Starter Pinion Engagement Detection via Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for starting a starter motor in start/stop systems with internal combustion engines fail to accurately detect pinion engagement, leading to prolonged starting times, intermediate deactivation, and potential engine swinging back due to reliance on fixed time delays rather than precise engagement detection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves sensing energization parameters such as current profiles to determine pinion positions, eliminating the need for additional sensors and allowing for faster starter motor engagement by accurately detecting pinion engagement before starting, thereby preventing premature or incorrect engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed time delay is used between relay energization and starter activation, then the pinion engagement is ensured with high probability, but the starting time is prolonged and engine intermediate deactivation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical time-delay system with an electrical sensing system that monitors the actual pinion engagement state through current profile analysis. Instead of using a fixed time delay mechanism, the system detects when the pinion is actually engaged by analyzing variations in the energization current, enabling immediate starter activation upon engagement confirmation and eliminating the time loss associated with fixed delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing device continuously monitors the energization current and provides real-time information about pinion engagement status. The control system uses this feedback to determine the optimal moment to activate the starter, ensuring reliable engagement while minimizing delay. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to actual engagement conditions rather than relying on predetermined time intervals.
2Reliability
If a longer time delay is used to ensure pinion engagement, then engagement reliability improves, but the risk of engine intermediate deactivation and swinging back increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical time-delay system with an electrical sensing system that monitors the actual pinion engagement state through current profile analysis. Instead of using a fixed time delay mechanism, the system detects when the pinion is actually engaged by analyzing variations in the energization current, enabling immediate starter activation upon engagement confirmation and eliminating the time loss associated with fixed delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of pinion engagement status before activating the starter. The sensing device monitors the energization current in advance to confirm that the pinion is properly engaged with the flywheel teeth. This preliminary action ensures that the starter is only activated when engagement is confirmed, preventing engine deactivation and swinging back that would occur with excessive delays.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to detect pinion position, then detection precision improves, but device complexity and fault risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing energization system serve a dual function: both actuating the pinion and sensing its position. The sensing device analyzes variations in the energization current that occur naturally during the pinion movement and engagement process. This self-service approach extracts position information from the existing operational parameters without requiring additional sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity and fault risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the energization system multi-functional by using it for both actuating the pinion and detecting its position. The same electrical circuit that drives the pinion motor also provides the sensing signal through current profile analysis. This universal use of the energization system eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate position detection.
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
This approach enables quicker and more reliable starter motor engagement, reducing the risk of engine deactivation and swinging back, while optimizing memory and computational efficiency by storing discrete pinion positions and their corresponding energization parameter profiles.
Implementation Method 1
wobei von einem Erfassungsgerät ein Energisierungsparameter der Energisierung erkannt wird
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a starter (100), to a device for starting a starter motor, to a device for detecting an engaged state of a starter pinion, to a method for starting a starter motor, to a method for detecting an engaged state of a pinion (101) in a corresponding gearwheel, to a computer program and to a computer program product, wherein the method for detecting an engaged state of a pinion (101) in a corresponding gearwheel, in particular an engaged state of a starter pinion in a gear rim of a starter (100), comprises applying a current to a starter relay (110) for switching the pinion (101) and detecting at least one current flow parameter of the current flow, wherein the detected current flow parameter is set in relation to potential pinion positions and a pinion position associated with the detected current flow parameter is selected and is thus detected.