Starter Waterproof Cover for Partial Engine Submersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engine starters in vehicles are prone to water ingress when submerged, especially when arranged in the lower part of the engine, leading to potential corrosion and electrical issues, and replacing them with fully sealed starters is costly.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof cover is fixed around the starter to form a sealed volume below a determined level, with a radial fixing flange and sealing means ensuring watertight fixation, allowing the starter to be partially immersed in water without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the starter is arranged in the lower part of the engine to save space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to water ingress risk
Solution Approach 1:
The engine compartment is segmented into a sealed lower zone (containing the starter) and an unsealed upper zone. The waterproof cover creates a distinct sealed space that isolates the starter from water while allowing other components to remain accessible. This segmentation enables the starter to be positioned in the lower part of the engine without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof cover acts as an intermediary element between the starter and the external water environment. This cover creates a protective barrier that allows the starter to be positioned in the lower part of the engine while maintaining reliability by preventing water ingress through sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a fully sealed starter is used to prevent water ingress, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sealing the entire starter assembly, only the necessary lower portion is enclosed in a waterproof cover. This segmented approach seals only the critical areas exposed to water while leaving other components accessible, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a fully sealed starter.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cover provides localized protection only where water ingress is a risk (the lower part of the starter), rather than sealing the entire starter assembly. This local quality approach uses sealing means only in the specific area needed, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the starter is positioned higher on the engine to avoid water, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cluttered engine compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cover creates a sealed zone that allows the starter to be positioned in the lower, more accessible part of the engine compartment. By segmenting the sealed and unsealed areas, the system maintains reliability while improving ease of operation and accessibility for maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an arrangement of a starter (20) on a support (22) belonging to an internal combustion engine (14) of a motor vehicle (10), the starter (20) being able to be at least partially submerged in a liquid up to a determined level (16), wherein the starter (20) comprises a radial attachment flange (30) arranged at one axial end of the casing (26), characterised in that a sealed cover (44) is attached around at least a low portion of the starter (20) in order to form a sealed volume at least below the determined level (16), the cover (44) having an opening (46) for passage of the attachment flange (30), sealing means (48) being inserted between said opening (46) and a facing tightening face, in order to guarantee a sealed attachment at least up to the determined level (16).