Hybrid Vehicle Starter Motor Control for Noise and Startability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Starter systems in hybrid vehicles face challenges in balancing engine startability and noise reduction, particularly when dealing with different urgency levels of engine start commands, leading to issues of noise generation or reduced startability.
Innovation Solution
A starter system that includes a setting unit to determine the engine start-up period based on the type of start-up trigger and a control unit to adjust the motor's rotation speed and output torque, prioritizing either startability or noise reduction depending on the urgency of the start command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current supplied to the motor is increased to improve engine startability, then the engine can start more reliably, but the noise generated by the starter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor current adjustable based on operating conditions. The control unit dynamically changes the current supplied to the motor depending on the engine state (cranking mode vs. rotation assistance mode), allowing the system to adapt between high-power startup and low-noise operation, thus resolving the contradiction between startability and noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (current) supplied to the motor based on different operational phases. During cranking, high current is supplied for reliable startup; during rotation assistance, reduced current is supplied to minimize noise. This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve both high startability and low noise operation at different times
2Productivity
If the motor rotation speed is increased to improve engine startability, then the engine starts faster, but the noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor rotation speed based on the operational mode. During cranking, high rotation speed is achieved for fast engine startup. During rotation assistance, the motor speed is reduced to minimize noise and energy consumption while still providing necessary assistance, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates in different periodic phases: high-speed cranking phase for rapid startup, followed by lower-speed rotation assistance phase for noise reduction. This periodic action pattern allows the system to achieve fast startup when needed while minimizing noise during the subsequent rotation phase
3Reliability
If the motor output torque is increased to improve engine startability, then the engine can overcome compression resistance better, but the noise and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the motor output torque based on real-time engine conditions. During cranking, high torque is supplied to overcome compression resistance and ensure reliable startup. During rotation assistance, torque is reduced to minimize energy consumption while still providing necessary support, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameter (current) controlling motor torque is changed based on operational phase. High current produces high torque for reliable cranking; reduced current produces lower torque for energy-efficient rotation assistance. This parameter adjustment strategy resolves the contradiction between startability and energy consumption
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 system effectively enhances both engine startability and noise reduction by dynamically controlling the motor's speed and torque in response to varying start-up triggers, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing noise or startability issues.
Implementation Method 1
a motor for rotating a pinion gear... controls at least either of a rotation speed of the motor and an output torque of the motor by setting a current to be supplied to the motor
Implementation Method 2
The solenoid pushes a pinion gear toward a ring gear which is connected to the output shaft of an engine
Data Source
AI summary
A starter is installed in a vehicle. In the starter, a crank shaft is driven by a motor which rotates a pinion gear in a state where a ring gear connected to the crank shaft is in engagement with the pinion gear. Thus, an engine is started. The starter sets a start-up period depending on the type of the start-up trigger that generates a start-up request for the engine, and sets a current supplied to the motor on the basis of the set start-up period. Thus, at least either of a rotation speed and an output torque of the motor is controlled. This control is implemented by a control circuit.