Straddle Vehicle Automatic Engine Start Circuit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddle type vehicles without a main switch require special operations to start the engine, which is inconvenient for general use, and there is a risk of battery power being supplied unnecessarily when the engine is not in operation.

Innovation Solution

A straddle type vehicle with an engine-start detector and connection controller that automatically connects and disconnects the engine-related electrical components and battery, allowing engine start without a main switch by detecting the engine's start preparation state, such as through crankshaft rotation or electrical power output from a generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a main switch is omitted from the straddle type vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced and weight is decreased, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring special starting procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemain switchVSAvoidstarting procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects engine start conditions through the engine-start detector and autonomously controls battery power supply through the connection controller, eliminating the need for manual main switch operation and special starting procedures while maintaining simplified device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If battery power is continuously supplied to engine-related electrical components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to unnecessary battery drain when engine is not operating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply controlVSAvoidbattery power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The engine-start detector continuously monitors engine operation status and provides feedback signals to the connection controller, which automatically adjusts battery power supply to engine-related electrical components based on actual engine state, preventing energy waste while ensuring power availability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the main switch is omitted to prevent accidental operation, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of manual control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental operation preventionVSAvoidmanual control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated detection and control system eliminates manual main switch operation, preventing accidental activation while maintaining operational convenience through automatic response to genuine engine start conditions detected by the engine-start detector

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the engine to be started without a main switch, ensuring battery power is only supplied when needed, thus preventing unnecessary battery drain and simplifying the starting process.

Implementation Method 1

the engine-start detector is adapted to detect electrical power output from the generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical power detection: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the vehicle further comprises a generator driven by the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1849998B1Straddle type vehicle
Publication Date: 2013.10.23 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP1849998B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1849998B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP1849998B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A straddle type vehicle (1) comprises and engine (6) and an electrical circuit (C1 to C4) including engine-related electrical components (10, 30, 40), such as an ignition coil (10), and a battery (240). The vehicle (1) further includes a connection controller (100) for selectively reconfiguring the electric circuit (C1 to C4) between a connected state in which the engine-related components (10, 30, 40) and the battery (240) are connected and a disconnected state in which the engine-related components (10, 30, 40) and the battery (240) are disconnected. Furthermore, the vehicle (1) includes an engine-start detector (220) for detecting a start preparation state of the engine (6). In use, the connection controller (100) reconfigures the electrical circuit (C1 to C4) from a disconnected state to a connected state according to a detection of the start preparation state by the engine-start detector (220). The straddle type vehicle (1) does not include a main switch and permits the engine (6) of the vehicle (1) to be started without any special operation.