TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter relates to a multi-fuel vehicle platform. More particularly, to an intake system for a hybrid vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Conventionally, the vehicles are powered by an internal combustion (IC) engine. The internal combustion (IC) engine comprises a cylinder head, abutting a cylinder block to form a combustion chamber where the burning of air fuel mixture occurs. The cylinder head comprises of an intake valve and an exhaust valve which control the intake of air fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber, and controls the exit of exhaust gases after the combustion. The exhaust gases include harmful emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. In order to reduce the emissions of internal combustion engines, a number of different strategies are being used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of single cylinder engine assembly with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an engine (100) and a localized enlarged view of an air cleaner where few parts are omitted from the figure.
Figure 2 illustrates a cut section of the air cleaner (104) across E-E' and F-F' axis showing both open and closed condition of a valve assembly (201).
Figure 3A illustrates a perspective view of the air cleaner case (104B) and a localized perspective view of the valve assembly (201) wherein few parts are omitted from the figure.
Figure 3B illustrates cut section of the valve assembly (201) across A-A' axis.
Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting method of starting the engine (100) using the valve assembly (201).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be
discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of an engine assembly and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis Y – Y’ unless otherwise mentioned, refers to a front to rear axis relative to the engine assembly, while a lateral axis C – C’ unless otherwise mentioned, refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the engine assembly. [00010] However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied any engine assembly without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places. [00011] Typically, design engineers strive to produce nonpolluting, elegant, easy to maintain transportation for the motoring public. The nonpolluting vehicles include electric vehicles. But, despite its many advantages, the limited range of the electric vehicle is a big letdown. Moreover, the inconvenience of recharging and the long recharge times reduced its appeal. However, the design engineers recognized that the good features of a heat engine could be combined with those of an electric machine to produce a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes the heat engine coupled to the electric machine. Both the heat engine and the electric machine are provided for the propulsion. Depending on degree of hybridization with the heat engine, the powertrain may comprise one or more electrical machines. The term “powertrain” refers to the electromechanical elements involved in the propulsion of the vehicle i.e. the heat engine, the electric machines, the running gear and control members for controlling these elements.
[00012] Generally, the hybrid vehicle has powertrain operating modes hence the
starting behavior is different compared with a conventional vehicle. The operating

modes include eco mode or power mode configured to have different characteristics. These modes can be selected manually or automatically in vehicle running state. [00013] In case of the conventional vehicle, a starter motor first triggers when the rider starts the vehicle i.e. at the beginning of a trip. In case of first start, it is not necessary for the heat engine to provide a high torque within a very short time because the heat engine generally starts in the vehicle stand condition i.e. in completely closed throttle, which allows less quantity of air-fuel mixture inside a combustion chamber and thereby less loads acts on a piston to compress the air - fuel mixture. [00014] However, in hybrid vehicles the transition of operating mode may become essential during driving in any required zone. The required zones include gradient climbing, or at high load requirement or based on rider input. During transition of operating mode in required zone a controller system directs the signal to a starting system to crank the heat engine in moving state of the hybrid vehicle. During these required zones, the large torque has to be provided by the heat engine within a very short time; the heat engine is started more rapidly than during normal start. The heat engine has to provide a torque correlating with the hybrid vehicle moving state within a very short time. A very fast pulling up of the heat engine to a desired rotational driving speed is required. The torque is to be produced by the heat engine in the moving state of the vehicle in a rider dependent parameter. The torque is to be adjusted in a rider dependent manner as a result of an actuation of the throttle by the rider. Here, the torque demand may therefore be a magnitude representing the throttle rotation in the vehicle running state. The throttle is provided on the handle bar specifically on the right-hand side to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle. So, in vehicle running condition in electric mode the throttle is partially open. The partially open throttle allows more quantity of air-fuel mixture as compared to closed throttle position in conventional vehicles. During starting of the heat engine the partially open throttle, in a carburetor based engine, actuates a butterfly valve using suitable mechanical or electromechanical means. The butterfly valve opens and allows more quantity of air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber because of which more force acts on a piston during a compression stroke of the heat engine resulting into high torque requirement to start the heat engine. Otherwise, the engine will not be able to sustain

the ideal speed and it will get switched-off. In an EFI based engine, the throttle body
adjusts the air-fuel mixture to perform similar action.
[00015] Therefore, in such a system described above, a high capacity starting system
is required to be adapted to deliver more torque as per operating condition albeit at
more weight and cost. Further, the high capacity starting system adversely affects the
engine layout and also involves complete redesign of engine assembly. The high
capacity starting system used at the time of starting the heat engine can adversely affect
the lifetime of the battery. The battery life may get shortened considerably because the
higher capacity starting system draws more power from the batteries. The battery
performance is also reduced due to repetitive cranking and may not be able to deliver
sufficient power to enable high capacity starting system to crank the heat engine and
at the same be insufficient to maintain the voltage at a sufficiently high level for
keeping the control system and other start critical systems operating as required for
starting system. In addition to above, the battery capacity is continuously reducing
during the service life due to the continuously increasing internal resistance of the
battery.
[00016] Therefore, to meet the requirement of high capacity starting system a high
watt-hour battery is to be packaged within the vehicle which affects the storage space
in the vehicle and lead to complete redesigning of the frame assembly to support and
mount the high wattage batteries.
[00017] Thus, there remains a need for an improved starting system overcoming all
above problems and as well as overcoming problems of known art.
[00018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cost effective, easily
operable system requiring little space yet deliver sufficient torque to crank the engine
in the required zones.
[00019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a system which is
simple in design and implementable in the existing hybrid vehicle layout with
minimum changes in the layout.
[00020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system which is
light in weight and easy to manufacture and assemble.

[00021] This and other objects are achieved by a system for starting a heat engine arranged in a hybrid vehicle, having an electric machine designed for at least driving the vehicle. The vehicle comprising of one or more air cleaner. The air cleaner is configured to have one or more valve assembly. The valve assembly regulates the flow of air from the air cleaner to the heat engine during required zone to start the engine. The valve assembly is operatively connected to a control system. The control system is designed for detecting at least one defined operating state of the vehicle, for adjusting an air quantity in the engine.
[00022] As per preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is located in the air cleaner. Specifically, on post air cleaner side. The valve assembly includes one or more solenoid valve which is configured to open and close a tube outlet based on input signal from the control system.
[00023] The objective is further achieved by a method whereby the following steps take place in a system by the valve assembly which connects the air cleaner to the engine: (i) detecting at least one defined vehicle operating state, and (ii) adjusting an air quantity flowing to the engine.
[00024] The system according to the invention and the method according to the invention are based on the following. With respect to the layout, the valve assembly is positioned in the air cleaner. By way of this valve assembly, an air, which mixes with the fuel, can be adjusted. The said valve assembly, as per an aspect of the present invention, intentionally stops the air from the air cleaner from being supplied to the engine while starting in the required zone. The valve assembly stops the air flow for predetermined time and allows rich mixture of air/fuel to reach the combustion chamber so that engine can attain predetermined rpm e.g. idling. After attaining predetermined rpm the valve assembly permits air flow from the air cleaner to the engine based on inputs from the control system. The valve assembly reduces the quantity of the air entering inside the combustion chamber and thereby additionally reduces the compression load requirement during the starting of engine and hence engine starts easily with even a low torque capacity starting system.
[00025] Further, in one implementation with a carburetor, the carburetor will prevent the air-fuel mixture to get lean as the quantity of the air is reduced in the mixture and

it will draw more fuel owing to low pressure in the carburetor venturi. So rich air-fuel
mixture will go inside the combustion chamber and will help the engine to start as
more fuel will give more energy after combustion.
[00026] It thereby becomes possible, by use of a low torque capacity starting
system, to meet all demands of torque required to the start the heat engine per se at any
of the desired vehicle operating conditions.
[00027] As per one implementation, said air cleaner includes one or more tube outlet
having a front end operatively connected to said air cleaner wherein said valve
assembly is configured to regulate the air passing through said tube outlet.
[00028] As per one implementation, the valve assembly comprises of one or more
solenoid valve and one or more support member, wherein said solenoid valve is
configured to have a plunger.
[00029] As per one implementation, said plunger is configured to have a piston.
[00030] As per one implementation, said piston is provided on at least a portion of
the plunger.
[00031] As per one implementation, said piston is guided by a portion of guide wall
of the support member.
[00032] As per one implementation, said plunger is configured to have one or more
disc at one of its end, said disc moves relative the plunger.
[00033] As per one implementation, said disc is configured to fit into front end
opening of said tube outlet to block or restrict the flow of air to the intake system of
the engine.
[00034] As per one implementation, said valve assembly is attached to said air
cleaner case using said support member, said support member is detachably attached
to said housing using attachment means.
[00035] As per one implementation, timing of opening and closing of solenoid valve
is controlled by hybrid control unit.
[00036] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to
the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that
various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether
explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having

thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00037] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[00038] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the
illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
[00039] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or

numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. [00040] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.
[00041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the invention is explained with an embodiment of a solenoid type actuator & can be any other type of actuator. [00042] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a heat engine (100) (hereinafter “engine”) and a localized enlarged view of an air cleaner where few parts are omitted from the figure for sake of brevity. The engine (100) comprises a cylinder head (102) located above a cylinder block (103). A combustion chamber (not shown) interposed between the cylinder head (102) and the cylinder block (103). The cylinder head (102) is covered by a cylinder head cover (101). The engine (100) operatively connected to an air cleaner (104). The environmental air is sucked in the air cleaner (104). The environmental air is filtered by the air cleaner (104). The filtered air flows to a carburetor (105) through one or more tube outlet (106). As per alternate embodiment, the filtered air flows to a throttle body (not shown) through the tube outlet (106). The carburetor (105) is a pressure differential device which delivers metered air - fuel mixture to the engine (100) as a function of engine speed, load, volumetric efficiency and power level. The metered air - fuel mixture flows to the engine (100) through a tube inlet (107). The fresh charge is induced into the engine (100). The engine (100) produces useful power by burning a mixture of fuel and air.
[00043] Figure 2 illustrates a cut section of the air cleaner (104) across E-E’ and F-F’ axis showing both open and closed condition of the valve assembly (201). The air

cleaner (104) includes one or more air cleaner case (104B) which is open to one side. Further one or more air cleaner cover (104A) is provided to close the one side of the air cleaner (104). The air cleaner case (104B) and air cleaner cover (104A) define an inner space. One or more filter member (104C) partitions the inner space formed by the air cleaner case (104B) and the air cleaner cover (104A). The air cleaner cover (104A) is fixedly locked to the air cleaner case (104B) by locking elements. The outside air is sucked through an intake port (not shown) provided on the air cleaner case (104B). The air enters into the air cleaner (104) passes through the filter element (104C). The filtered air enters into a post chamber (202). One or more valve assembly (201) is enclosed within the air cleaner (104) such that it is attached to the air cleaner case (104B). The valve assembly (201) is operatively connected to the hybrid control unit (not shown). The valve assembly (201) comprising of one or more solenoid valve (201A). The solenoid valve (201A) includes plunger (201AA). The plunger (201AA) is configured to have one or more circular disc (201AB) at one of its ends. Due to electrical energization of the solenoid valve (201A) a magnetic force is induced which is sufficient to completely overcome force of a spring (not shown) to displace the plunger (201AA) which move the circular disc (201AB) to a first position (T-T’) to close the front end opening (106A) of the tube outlet (106). However, when the solenoid valve (201A) is deenergized the plunger (201AA) displaces to its original position which moves circular disc (201AB) to a second position (L-L’) to open the front-end opening (106A) of the tube outlet (106). In first position (T-T’) the circular disc (201AB) restricts the flow of air for predetermined time whereas in second position (L-L’) the circular disc (201AB) allow the air to pass through the tube outlet (106).
[00044] Figure 3A illustrates a perspective view of the air cleaner case (104B) and a localized perspective view of the valve assembly (201) wherein few parts are omitted from the figure. The valve assembly (201) is operatively connected to the hybrid control unit (not shown) through solenoid wires (201AD). The valve assembly (201) includes a support member (201B). The solenoid valve (201A) is detachably attached to the air cleaner case (104B) through the support member (201B). The support member (201B) is attached to air cleaner case (104B) using attachment means (201C).

The support member (201B) keeps the solenoid valve (201A) in optimum position so that when solenoid valve (201A) is energized the circular disc (201AB) moves and fits into the front end opening (106A) of the tube outlet (106) to restrict the flow of air. [00045] Figure 3B illustrates cut section of the valve assembly (201) across A-A’ axis. The solenoid valve (201A) is detachably attached to the support member (201B) using attachment means (201C). The plunger (201AA) of solenoid valve (201A) is configured to have one or more piston (201AC). The piston (201AC) is guided by at least a portion of guide walls (201BA) of the support member (201B). The piston (201AC) is provided on at least a portion of the plunger (201AA). The forward and backward displacement of the plunger (201AA) is guided by the piston (201AC) and the guide walls (201BA) of the support member (201B) for movement of circular disc (201AB) in definite axis.
[00046] Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting method of starting the engine (100) using the valve assembly (201). The process starts with step (S101) of detecting at least one defined vehicle operating state which is accomplished by a hybrid control unit (not shown). The defined vehicle operating state includes vehicle speed or throttle opening or any one or more vehicle parameter including rider inputs. Based on operating state of engine (100) it is identified whether vehicle is in required zone or not. If vehicle is in running in required zone then engine (100) is started. In step (S102) air quantity flowing to the engine (100) is adjusted to deliver a rich mixture & enabling low compression load. The procedure of adjusting air quantity (S102) comprises of steps of enabling the solenoid valve (201A) to restrict the flow of air after the detection of engine (100) start input (S102A). In step (SI02B) power is supplied to a starting system to crank the engine (100). Subsequent to step (SI02B), in step (S102C) the hybrid control unit detects at least one parameter or value of the engine (100). Subsequent to step (102C), in step (S102D) the hybrid control unit (not shown) compares the predetermined value or parameter of the engine (100) with the detected value or parameter of the engine (100). The predetermined value or parameter of the engine (100) as per an embodiment may include 600 revs per minute of a crankshaft. In step (S102E), if the detected value or parameter of the engine (100) is equal to or higher than predetermined value or parameter then power supply to the starting system

is turned off at step (S102E). In step (S102F), where the solenoid valve (201A) is disabled in order to allow the flow of air from the air cleaner (104) to the engine (100) through the tube outlet (106). Further, if the detected value or parameter of engine (100) is less than then predetermined value or parameter than start procedure is repeated until engine (100) is started.
[00047] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that by means of valve assembly, consisting of an actuator valve ensures short starting time within which engine is to be started, specifically in required zone due to rich air fuel mixture.
[00048] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that the valve assembly can be easily removed by removing the air cleaner without dismounting the complete engine assembly from a vehicle which reduces the service time.
[00049] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that the valve assembly is positioned in the air cleaner with minimum modification in the design of air cleaner which enabled ease of manufacturing, minimizes operational and assembly cost. As assembly of the air cleaner can be accomplished with the valve assembly in position. This greatly facilitates ease of assembly. Subsequently, the power connections can be made to valve assembly. [00050] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that valve assembly reduces the compression load requirement during the starting of engine and hence engine start easily with low torque capacity starting system which reduces overall weight of the engine and improves power to weight ratio. [00051] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that, the valve assembly can be used for different operating strategies of the hybrid vehicle, internal combustion engines having different number of cylinders. [00052] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present invention is that valve assembly can be used for different starting scenarios like in initial start of engine or restart during required zone or cold start in the conventional vehicles etc.

[00053] According to above architecture, the primary efficacy of the present
invention that the valve assembly can be used for different drive architecture of the
vehicle including micro hybrid vehicle or mild hybrid vehicle.
[00054] It is understood that when it was stated as a starting system, it means that
starting system may include an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) or a starter motor or
an ISS (Integrated Start Stop) system.
[00055] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to
the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
List of references
F- Front 104B - Air cleaner case
R -Rear 104C - Air cleaner filter
C - C - Lateral axis 105 - Carburetor
Y - Y’ - Longitudinal axis 106 - Tube outlet
T-T’ - First position 30 106A - Front end opening of the tube
outlet L-L’ - Second position
107 - Tube inlet
100 Internal combustion engine
201 - Valve assembly
101 - Cylinder head cover
201A - Solenoid valve
102 - Cylinder head
35 201AA - Plunger
103 - Cylinder block
201AB - Circular disc
104 - Air cleaner
201AC - Piston 104A - Air cleaner cover

201AD – Solenoid valve wires 201BA – Guiding walls
201B – Support member 202 – Post filter chamber

We Claim:
1. An engine assembly (100) for a hybrid vehicle comprising of
one or more air cleaner (104), said air cleaner (104) includes
one or more air cleaner case (104B); one or more tube outlet (106) having a front end opening (106A) operatively connected to said air cleaner case (104B);
one or more valve assembly (201), said valve assembly (201) configured inside the air cleaner (104);
wherein said valve assembly (201) is configured to regulate the air passing through said tube outlet (106).
2. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said valve
assembly (201) comprising of:
one or more solenoid valve (201A), said solenoid valve (201A) configured to have a plunger (201AA); said plunger (201AA) includes a piston (201AC);
one or more support member (201B), said support member (201B) is attached to one of said solenoid valve (201A),
wherein said piston (201AC) is guided by at least a portion of a guide wall (201BA) of the support member (201B).
3. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said piston (201AC) is provided on a portion of the plunger (201AA).
4. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plunger (201AA) is configured to have one or more disc (201AB) at one of its ends, said disc (201AB) move relative to said plunger (201AA).
5. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said disc (201AB) is configured to fit into front end opening (106A) of said tube

outlet (106) to block or restrict the flow of air to the intake system of the engine.
6. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said valve assembly (201) is attached to said air cleaner case (104B) using said support member (201B), said support member (201B) is detachably attached to said air cleaner case (104B) using attachment means (201C).
7. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein timing of opening and closing of solenoid valve (201A) is controlled by a control unit.
8. A method of starting an engine (100) for a hybrid vehicle comprises steps of :
(i) detecting at least one defined vehicle operating state (S101), and
(ii) adjusting air quantity flowing to the engine (S102).
9. The method of starting the engine (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said defined vehicle operating state includes at least one of a vehicle speed or a throttle opening.
10. The method of starting the engine (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of adjusting air quantity procedure (S102) comprising steps of
(i) Enabling a solenoid valve (201A) to restrict the flow of air after
detection of the engine start input (S102A);
(ii) Supplying power to a starting system to crank the engine (100)
(S102B);
(iii) Detecting at least one value or parameter of the engine (100)
(S102C);

(iv) Comparing the predetermined value or parameter of the engine
(100) with the detected value or parameter of the engine (S102D);
(v) Turning off supply to the starting system once detected value or
parameter of engine (100) is equal to or higher than predetermined value or parameter (S102E) or
(vi) Disabling the solenoid valve (201A) to allow the flow of air
(S102F);
(v) wherein said start procedure is repeated until the engine (100) is
started.
11. The engine assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8, wherein said engine assembly (100) is implementable in multi wheeled vehicle, said multi wheeled vehicle includes two or three or four wheeled vehicle.