errors and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is divided into distinct functional modules including the starter motor section, generator section, transmission housing, and actuation mechanism. Each module can be independently accessed and maintained while remaining part of the integrated assembly, reducing assembly errors through standardized interfaces and modular construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex actuation mechanisms are used to engage clutches in both directions, then complete control is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex actuators that can push and pull in both directions, the patent employs a unidirectional actuator that only pushes, combined with a biased lever assembly that uses spring force to provide the return motion. This inversion of the approach simplifies the actuator design while achieving complete bidirectional clutch control through the collaborative action of the unidirectional actuator and the biased lever mechanism.
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 integrated starter-generator device enhances system reliability, reduces assembly errors and costs, and provides a compact, efficient power transmission system capable of handling high torque demands for both engine starting and electric power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator applying an actuation force to an armature
Implementation Method 2
a biased lever assembly having a spring that biases a linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A starter-generator device for a work vehicle having an engine. The device includes a gear set for transmitting power, first and second clutches having actuation pins and shiftable relative to the gear set, first and second actuator devices moving armatures only in a first direction, and first and second linkages having a coupling region coupled to the respective armature and a second end coupled to the actuation pin. The first actuator device moves the coupling region and second end of the first linkage in the first direction. The second actuator device moves the coupling region of the second linkage in the first direction and the second end in an opposite second direction. The clutches shift into engaged or disengaged positions by the second end of the respective linkage moving one of the directions, and shift into the other engaged or disengaged position by the second end moving the other direction.