Vehicle Starting System Diagnosis via Cranking Time Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current starting systems in vehicles face challenges such as delayed starts and non-starts due to factors like cold engine conditions and faulty components, making it difficult to diagnose and address issues efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system and method that includes a controller receiving fueling system engagement parameters and time thresholds to determine the time duration for engine start-up, allowing for the diagnosis of starting system performance and identification of potential faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the starter motor is used to provide inertial input for engine starting, then the engine can be started independently of fuel consumption, but delayed starts and non-starts may occur due to cold engine conditions and faulty components
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system performs preliminary assessment of the starting system by monitoring engine speed during the cranking phase before fuel injection begins. This early diagnosis allows identification of potential faults before they result in delayed starts or non-starts, enabling preventive maintenance and reducing start delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors engine speed parameters during starting and compares them against expected values. This feedback mechanism allows real-time detection of abnormal starting behavior, providing information about starter motor performance and enabling timely intervention to prevent start delays.
2Reliability
If the starting system components are not diagnosed regularly, then the system operates without additional monitoring complexity, but faulty components may cause delayed starts and non-starts
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system utilizes existing sensors and controllers already present in the vehicle's starting system. The engine speed sensor and existing control units are repurposed to provide diagnostic information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated diagnostic hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic functionality is integrated into the existing engine control unit, allowing it to perform both engine management functions and starting system diagnostics. This multi-functionality approach avoids adding separate diagnostic hardware, reducing device complexity while improving reliability through continuous monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic methods are used without time-based parameters, then the diagnostic process is simpler, but it is difficult to identify potential faulty starting systems efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces time-based parameters (engine speed over time during cranking) as diagnostic criteria. By monitoring how engine speed evolves during the starting sequence and comparing it against expected temporal patterns, the system achieves precise diagnosis of starting system health without requiring complex additional hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Diagnosis system, method, and apparatus for a starting system are discloses herein. The method comprises receiving a run condition parameter for a vehicle, receiving a fueling system engagement parameter and an associated time threshold for the fueling system engagement parameter, and receiving an ignition command for turning an engine of the vehicle from an off state to an on state. If the run condition parameter is met, the method receives time data indicative of a time duration from reception of the ignition command to reach or substantially reach the fueling system engagement parameter, compare the time duration to the associated time threshold, and diagnose a starting system of the vehicle based on the comparison.