Starter Pinion Remeshing Control for Internal Combustion Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In start/stop mode, existing starter devices for internal combustion engines cannot remesh the pinion with the ring gear while the engine is still rotating, leading to safety and comfort issues due to delayed vehicle restarts.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes a control unit to assess the motion states of both the pinion and ring gear, using rotational speed sensors and an actuator to enable gentle engagement before the engine stops, allowing for earlier remeshing and smoother operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pinion is accelerated at a slower rate prior to meshing with the ring gear, then the impact forces and wear are reduced, but the starting time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary assessment of motion states of both pinion and ring gear before initiating meshing. By evaluating whether the pinion has come to a standstill and whether the ring gear has come to a standstill in advance, the system determines the optimal timing for engagement, allowing gentle acceleration while maintaining quick response when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the motion states of the pinion and ring gear through feedback from rotational speed sensors. This real-time feedback allows the control unit to adjust the acceleration rate and timing of meshing based on actual conditions, optimizing both the gentleness of engagement and the speed of starting.
2Reliability
If the pinion waits for the internal combustion engine to come to a standstill before meshing with the ring gear, then the impact forces are reduced, but the vehicle resumption time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the meshing timing based on the actual motion states of both pinion and ring gear. Rather than following a fixed sequence where the pinion must wait for complete engine stop, the control unit evaluates the dynamic conditions and determines the optimal engagement moment, allowing meshing to occur during coasting when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the operational parameters of the starter device based on assessed motion states. When the pinion and ring gear are both rotating at compatible speeds, the system permits engagement without waiting for complete stop, effectively changing the speed parameter from zero-based engagement to rotating-based engagement.
3Measurement precision
If separate rotational speed sensors are provided for both the first and second gearing parts, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses electrical signal processing and evaluation algorithms to assess motion states, replacing the need for direct mechanical speed sensors on both gearing parts. The system substitutes complex mechanical measurement with electrical control and logical evaluation of available signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a first gearing part for meshing with a second gearing part, in particular a starter device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, in which at least one arrangement is provided whereby a motion state of the first gearing part and a motion state of the second gearing part are ascertainable. A method for operating a device having a first gearing part for meshing with a second gearing part, in particular a starter device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, in which at least one arrangement is provided whereby a motion state of the first gearing part and a motion state of the first gearing part and a motion state of the second gearing part are ascertained.