DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See sections 10 & rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
AN ELECTRONIC ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM (EESS) FOR ARMOURED RECOVERY TANK
2. APPLICANT (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
BEML LIMITED IN BEML Soudha, No 23/1, 4th Main S.R. Nagar, Bengaluru- 560027, Karnataka, India.
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the field of engine starting system (EESS). The present invention in particular relates to an electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle or heavy duty vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART:
[002] At present the solution is available to start the battle tank engine with electric mode. But they use different technology. The available technology is basically consisting of three devices as below:
1. Starting Actuating unit
2. Automatic matching unit
3. Starter switch block
[003] The above three control units use Resistor, capacitor and Inductor, relay, transistor and contactor as main components to achieve the technical requirement. It involves lot of wire harness to interconnect above three systems and also various RC circuit to generate timing signals. The above all it uses basic conventional/traditional circuit to achieved the desire signal.
[004] Reference may be made to the following:
[005] Publication No. EP0878889 relates to the electrical power supply to a military tank with a turret is provided by a generator Ä1Ü driven by the engine and is used to charge the batteries and supply the on board networks. The system has two supply networks in the form of coarse and fine supply. During start up the second battery module Ä3Ü is isolated Ä6Ü from the first Ä2Ü. During this phase the networks are supplied solely from the second supply. A stand by generator Ä11Ü is also provided. The said publication talk about only the power supply to the turret in a tank from the vehicle chasis during and after vehicle start up. Present invention mentions about only starting mechanism of the engine with proper feedback form the intermediate gear box.
[006] Publication No. CN104675530 relates to a method of controlling an engine of a motor vehicle. Systems and methods for a vehicle comprising a stop-start system and in particular to a motor vehicle having a belt driven integrated starter-generator (BISG) drivingly connected to an accessory drive belt of an engine of the motor vehicle are provided.
[007] The present invention starts the engine which is not belt driven. The tank Starter-Generator is mechanically coupled to the Engine and there is no restriction regarding its stopping position. Our electronic engine starting system help to start the engine in two ways first full electronically, second pneumatic assisted electronic mechanism. The EESS system does not stop the engine. The starter-Generator is a single unit controlled by EESS which acts as starter initially and then acts as generator after vehicle start-up.
[008] Publication No. US6148258 relates to an integrated electronic starting control system module for diesel engines which provides unique packaging with integration of a multiplicity of features previously unavailable or available only in separate control modules. Integrated into one modular device are improved glow plug and starting system control, monitoring, protection, and diagnostic features. The is a single control unit for diseal engine controls which take care of various functional parameters of a diseal engine pre & post running.
[009] The present invention does not take care of any of the activities of parametrs realted to engine. It is specifically for controlling of unique Starter-Generator unit coupled with engine, used for two modes, i.e., vehicle starting mode and power generation mode mechanism with feedback sensor mounted on IGB.
[010] Patent No. US5287831 relates to a protective control box for providing protection for a starter system and other components of equipment, such as vehicles, incorporating internal combustion engines. Improved starter protection apparatus and circuitry using frequency to voltage conversion disables a starter motor from starting the internal combustion engine when engine speed exceeds a pre-determined level.
[011] Publication No. CN102116216 relates to a new design of a detonation rotor shaft engine structure, and provides a hybrid rotor shaft engine by adopting the inertia energy storage technology of a turbine rotor according to the characteristic of high rotation speed of an engine turbine rotor. The composite turbine of the engine is directly connected with a bidirectional integral power generating/ power-driven motor, thus electric energy is generated directly by the engine, and the engine becomes the (all-electric) engine outputting electric energy; the start, speed acceleration and turnoff of each power source are controlled by the engine according to loading information in due time, thus the engine only works in an efficient region with a limited speed range and a limited efficiency range; and hot end components are manufactured by adopting continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composite-silicon carbide materials (CFCC-SIC), thus the detonation can be applied in engineering.
[012] Publication No. CN111810342 relates to a diesel engine ultralow-temperature cold start system and method. When the water temperature of an engine, the temperature of engine oil and the temperature of air feeding are all lower than -35 DEG C, an electric heating device stops air feeding, air in an air feeding pipe is guided into the engine after being heated by the electric heating device, the engine rotates, an oil sprayer does not spray oil, the air in an air exhaust pie is guided into the air feeding pipe again, the air in the air feeding pipe is guided into the engine after being heated by the electric heating device, the above steps are repeated till the air feeding temperature of the engine is not lower than -10 DEG C, the oil sprayer starts to spray oil, and the engine conducts air feeding and is started. This particularly deals with cold cranking of engine and using various methods/technologies to Pre-heat the engine before Starting.
[013] IN Publication No. 202128037199 relates to an electric power supply system, a control device, a vehicle, and an engine/generator unit for vehicle drive that can perform adjustments in accordance with demand for increases in electric current while suppressing reductions in fuel efficiency. The electric power supply system is provided with: an engine that has an engine output adjustment unit that adjusts rotational power; a generator that receives rotational power from the engine and supplies electric current to an electrical load device and that has a rotor, a stator, and a supplied electric current adjustment unit; and a control device. The said invention deals with control device which controls the electrical power generation from the engine based on the load demand to achieve fuel efficiency. It controls the electrical energy based on demand by controlling the supplied electric current adjustment and engine output adjustment.
[014] IN Publication No. 201727018201 relates to an electric power supply system (P), a control device a vehicle, and an engine/generator unit for vehicle drive that can perform adjustments in accordance with demand for increases in electric current while suppressing reductions in fuel efficiency. The electric power supply system (P) is provided with: an engine that has an engine output adjustment unit that adjusts rotational power; a generator that receives rotational power from the engine and supplies electric current to an electrical load device and that has a rotor, a stator, and a supplied electric current adjustment unit; and a control device. The said invention deals with control device which controls the electrical power generation from the engine based on the load demand to achieve fuel efficiency. It controls the electrical energy based on demand by controlling the supplied electric current adjustment and engine output adjustment.
[015] IN Publication No. 1323/KOLNP/2015 relates to a portable, skid mounted, wheeled and/or collapsible hybrid-power lighting and energy management system for harsh, remote and/or high latitude locations. The system combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) power source with a control system for providing power to light system. The system may also include a battery storage system, an ICE heating system and/or renewable solar and/or wind power systems in a manner that improves efficiency and reliability of operation in such locations, while preserving and improving functionality of operation and significantly reducing operator interaction during set-up and operation. The invention is related to the hybrid power lighting and energy management system.
[016] Conventionally electrical engine starting system is available, but which involves three separate control units for engine starting operation which adds more complexity to handle more number of units and it was based on relay–transistor technology.
[017] In order to overcome above listed prior art, the present invention aims to provide an electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle or heavy duty vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[018] The principal object of the present invention is to provide an electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle or heavy duty vehicle.
[019] Another object of the present invention is to provide mechanical engine staring system by electronic means to gain self sufficiency in the special purpose vehicle or heavy duty vehicle to start the tank engine.
[020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide mechanical engine staring system by electronic means which eliminates import and overcomes obsolete technology.
[021] Still another object of the present invention is to provide mechanical engine staring system by electronic means which reduces high power consumption and the complexity of circuit on vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[022] The present invention relates to an electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle or heavy duty vehicle. This is a microcontroller based system with a single control unit that can electronically start the ARV (Armored recovery vehicle) engine with help of starter generator-motor. The device is used to start the recovery vehicle of battle tank engine. The engine starting system by electronic means controls the operation of starter generator as mentioned in below sequence.
[023] The system reduces the complex circuit which involves three different control units to one. Also, the new development is digital in nature it is small and compact with more reliability, faster response and increased life time. The system is available to start a mechanical engine. It starts the function of engine not only electronically but also pneumatic assisted electronic start feature also.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[024] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[025] Figure 1 shows block diagram of electronic engine starting system (EESS) with interconnected electrical aggregates according to the present invention;
[026] Figure 2 shows flowchart according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[027] The present invention provides an electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle or heavy duty vehicle. This is a microcontroller based system with a single control unit that can electronically start the ARV (Armored recovery vehicle) engine with help of starter generator. The device is used to start the recovery vehicle of battle tank engine. The mechanical engine starting by means of electronic controls the operation of starter generator as mentioned in below sequence. Figure 1 shows the Block diagram of electronic engine starting system (EESS) with interconnected aggregates comprising a single control unit (1) that can electronically start the ARV (Armored recovery vehicle) engine with help of starter generator-motor, sensor (9) to sense the momentary toggle switch input from the drivers panel, start button (2) controlled by the control unit, to start two pumps viz., Engine oil pump (6) and Tow oil pump (7), to disconnect automatic voltage regulator (4), Tow oil pump (7) starts up and begins to build up the required pressure and gearbox sensor (9) to give a feedback signal to EESS control unit which turns the change over relay (10) on by giving output of 48Vand de-energizes the Tow oil pump (7). Upon cranking the engine, the EESS turns the change over relay (10) to 24V and de-energizes the Engine oil pump (6).
[028] The starter-generator on the vehicle is used for both starter mode and generator modes with EESS control unit. EESS senses the momentary toggle switch input from the drivers panel (Start button to hold for <= 3 Seconds). On press of the start button, Tow oil pump & Engine oil prime pump starts up, Tow oil pump begins to build up the required pressure. EESS disconnects the Automatic Voltage Regulator Unit from the starter circuit. EESS supplies minimum of 3 V to starter motor such that the engine crank shaft begins to rotate slowly (ON time period 04.sec to 0.8sec). Upon required pressure is built, Gearbox sensor will give a feedback signal to EESS. On receiving Gearbox sensor signals, EESS initiate the following controls Turns on 24V/48V change over relay. It de-energizes the Tow oil pump. The 24V/48V change over relay switches and connects battery in series such that 48V is applied to starter motor. (ON time period < =5 Sec) Motor starts to rotate faster there by engine cranks. EESS turns the change over relay back to 24V, It De-energizes Engine oil pump, supplies power to control Field coil of starter generator to operate as a generator.
[029] Now the starter generator drive is in generator mode. EESS connects the automatic voltage regulator onto the bus for all the electrical loads.
[030] The above sequence of operations is monitored and controlled by the Electronic Engine Starting System. EESS functionally replaces the 3 existing units Starting Actuating unit, Automatic matching unit, Starter Switch Block with one system built with state-of-the-art technology using programmable devices.
[031] The system involves latest microprocessor based controlled unit while existing technology was based on conventional electrical components like Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor, relay and switching circuit. The device is compact and consists of one unit only while the existing technology having three different units each having different critical function. The development also attracts easy feature for diagnosis of failure through software controlled which is not possible in old technology. With the latest technology incorporation MTBF has been decrease significantly. The system reduces no. of control boxes and no. of control boxes there by space management (3 in 1).
[032] Further it reduces the complex circuit which involves three different control units to one. Also, the new development is digital in nature it is small and compact with more reliability, faster response and increased life time.
[033] The new system is available to start a mechanical engine. It starts the function of engine not only electronically but also pneumatic assisted electronic start feature also.
[034] Figure 1 shows Block Diagram of EESS with interconnected electrical aggregates.
[035] The Electronic Engine Starting System (EESS) is used to start the Armoured Recovery tank by two means:
1. Electrical mode
2. Combined mode (Electrical + Pneumatic)
[036] Electrical mode:
[037] The Electrical mode of starting the engine is explained below.
1. Switch on the Master switch (3) of the Armour recovery tank
2. Switch ON Starter push button of Driver’s Panel (2) and hold it for <= 3 seconds
3. EESS control unit (1) senses starter push button signal, it commands the following operations at a time
(a) Disconnects the Automatic Voltage Regulator (4) and Filter (5) from connected Loads.
(b) Switch ON Engine oil prime pump (6) and Tow oil pump (7)
(c) Supplies minimum of 3 V to Starter Generator (8) such that the engine crank shaft begins to rotate slowly (ON time period 0.4 sec to 0.8sec).
4. The Tow Oil pump (7) starts to build up the required oil pressure.
5. Upon required pressure is built, the clutch of the drive will enter into a hook with gears, Gearbox sensor (9) mounted on Intermediate Gear box is triggered, gives a feedback signal to EESS.
6. On receiving Gearbox sensor (9) signal, EESS initiate the following controls
(a) Turns on 24V/48V Change Over Relay (10)
(b) De-energizes the Tow oil pump (7)
7. The 24V/48V Change over relay (10) switches and connects battery in series such that 48V is applied to Starter-Generator (8) via an external start socket (13). (ON time period < =5 Sec)
8. Starter – Generator (8) operates as a starter mode, shaft rotate faster there by engine cranks.
9. Once the engine cranks, EESS unit (1) initiate the following controls
(a) De-energise the Engine oil prime pump (6)
(b) Signals Change Over Relay (10) to switch from 48V to 24V
10. EESS (1) supplies power to field coil of Starter-Generator (8) to operate as a generator.
11. EESS (1) connects the Automatic Voltage Regulator (4) onto the bus for all the connected electrical loads.
12. The generation mode can be verified by the user in Volt-Ammeter available in the protection panel (11) by checking the amount of current and voltage drawn by the loads.
13. EESS (1) monitors the operation of Welder controller (12), since the welder controller uses Starter-Generator (8) as a current source for welding operations during which Automatic Voltage Regulator (4) will be disconnected from the loads and complete power of Starter-Generator utilized for only welding operations.
14. In case of tank batteries are drained completely, External start socket (13) is used for starting the tank engine with 48V external supply mains. That is the reason why the application of 48V by Change Over Relay (10) to Starter-Generator (8) will be supplied through External start socket (13).
[038] Combined mode:
1. EESS control unit sends a signal to an Electro-pneumatic valve (14) to start the engine with complete Pneumatic system.
2. In the combined mode EESS control unit will only assist Electro-pneumatic valve (14), for starting the engine with Pneumatic system.
1. EESS is a Microprocessor based state-of the art control unit used to start the mechanical engine with the help of various electrical aggregates available in the tank.
2. Driver Panel: Console where Engine Start Button, Choice of start (Electrical/Pneumatic/Combined) available on the Panel. Engine RPM data can be monitored and controlled by EESS.
3. Master Switch is used for getting power up for the Driver’s Panel.
4. Automatic Voltage Regulator regulates the power output of 24V to all the electrical loads available in the tank.
5. Filter F-10 suppresses the ripple in the power supply line to the connected loads of tank.
6. Engine Oil Prime Pump primes the engine oil in the lubrication pipe line during starting of the engine.
7. Starter Oil Pump creates required flow for coupling between Intermediate Gear Box and Starter-Generator.
8. Starter-Generator: Compound shunt type, initially act as starter motor for the Engine and then act as generator after starting the engine.
9. Gear box sensor: To sense the coupling of starter generator with clutch drive Intermediate gear box.
10. Change Over Relay: To switch over battery output connection either 24V or 48V as per EESS requirements.
11. Protection panel: To measure the generated voltage/ current during generator operation with the help of shunt. Also, to protect loads from short circuits with the help of Fuses, Circuit Breakers.
12. Welder Controller: EESS monitors welder controller operations as it uses Starter-Generator and Automatic Voltage Regulator for welding operations.
13. External start socket: External start socket is used for starting the tank engine with 48V external supply. This socket will used as a path for 48V supply by Change Over Relay during starting operation by EESS.
14. Electro-Pneumatic valve: This valve can be used for combined start operation by EESS.
[039] Figure 2 shows flowchart of EESS with interconnected electrical aggregates.
[040] The starting system available earlier on the armour recovery tank consist of three units Actuating unit, Automatic matching unit and Starter Switch Block. These devices are interconnected with each other to establish the engine starting system, It uses relays, transistor based timer circuits, analogue driver’s panel. The invention made to replace those three units with Single control unit EESS, microprocessor based state-of-the art technology with advanced features.
[041] EESS invention is made to interface with latest state-of-the art digital driver’s panel, to monitor and control engine start parameters viz., Engine RPM etc.
[042] The unit will also assist for Pneumatic starting of the tank engine.
[043] The unit passed the functional performance requirements on test bench with the help of simulators test set-up.
[044] Presently the EESS installed on two armour recovery vehicles and one vehicle is serving the Indian Army unit for the past 6 months.
[045] Further bulk production is planned for the upcoming production order of Armour Recovery Tanks.
SL NO. Reference
1 ENCLOSURE ASSY.
2 LID
3 RESISTOR BOX-LID
4 8E11 MOUNTING ASSY.
5 INSULATOR BUSH
6 RESISTOR BOX GASKET
7 INSULATOR SOCKET
8 CROWN CAP-2
9 GND CONNECTOR-2
10 YELLOW LED
11 ENCLOSURE GASKET
12 IDENT MARKER
13 INSULATOR SHEET
14 RUBBER GROMMET
15 NAME PLATE
16 M3X8 CSK SCREW
17 M4X10 CSK SCREW
18 M4X16 CSK SCREW
19 M3X10 PHS
20 M3X8 PHS
21 M3 SPRING WASHER
22 M3 FLAT WASHER
23 M5X20 PHS
24 M5 SPRING WASHER
25 M5 FLAT WASHER
26 M6X30 HEX BOLT
27 M6 FLAT WASHER
28 M6 SPRING WASHER
29 M6 HEX NUT
30 M4X8 PHS
31 M4 FLAT WASHER
32 M4 SPRING WASHER
33 M4 HEX NUT
34 M3X14 MF STANDOFF
35 INSULATOR WASHER
36 M5X10 PHS
37 RESISTOR OR12
38 RESISTOR
39 RELAY 24V 500A
40 DIODE BLOCK
41 RELAY 24V 100A
42 RELAY 40A
43 PCBA(CPB)
44 PCBA(INTERFACE)
45 CBL ASSY: EESS
46 M12 SOCKET BUTTON HEAD SCREW
47 M12 EMI GASKET
48 M12 HEX NUT
49 M12 FLAT WASHER
50 QUARTZ SAND SILICA POWDER WHITE
[046] Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
,CLAIMS:
WE CLAIM:
1. An electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle comprises-
a) a single control unit (1) that can electronically start the ARV (Armored recovery vehicle) engine with help of starter generator-motor.
b) EESS to sense start signal from driver’s panel (2), to start the tow oil pump (7) starts up and begins to build up the required pressure & Engine oil prime pump (6) for lubrication.
c) Gearbox sensor (9) to give a feedback signal to EESS control unit which turns the change over relay (10) switch on from 24V to 48V and de-energizes the tow oil pump.
d) After cranking of engine, EESS unit (1) to de-energize the Engine oil prime pump (6), Signals Change Over Relay (10) to switch on from 48V to 24V.
2. The electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the EESS has the function of engine electronically and pneumatic assisted electronic start feature also.
3. The electronic engine starting system (EESS) for special purpose vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the EESS disconnects the automatic voltage regulator during start operation & connects onto the bus for all the electrical loads during generator operation.
4. The change over relay switches connects four batteries in series (to achieve 48V) to during starter mode operation, while it connects batteries in parallel (to achieve 24V) during generator mode operation.