Starter-Generator Control for Low-Temperature Engine Start and Reverse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual starting of recreational vehicle engines through recoil starters can cause user fatigue due to the need for fast and repeated pulling of the rope, and existing electric start systems may not function efficiently at low temperatures or provide reliable reverse engine rotation control.
Innovation Solution
A starter-generator system with a controller that determines available starting modes based on power source health, offering full, pull-assist, and manual starting options, and includes a hybrid battery system with supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries for efficient engine starting and reversing, along with an electric reverse control system for reversing engine rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pull start is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but user fatigue increases due to repeated fast pulling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical pull-start system with an electric motor-assisted starting system. The electric motor provides the primary cranking force to rotate the engine, eliminating the need for users to perform repeated fast manual pulling actions. This substitution of mechanical human effort with an electric actuator directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining starting reliability while dramatically reducing user fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary between the user and the engine starting process. Instead of the user directly applying force to the recoil starter, the electric motor acts as a mediator that receives electrical power and converts it to mechanical cranking force. This intermediary device bridges the gap between available user effort and the high force requirements for engine starting, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If electric start system is used, then user fatigue is reduced, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional starting system that can operate in multiple modes: electric motor-assisted start, pure manual pull start, and hybrid modes combining both. This universal system design allows the same apparatus to adapt to different operating conditions and power availability scenarios. By integrating multiple functions into a single system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each starting method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic starting system where the control unit can selectively engage or disengage the electric motor based on real-time conditions such as battery power levels, user input, and engine state. The system transitions between electric-assisted mode and manual pull mode dynamically, allowing the complexity to be activated only when beneficial. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by making the system complexity conditional rather than constant.
3Productivity
If hybrid battery system with supercapacitors is used, then starting efficiency at low temperatures is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy storage system into two distinct segments: a supercapacitor module for high-power instantaneous discharge during engine starting, and a lithium-ion battery module for sustained energy storage and lower-power operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the supercapacitor handles the high-current demand of cold starts while the lithium-ion battery provides long-term energy storage. By splitting the energy storage function into specialized segments, the system achieves high starting efficiency without requiring a single overly complex energy storage solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite energy storage system combining two different energy storage technologies - supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries - into a hybrid architecture. This composite system leverages the complementary strengths of each technology: the high power density and rapid response of supercapacitors, and the high energy density and cost-effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries. The composite architecture resolves the contradiction by achieving superior starting efficiency through technological combination rather than through increasing the complexity of a single system.
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
Reduces user fatigue by providing alternative starting modes and ensures reliable engine starting and reversing capabilities across various power conditions, including low temperatures, with reduced weight and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a supercapacitor system configured to provide electric power to the engine during engine starting at low temperature
Implementation Method 2
a lithium-ion battery removably connected to the vehicle and configured to pre-charge the supercapacitor system
Implementation Method 3
an integrated starter generator (ISG) configured to recharge the lithium-ion capacitors when the engine is running
Implementation Method 4
a hybrid battery system with supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries for efficient engine starting and reversing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for starting and restarting an engine of a vehicle are disclosed. Power systems for an engine are disclosed.