Starter Lockout Control Using Engine Speed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine-driven power systems face the risk of starter motor damage due to unintended activation when the engine is already running, particularly with the advent of remote and wireless starter controls, which can lead to over-speeding and grinding of gear teeth.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a detection circuit to determine engine speed using a current transformer and an excitation circuit, and a control circuit to prevent starter activation when the engine speed exceeds a threshold value, thereby preventing the starter from engaging when the engine is rotating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a starter motor is used to start the engine, then the engine can be started, but the starter motor may be damaged if activated when the engine is already running
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors engine speed before starter activation and prevents starter engagement when the engine is already running, thereby preventing damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a speed sensor to provide real-time feedback on engine speed to the control circuit, which then determines whether the starter should be activated based on the current engine state
2Ease of operation
If remote and wireless starter controls are implemented, then starter activation can be controlled remotely, but the risk of unintended activation when the engine is running increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit receives real-time engine speed feedback and uses this information to determine whether to permit starter activation, preventing unintended engagement even when remote controls are used
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the remote starter control system and the starter motor, filtering out activation requests when the engine is already running
3Reliability
If engine speed monitoring is implemented to prevent starter activation, then starter damage is prevented, but additional components and system complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The speed sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors engine speed for starter activation prevention and can be used for other engine management functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses existing engine parameters (speed) to make the protection decision, eliminating the need for separate sensors or complex monitoring 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
Prevents starter motor over-speeding and grinding, ensuring the starter and engine are not damaged, and eliminates the need for additional components or complex engine modifications, making the system applicable to various engine types and easier to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
the detection circuit includes current transformer to generate an induced current in response to an excitation current from an excitation circuit of the detection circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for preventing activation of a starter when engine speed is above a threshold engine speed value are disclosed. In examples, an engine driven power system includes an engine and a current transformer to generate an induced current in response to an excitation current from an excitation circuit. As the excitation current is induced in response to rotational movement of the engine, the excitation current and the induced current exhibits characteristics corresponding to engine speed. A control circuit receives a signal from the current transformer representing characteristics representative of engine speed and determines the engine speed, compares the characteristics to a list of values that correlates current characteristics to engine speed, compare a list of threshold engine speed values to the calculated engine speed value, and prevents activation of an engine starter if the control circuitry determines that the engine speed exceeds the threshold engine speed value.