Starter Device Ring Switch Push Button Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles without brake pedals, such as those in the earth-moving, construction, and agricultural industries, are limited in implementing push-to-start engine starting systems, as existing solutions require brake pedal engagement for engine start.
Innovation Solution
A starter device featuring a ring switch and push button system that allows independent engine starting and stopping, with a controller managing the prime mover and operator station power, enabling authentication and delayed shutdown processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push-to-start button system is implemented in vehicles without brake pedals, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for alternative safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The starter device is segmented into distinct functional components: a ring switch with multiple positions (off, accessory, on) and a separate push button. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific safety checks independently, simplifying the overall control logic while maintaining safety requirements for vehicles without brake pedals
Solution Approach 2:
The ring switch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the push button. It provides a preliminary safety check through its positional states, mediating the control flow before the push button can activate the starter motor, thus replacing the brake pedal's safety function in vehicles without brake pedals
2Reliability
If brake pedal engagement is required for engine starting, then safety is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for vehicles without brake pedals
Solution Approach 1:
The ring switch serves multiple functions: it provides the primary safety interlock, enables accessory power distribution, and prepares the circuit for starter activation. This multi-functionality allows the same device to replace brake pedal safety mechanisms across different vehicle types, including those without brake pedals, while maintaining reliable safety checks
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using brake pedal engagement to enable the push button (conventional approach), this invention inverts the logic by using a dedicated ring switch position sequence to enable push button functionality. This inversion allows the system to adapt to vehicles without brake pedals while maintaining the same safety philosophy
Data Source
AI summary
A starter device for a work machine may include a ring switch surrounding a housing. The ring switch may be rotatable between a first ring position and a second ring position. A push button may be surrounded by the housing and may be operatively engageable between a first button position and a second button position within the housing. A controller may be in communication with the ring switch and the push button. The controller may be configured to start a prime mover of the work machine when the ring switch is in the second ring position and the push button is operatively engaged from the first button position to the second button position. The controller may be configured to stop the prime mover using delayed shutdown when the ring switch is rotated from the second ring position to the first ring position.