Starter Inverter Control for Engine Speed Flare Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face challenges in smooth starting events, particularly autostarts, due to uncontrolled engine speed flares caused by engine firing, which can result in roughness and latency in power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A starter system incorporating a multi-phase brushless electric motor with an electronic commutator assembly and a controller that dynamically controls the starter inverter to manage the rotational speed of the engine, using a closed-loop control routine to prevent engine speed flares by adjusting torque or speed profiles during the starting event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is started using conventional starting methods, then the engine can be started, but uncontrolled engine speed flares occur due to engine firing, resulting in roughness and latency in power delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the starting system controllable and adjustable during operation. The electric motor's torque and speed are dynamically controlled through electronic commutation and inverter control, allowing the system to adapt to changing engine conditions during the starting process. This enables real-time adjustment to prevent speed flares while maintaining reliable starting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the electronic commutator assembly that monitors rotor position and engine conditions. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the motor's torque output in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents uncontrolled speed flares during engine firing while ensuring smooth starting.
2Reliability
If dynamic control of the starter inverter is implemented to prevent engine speed flares, then engine starting smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases due to electronic commutator assembly and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the starting motor and the drive source during engine operation. The electronic commutator assembly performs multiple roles including rotor position sensing, commutation control, and feedback provision. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving smooth controlled starting.
3Speed
If a multi-phase brushless electric motor with electronic commutator is used, then engine speed control is improved to prevent flares, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical starting mechanisms (such as pneumatic or electric starters with mechanical commutators) with a brushless electric motor system. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear components like brushes and commutators, simplifying manufacturing while providing superior electronic control over rotational speed to prevent engine speed flares.
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 solution ensures a smoother and more controlled engine starting process, minimizing engine speed flares and improving the operator's perception of engine responsiveness by precisely managing the starting torque and speed profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a starter including a multi-phase brushless electric motor
Implementation Method 2
the electronic commutator assembly includes a rotor position sensing circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An engine starter system includes a starter including a multi-phase brushless electric motor and an electronic commutator assembly. A controller includes an instruction set that is executable in response to a command to execute an engine starting event. Operation includes determining a desired starting profile, controlling the starter to engage a rotatable member of the engine, and monitoring the rotational speed of the electric motor via a rotor position sensing circuit. The starter inverter is dynamically controlled to control the electric motor to spin the rotatable member of the internal combustion engine responsive to the desired starting profile, including dynamically controlling the starter inverter to control the electric motor to control the spin of the engine responsive to the desired starting profile to prevent occurrence of an engine speed flare event during the engine starting event.