DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)

Title of the invention:
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN OPTIMAL TORQUE TO START A DEVICE UNDER TEST (DUT)

APPLICANT:
Varroc Engineering Limited
An Indian entity having address as:
L-4, MIDC Waluj, Aurangabad-431136,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application claims priority from the Indian patent application, having application number 202221009107, filled on 21st February 2022, incorporated herein by a reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for determining an optimal torque to start a device under test such as an internal combustion engine for designing a starting means/starter motor.
BACKGROUND
A conventional internal combustion (IC) engine cannot start on its own. Traditionally, a starter motor or a starting means is used to carry out the task of providing an initial rotation to the shaft of the IC engine so that the required angular speed is achieved, and the IC engine can take over and sustain the rotations.
Hence, the starter motor or the starting means plays a critical role in the operation of the IC engine. To design the starter motor or any other means to crank the engine, the knowledge of the initial torque required to ramp up the engine shaft angular speed to the required value is necessary. The starting torque of the IC engine depends on engine type, working volume, number of cylinders, bearing friction, compression, and temperature.
Further, the starting torque of the IC engine also depends on the part of the operating process, in which the cylinder or cylinders of the IC engine are situated. If the cylinders are nearer to the top dead center (TDC) position of the IC engine, then the torque requirement is significantly higher than what it would be if the cylinders are close to the bottom dead center (BDC) position of the IC engine. And the profile of the torque requirement varies non-linearly throughout the entire operating cycle of the IC engine.
The challenge faced in the designing process of the starter motor or starting means is that the details like bearing friction, compression, working volume and the variation of these parameters throughout the operating cycle is only available with the engine manufacturers. Further, the torque required for starting the IC engine is determined based on estimations and simulations which are done by the IC engine designers.
Thus, the specifications obtained for the starter motor, or any other starting means are not reliable. Any error in the torque calculation/estimation process shall increase the starting means torque requirement and an increase in torque rating would mean an increase in the power rating of the starter motor or the starting means. Also, the overdesigning shall impact the battery specification of the vehicle and the cost of the starter motor/ starting means.
Therefore, there exists a need in the art to provide a system which overcomes the above-mentioned problems and to provide a method and a system that measures the starting torque of device under test (DUT) such as an internal combustion engine for designing a starting means/starter motor.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for determining an optimal torque for starting a device under test (DUT) is disclosed. The system may comprise a torque sensor, and a driving element comprising a driving unit and a processing unit. The torque sensor may be configured to measure the torque required for driving the DUT. The DUT may be coupled to the torque sensor. The driving element may be coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor. The driving element may comprise a driving element and a processing unit communicatively coupled with the driving unit. The processing unit may be configured for operating in a constant speed mode and a constant torque mode. The processing unit may be configured for operating the DUT, via the driving unit, in a constant speed mode. The processing unit may be configured for capturing a first torque sensor data, from the torque sensor, while operating the DUT in the constant speed mode. Further, the processing unit may be configured for processing the first torque sensor data in order to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the DUT (101). The processing unit may be configured for operating the DUT, via the driving unit, in a constant torque mode, at the maximum torque value. The processing unit may be configured for capturing a second torque sensor data, from the torque sensor, while operating the DUT in the constant speed mode. The processing unit may be configured for processing the second torque sensor data to determine the optimal torque to start the DUT.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining an optimal torque to start a device under test (DUT) is disclosed. The method may comprise a step for measuring via a torque sensor, the torque required for driving the DUT, wherein the DUT is coupled to the torque sensor. The method may comprise step for driving, via a driving element, a shaft of the DUT, wherein a driving element coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor, wherein the driving element comprises a driving unit and a processing unit communicatively coupled with the driving unit. The processing unit may be configured for operating in a constant speed mode and a constant torque mode. The processing unit may be configured for operating the DUT, via the driving unit, in a constant speed mode. The processing unit may be configured for capturing a first torque sensor data, from the torque sensor, while operating the DUT in the constant speed mode. Further, the processing unit may be configured for processing the first torque sensor data in order to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the DUT. The processing unit may be configured for operating the DUT, via the driving unit, in a constant torque mode, at the maximum torque value. The processing unit may be configured for capturing a second torque sensor data, from the torque sensor, while operating the DUT in the constant speed mode. The processing unit may be configured for processing the second torque sensor data to determine the optimal torque to start the DUT.
Thus, the system facilitates accurate measurement of the starting torque of the DUT such as any IC engine without depending on the design parameters and determine the optimal design parameters for the starter motor/system while considering all operating conditions, thereby avoiding overdesigning of the starting means, impacting the battery specification of the vehicle and the cost of the starter motor/starting means.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a system for determining an optimal torque to start a device under test, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a device under test in a constant speed mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a device under test in a constant torque mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of determining an optimal torque to start a device under test , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 illustrates a graphical representation of torque w.r.t. the constant RPM, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 6 illustrates a graphical representation of maximum torque w.r.t. different cranking angles away from TDC, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The terminology “starter motor” and “starting means” have been alternatively used throughout the specification.
The terminology “internal combustion engine”, “IC engine”, “device”, “device under test (DUT)”, and “engine” have been alternatively used throughout the specification.
The terminology “cranking angle”, “cranking position” “cylinder position”, and “crank angle position” have been alternatively used throughout the specification.
The terminology “angle” and “position” have been alternatively used throughout the specification.
The terminology “angular speed”, “shaft speed” and “speed” have been alternatively used throughout the specification.
Fig. 1 illustrates a system (100) for determining an optimal torque to start a device under test (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (100) comprises a device under test (101) (DUT). The device (101) may be an internal combustion (IC) engine. The device (101) may be coupled to torque sensor (103) via a first mechanical coupling (111). In one non-limiting embodiment, the shaft of the device (101) may be coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor (103). The torque sensor (103) may be configured to measure the torque required for driving the device.
The system (100) may further comprise a driving element/system (105). The driving element/system (105) may be configured to operate the device (101) in a constant speed mode and a constant torque mode. The driving element (105) may comprise a driving unit (107) and a processing unit (109). The processing unit (109) may comprise one or more processors and memory.
The driving element (105) may be coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor (103) via a second mechanical coupling (113). The driving unit (107) may be a dynamometer and the shaft of the dynamometer is coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor. However, the driving unit (107) is not limited to above example and any other driving means known to person skilled in the art is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving unit (107) may be in communication with the processing unit (109). The processing unit (109) may be configured to operate the device (101) in a constant speed mode and a constant torque mode through the driving unit (107). In one non-limiting embodiment, the driving unit (107) may comprise one or more processors and may be configured to directly operate the device (101) in a constant speed mode and a constant torque mode.
The processing unit (109) may be configured for capturing a first torque sensor data, from the torque sensor (103), while operating the DUT (101) in the constant speed mode. In the constant speed mode, the processing unit (109) may be configured to rotate the engine shaft by the driving unit (107) through a rotating member about a longitudinal axis in constant speed for a predetermined time period. In one non-limiting embodiment, the predetermined time period may be 5-10 seconds. However, the predetermined time period is not limited to above example and any other time period is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
The processing unit (109) may start the constant speed mode operation at a very low speed e.g., 10 revolutions per minute (RPM). However, the start of the constant speed mode operation is not limited to above speed of 10 RPM and a person skilled in the art may start from any other low speed for the constant speed mode operation.
The processing unit (109) may communicate with the torque sensor (103) and driving unit (107) and the processing unit (109) may be configured to measure a load profile of the device (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles or positions at a predetermined value of shaft speed. The load profile may comprise torque, speed, and angles or positions of the engine (101). The angles or the position may be measured using the driving unit (107) used for driving the engine (101).
The processing unit (109) may be configured to continuously increase the shaft speed of the device (101) by a predetermined values after the above said predetermined time period and measure the load profile of the device (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles or positions at a corresponding shaft speed. The shaft speed of the device (101) may be increased up to a cranking speed of the engine.
The processing unit (109) may be configured to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the device (101), based upon the first torque sensor data. The first torque sensor data is indicative of data captured by the torque sensor (103) at the constant speed mode. The identification is based on the measurement of the load profile of the device (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and the shaft speed of the device.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (100) may be enclosed in a chamber and temperature of the chamber may be adjusted to measure the load profile of the device (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and the shaft speed of the device. The processing unit (109) may be configured to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the device (101) based on the measurements carried out at different temperature. In one non-limiting embodiment, the temperature of the chamber may be set to 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C. However, the temperature may differ based on the temperature in which vehicle is to be operated.
In one exemplary embodiment, the processing unit (109) may be configured to operate the DUT (101) at 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C in the constant speed mode. Engine starting position may be fixed and engine may be rotated at a fixed RPM for predetermined time period of 5-10 seconds. RPM of the DUT (101) may be varied from 10 to 100 RPM in steps of 10 RPM. A table 1 illustrates test results of the DUT at different predetermined temperature at the constant speed mode.
RPM Torque requirement (Nm)
Hot- 100°C Torque requirement (Nm)
Cold- 0°C Torque requirement
(Nm)
Ambient- 25°C
10 72 29 48
20 84 63.82 50
30 83 55 50
40 80 56 51
50 75 56 58
60 70 54 51
70 65 52 50
80 58.9 48 49
90 52 43 41
100 47 40 41
Table 1
Based on the above table 1, it is observed that for constant RPM of 20, maximum torque is 84Nm at 100°C i.e. hot condition, maximum torque is 64 Nm at 0°C i.e. cold condition. It can be seen in graphical representation of torque w.r.t. constant RPM illustrated in the Figure 5.
In the constant torque mode, the processing unit (109) may be initially configured to apply the maximum torque to rotate the shaft of the device (101) at the plurality of cranking angle. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the cranking angles may be selected close to the top dead center (TDC) points.
The processing unit (109) may be then configured to determine whether a cranking speed of the device (101) is achieved within a predetermined time. If the cranking speed of the device (101) is achieved within the predetermined time, the applied torque is reduced by a predetermined value, based on a second torque sensor data. If the cranking speed of the device (101) is not achieved within the predetermined time, the applied torque is increased by a predetermined value, based on the second torque sensor data. The second torque sensor data is indicative of data captured by the torque sensor (103) at the constant torque mode.
The processing unit (109) may be then configured to increase or decrease the applied torque till a minimum torque value or an optimal torque value for starting the DUT is obtained. The minimum torque value for starting the DUT may be sufficient to crank the device (101) at all cranking angles or at all positions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the processing unit (109) may be configured to vary the applied torques at different temperature values to obtain the minimum torque value. In one non-limiting embodiment, the temperature of the chamber may be set to 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C. However, the temperature may differ based on the temperature in which vehicle is to be operated.
In the exemplary embodiment, the processing unit (109) may be configured to operate the DUT (101) at the constant torque mode at different starting positions for an applied torque of 64Nm at 0 °C (Shown in Table 1). A table 2 illustrates test results of the DUT (101) at different starting positions for the applied torque of 64Nm at 0 °C.
Angle Max torque recorded (Nm)
(applied torque: 64Nm)
TDC-150 44.29
TDC-180 41.34
TDC-240 34.94
TDC-360 26.5
TDC-480 25.15
TDC-600 25.11
Table 2
In the above table 2, the maximum torque 64Nm is applied for different position away from the TDC at 0°C . It is observed that, as we start from points away from TDC, required torque goes down due to effect of swing back. At 150 degrees away from TDC (i.e. TDC-150 degrees), maximum torque requirement is 44Nm.
Therefore, there is a significant reduction in torque requirement (>30%) for starting the DUT (101), if swing back mechanism is deployed.
The optimal torque value obtained during the constant torque mode may be used for defining the specification of starting means/starter motor required for cranking the IC engine. Thus, the system (100) facilitates reduction in the power rating of the starter motor or the starting means. Also, the system (100) facilitates reduction of impact on the battery specification of the vehicle and reduction in the cost of the starter motor/ starting means by avoiding overdesigning of the starter motor/ starting means.
Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method (200) for operating a device under test in a constant speed mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
At block (201), the system (100) may be used to operate the device under test in a constant speed mode through the driving element. The device may be an internal combustion (IC) engine or engine. The driving element (105) may comprise a dynamometer or a motor. However, the driving element is not limited to above example and any other driving means known to person skilled in the art is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
The driving element (105) rotates the engine shaft through a rotating member about a longitudinal axis at plurality of speed for a predetermined time period. In one non-limiting embodiment, the engine shaft may be rotated for a predetermined time period e.g., 5-10 seconds. However, the predetermined time period is not limited to above example and any other time period is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
The driving element (105) may start driving the shaft of the engine at a very low speed e.g., 10 revolutions per minute (RPM). However, the start of the constant speed mode operation is not limited to above speed of 10 RPM and a person skilled in the art may start from any other low speed for the constant speed mode operation.
The torque sensor (103) and driving element (105) may measure a load profile of the engine with respect to a plurality of cranking angles or cranking positions at a predetermined value of shaft speed. The load profile may comprise torque, speed, and angles or positions of the engine.
At block (203), the shaft speed of the device or the engine is continuously increased by a predetermined values after the above said predetermined time period is over. At block (205), a load profile of the engine with respect to a plurality of cranking angles or positions may be measured at a corresponding shaft speed. The shaft speed of the engine may be increased up to a cranking speed of the engine.
At block (207), the operation mentioned in steps (203) and (205) are repeated at different temperature values as the viscosity of the fluid inside the engine changes with temperature and the required torque for cranking the engine may vary based on the viscosity of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the operating temperature may be set to 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C and the load profile may be again measured.
At block (209), top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the device under test (101) such as IC engine may be identified. The TDC points or position requires maximum torque for cranking the engine. The identification is based on the measurement of the load profile of the device with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and the shaft speed of the device at different temperature value.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top dead center (TDC) points and the maximum torque value may be used to start the constant torque mode operation.
Fig. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method (300) for operating a device under test in a constant torque mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
At block (301), the device under test (101) i.e., the engine may be operated in a constant torque mode by the driving element (105) as discussed in above embodiments. At block (303), the maximum torque may be applied to rotate the shaft of the device. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial cranking angle may be selected close to the top dead center (TDC) points and may be varied to cover all the cranking angles or positions.
At block (305), whether a cranking speed of the device is achieved within a predetermined time is determined. At block (307), the value of the torque applied on the shaft of the device (101) is varied by a predetermined value for the plurality of cranking angles, based on said determination.
If the cranking speed of the device is achieved within the predetermined time, the applied torque value is reduced by a predetermined value. If the cranking speed of the device (101) is not achieved within the predetermined time, the applied torque is increased by a predetermined value.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applied torque is increased or decreased till a minimum torque value, or an optimal torque value is obtained. The minimum torque value may be sufficient to crank the device (101) at all cranking angles or at all positions.
At block (309), the operation mentioned in steps (305) and (307) are repeated at different temperature values as the viscosity of the fluid inside the engine changes with temperature and the required torque for cranking the engine may vary based on the viscosity of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the device or the IC engine may be operated at 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C.
At block (311), a maximum torque requirement of a starting means or starter motor is obtained based on the minimum or optimal torque obtained from variation of the torque value at different temperatures. The maximum torque requirement may be used for design specification of the starting means/starter motor.
Thus, the method (400) facilitates reduction in the power rating of the starter motor or the starting means. Also, the method (400) facilitates reduction of impact on the battery specification of the vehicle and reduction in the cost of the starter motor/ starting means by avoiding overdesigning of the starter motor/ starting means.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the steps of method (300) may be performed in an order different from the order described above.
Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method (400) for determining an optimal torque to a start the device under test (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
At block (401), the system setup shown in Fig. 1 may drive a shaft of a device under test (101) at a plurality of speeds using the driving element (105). The device (101) may be the internal combustion (IC) engine or engine. The driving element (105) may comprise the dynamometer and the motor. The driving element (105) may further comprise the processing unit (109) for operating the driving element (105). However, the driving element is not limited to above example and any other driving means known to person skilled in the art is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
The driving element (105) rotates the engine shaft through a rotating member about a longitudinal axis at plurality of speed for a predetermined time period. In one non-limiting embodiment, the engine shaft may be rotated for a predetermined time period e.g., 5-10 seconds. However, the predetermined time period is not limited to above example and any other time period is well within the scope of the present disclosure.
The driving element (105) may initially start driving the shaft of the engine at a very low speed e.g., 10 revolutions per minute (RPM). However, the initial driving speed is not limited to above speed of 10 RPM and a person skilled in the art may start from any other low speed for the constant speed mode operation. The shaft speed of the device or the engine is continuously increased by a predetermined value after the above said predetermined time period is over. This mode of operation may be called a constant speed mode.
At block (403), the processing unit (109) may be configured to continuously increase the shaft speed of the DUT (101) after expiry of the predetermined time period by predetermined values up to a cranking speed of the DUT (101).
At block (405), the torque sensor (103) and driving element of Fig. 1 may measure a load profile of the engine with respect to a plurality of cranking angles or cranking positions at the plurality of speeds of shaft of the engine. The load profile may comprise torque, speed, and angles or positions of the engine. The load profile of the engine with respect to a plurality of cranking angles or positions may be measured at each of the corresponding shaft speed. The process of increasing the shaft speed of the engine continues till a cranking speed of the engine is reached. In one embodiment, the processing unit (109) may be configured to capture the first torque sensor data from the torque sensor (103).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation mentioned in steps (401) and (405) are repeated at different temperature values as the viscosity of the fluid inside the engine changes with temperature and the required torque for cranking the engine may vary based on the viscosity of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the operating temperature may be set to 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C and the load profile may be measured again. However, the temperature may differ based on the temperature in which vehicle is to be operated.
At block (407), the processing unit (109) may be configured to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the device, based upon the first torque sensor data. The TDC points or position requires maximum torque for cranking the engine. The identification is based on the measurement of the load profile of the device with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and the shaft speed of the device at different temperature values.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top dead center (TDC) points and the maximum torque value may be used to start a constant torque mode operation.
At block (409), the maximum torque calculated in above step (407) may be applied to rotate the shaft of the device. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an initial cranking angle may be selected close to the top dead center (TDC) points and may be varied to cover all the cranking angles or positions.
The method (400) at block (411) further comprises determining whether a cranking speed of the device is achieved within a predetermined time. At block (413), the value of the torque applied on the shaft of the device is varied by a predetermined value for the plurality of cranking angles, based on said determination.
If the cranking speed of the device is achieved within the predetermined time, the applied torque value is reduced by a predetermined value based on the second torque sensor data captured by the processing unit (109). If the cranking speed of the device is not achieved within the predetermined time, the applied torque is increased by a predetermined value based on the second torque sensor data captured by the processing unit.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the applied torque is increased or decreased till a minimum torque value, or an optimal torque value is obtained. The minimum torque value may be sufficient to crank the device (101) at all cranking angles or at all positions.
The above step (413) is repeated at different temperature values as the viscosity of the fluid inside the engine changes with temperature and the required torque for cranking the engine may vary based on the viscosity of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the device or the IC engine may be operated at 100°C, 25 °C, 0 °C. However, the temperature may differ based on the temperature in which vehicle is to be operated.
A maximum torque requirement of a starting means or starter motor is obtained based on the minimum or optimal torque obtained from variation of the torque value at different temperatures. The maximum torque requirement may be used for design specification of the starting means/starter motor.
Thus, the method (400) facilitates reduction in the power rating of the starter motor or the starting means. Also, the method (400) facilitates reduction of impact on the battery specification of the vehicle and reduction in the cost of the starter motor/ starting means by avoiding overdesigning of the starter motor/ starting means.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the steps of method (400) may be performed in an order different from the order described above.
The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.
Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer- readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
Suitable processors include, by way of example, a processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and/or a state machine.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure facilitates reduction in the power rating of the starter motor or the starting means.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure enables reduction of impact on the battery specification of the vehicle and reduction in the cost of the starter motor/ starting means by avoiding overdesigning of the starter motor/ starting means.
In one embodiment required torque for starting the DUT is significantly reduced up to (>30%), thereby decreasing the size and space required for the starting means of the DUT (101).

,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A system (100) for determining an optimal torque to start a device under test (DUT) (101), the system (100) comprises:
a torque sensor (103) configured to measure the torque required for driving the DUT (101), wherein the DUT (101) is coupled to the torque sensor (103);
a driving element (105) coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor (103) , wherein the driving element (105) comprises a driving unit (107) and a processing unit (109) communicatively coupled with the driving unit (107), wherein the processing unit (109) is configured for
operating the DUT (101), via the driving unit (107), in a constant speed mode:
capturing a first torque sensor data, from the torque sensor (103), while operating the DUT in the constant speed mode;
processing the first torque sensor data in order to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the DUT (101);
operating the DUT (101), via the driving unit (107), in a constant torque mode, at the maximum torque value:
capturing a second torque sensor data, from the torque sensor (103), while operating the DUT (101) in the constant torque mode;
processing the second torque sensor data to determine the optimal torque to start the DUT (101).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is enclosed in a chamber and temperature of the chamber is adjusted to measure a load profile of the DUT (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and a shaft speed of the DUT (101).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (109) is operating the DUT (101) in the constant speed mode for:
rotating, via the driving unit (107), the shaft of the DUT (101) in the constant speed for a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature;
continuously increasing the shaft speed of the DUT (101) after expiry of the predetermined time period by predetermined values up to a cranking speed of the DUT (101);
measuring, via the torque sensor (103), a load profile or the first torque sensor data of the DUT (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles at a corresponding shaft speed, wherein the driving unit (107) is configured to measure the cranking angles of shaft of the DUT (101); and
identifying top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the DUT (101), based on the measurement of the load profile or the first torque sensor data of the DUT (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and the shaft speed of the DUT (101).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (109) is operating the DUT (101) in the constant torque mode for:
applying the maximum torque to rotate the shaft of the DUT (101) at the plurality of cranking angles;
determining whether a cranking speed of the DUT (101) is achieved within a predetermined time and a predetermined temperature,
wherein if the cranking speed of the DUT (101) is achieved within the predetermined time then the applied torque is reduced by a predetermined value, based on the second torque sensor data, till a minimum torque value or an optimal torque value is obtained; and
if the cranking speed of the DUT (101) is not achieved within the predetermined time then the applied torque is increased by a predetermined value, based on the second torque sensor data, till a minimum torque value or an optimal torque value is obtained.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the minimum torque value is sufficient to crank the DUT (101) at all cranking angles.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cranking angle is selected close to the top dead center (TDC) points, initially and gradually away from the TDC.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the DUT (101) is an internal combustion (IC) engine.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving element (105) comprising a dynamometer, a motor or a combination of a gear box and the motor, and the like.
9. A method (400) for determining an optimal torque to start a device under test (DUT) (101), the method (400) comprises:
measuring, via a torque sensor (103), the torque required for driving the DUT (101), wherein the DUT (101) is coupled to the torque sensor (103);
driving, via a driving element (105), a shaft of the DUT (101), wherein a driving element (105) coupled to the shaft of the torque sensor (103), wherein the driving element (105) comprises a driving unit (107) and a processing unit (109) communicatively coupled with the driving unit (107), wherein the processing unit (109) is configured for
operating the DUT (101), via the driving unit (107), in a constant speed mode:
capturing a first torque sensor data, from the torque sensor (103), while operating the DUT in the constant speed mode;
processing the first torque sensor data in order to identify top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the DUT (101);
operating the DUT (101), via the driving unit (107), in a constant torque mode, at the maximum torque value:
capturing a second torque sensor data, from the torque sensor, while operating the DUT (101) in the constant torque mode;
processing the second torque sensor data to determine the optimal torque to start the DUT (101).
10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processing unit (109) is configured to operate the DUT (101) in the constant speed mode for:
Rotating, via the driving unit (107), the shaft of the DUT (101) in the constant speed for a predetermined time period and a predetermined temperature;
continuously increasing, the shaft speed of the DUT (101) after expiry of the predetermined time period by predetermined values up to a cranking speed of the DUT (101);
measuring a load profile of the DUT (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles at a corresponding shaft speed, wherein the driving unit (107) is configured to measure the cranking angles of shaft of the DUT (101); and
identifying top dead center (TDC) points and bottom dead center (BDC) points along with a maximum torque value for cranking the DUT (101), based on the measurement of the load profile of the DUT (101) with respect to a plurality of cranking angles and the shaft speed of the DUT (101).
11. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processing unit (109), operating the DUT (101) in the constant torque mode, is configured for:
applying the maximum torque to rotate the shaft of the DUT (101) at the plurality of cranking angles;
determining whether a cranking speed of the DUT (101) is achieved within a predetermined time and a predetermined temperature,
wherein if the cranking speed of the DUT (101) is achieved within the predetermined time then the applied torque is reduced by a predetermined value, based on the second torque sensor data, till a minimum torque value or an optimal torque value is obtained; and
if the cranking speed of the DUT (101) is not achieved within the predetermined time then the applied torque is increased by a predetermined value, based on the second torque sensor data, till a minimum torque value or an optimal torque value is obtained.
12. The method (400) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the minimum torque value is sufficient to crank the DUT (101) at all cranking angles.
13. The method (400) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cranking angles is selected close to the top dead center (TDC) points initially and gradually away from TDC.
14. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the DUT (101) is an internal combustion (IC) engine.
15. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the driving element (105) comprising a dynamometer, a motor or a combination of a gear box and the motor, and the like.
Dated this 21st Day of February 2022

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454