Integrated Starter-Generator With Unidirectional Clutch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicle power systems require separate starter and generator components, leading to increased complexity, cost, and space requirements due to the need for separate housings and complex power transmission arrangements, particularly for heavy-duty machines with high torque demands.
Innovation Solution
A combined engine starter and electric power generator device with an integral transmission, featuring a clutch arrangement and actuator assembly that uses unidirectional actuators and flexible linkages to selectively engage and disengage gear sets, reducing the need for multiple belt tensioners and simplifying the power transmission system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate starter and generator components are used, then each component can be independently designed and maintained, but the overall system complexity, cost, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the starter motor and generator into a single integrated assembly with a common housing. The starter motor and generator share the same housing structure, mounting provisions, and power transmission components, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent design capabilities for each functional component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate starter and generator components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the total assembly size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is positioned within the housing structure of the starter motor, with the generator stator and rotor nested inside the starter motor housing. The generator components are arranged concentrically with the starter motor shaft, allowing both functional components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes and significantly reducing the total assembly size.
3Power
If complex power transmission arrangements with multiple belt tensioners are used, then power can be transmitted from engine to generator, but the number of components and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external belt-driven power transmission system and belt tensioners from the integrated assembly. Instead, the generator is directly coupled to the starter motor shaft through internal gears and meshing components, eliminating the need for belts, pulleys, and tensioners while maintaining effective power transmission from the engine to the generator.
4Ease of repair
If separate starter and generator components are used, then each component can be serviced independently, but assembly errors and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is designed with modular segments where the starter motor and generator can be independently accessed and serviced. The housing includes access ports and removable sections that allow technicians to service the starter motor components without disturbing the generator, and vice versa, while maintaining precise alignment through integrated mounting features.
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 reliability, reduces assembly errors, and provides a compact, cost-effective solution for both engine starting and electric power generation, improving performance and efficiency in work vehicles by eliminating the need for separate starter and generator components.
Implementation Method 1
The linkage is formed from a flexible resilient material and is movable in a powered stroke from an undeformed, unloaded condition to an elastically deformed, loaded condition by application of the push force
Data Source
AI summary
A starter-generator device for a work vehicle having an engine includes a gear set for transmitting power, one or more clutch portions configured to selectively interact with the gear set, an actuator device to power movement of an armature only in a first direction, and a linkage having a first portion extending axially and having a neck region formed as a permanent bend and having a bend radius. The linkage also includes a second portion extending radially from the first portion to a distal end. An actuation pin is connected to the distal end and to the clutch portion such that movement of distal end causes corresponding movement of the clutch portion. Powered movement of the armature moves the distal end in one direction. An elastic return force of the linkage moves the distal end in an opposite direction.