DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
SYSTEM FOR AUTO ENGINE START

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, 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
[001] The present invention claims priority from Indian patent Provisional Application 202141010616 filed on 12 March 2021.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present invention relates to a system for auto engine start and more particularly, it relates to the system for auto engine start for extremely cold conditions (sub-zero operation) and during emergency conditions by maintaining the engine at warm condition.
BACKGROUND
[003] The general practice adopted to start the IC engines under extreme cold conditions (sub-zero condition) is the vehicle gets towed for about 15 to 20 minutes although the vehicle is using special low temperature fuel, lubricating oil, coolant etc. Moreover, vehicle’s engine manually gets heated by firing wood to achieve the appropriate temperature. The existing solutions are utilises special air heating element and those are not operable below -20°C temperature. In addition, battery power is not sufficient to make the air-heating element active to meet the requirement and start the engine subsequently.
[004] However, aforesaid methods are not reliable for emergency starting of vehicle and not suitable for high altitude geographical areas. Starting of the IC engine under sub-zero temperature conditions is a delicate operation. A little carelessness or lack of intelligent system can damage the whole engine.
[005] Therefore, there is a need of an efficient system to achieve auto engine start for extremely cold conditions and during emergency conditions.
SUMMARY
[006] Before the present system and method are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine or an apparatus, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to system for auto engine start. The aspects are further elaborated as below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[007] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a system for auto engine start for extremely cold conditions (sub-zero operation). The system comprises an interlocking switch configured to power-up the system for an auto-engine start mode. The plurality of sensors are configured for sensing engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level and parking brake parameters (position), battery condition parameters, engine rpm and heating element for heating engine air intake. An ECU is configured to auto start the engine based on signals received from the various sensors and upon fulfilment of predefined conditions.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[008] Accordingly, the present subject matter discloses thesystem for auto engine start comprises an interlocking switch is configured to power-up the system for an auto engine start mode. Plurality of sensors are configured for sensing engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level and parking brake parameters (position), battery condition parameters, engine rpm and heating element for heating engine air intake. An ECU is configured to auto start the engine based on signals received from the various sensors and upon fulfilment of predefined conditions.
[009] The ECU is configured to activate an indicating device to alert the user on failure of auto start of the engine on non-fulfilment of predefine conditions based on inputs of various parameters transmitted by the sensors. Further, the ECU enables the auto engine start mode at -20°C upon detection of the engine air-heating element, and the ECU enables auto engine start mode at 0°C in absence of the engine air-heating element. The heating element is configured to be turn ON for a predefined time followed by an audio-visual indication on the indicating device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawing. For illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawing.
[0011] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure. In the figure, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawing to refer like features and components.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a bock diagram of a system for an auto engine start in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a plot of the auto start cycle (speed vs time) in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of the system for the auto engine start in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.
[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a method for the auto engine start in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.
[0016] The figures depicts various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising", “having”, and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, systems and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0018] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0019] The present subject matter relates a system for an auto engine start for extremely cold conditions (sub-zero operation) and emergency conditions. Now referring to Figure 1, wherein a bock diagram of the system (100) for the auto engine start is illustrated. The system (100) comprises, an interlocking switch (101), an ECU (102), an engine start-stop subsystem (103), a plurality of indicating device (104), a heating element (engine air intake heater) (105), a battery (106) and a plurality of engine condition monitoring sensors (107). The sensors are fuel level sensors (108), oil level sensors (109), coolant level sensors (110), parking sensors (111), battery sensors (112), engine RPM sensors (113) and heater detection sensors (114). The interlocking switch (101) is configured to activate the system (100) in extreme cold weather or in emergency conditions. The ECU (102) is configured to detect the presence of the heating element (105) and a temperature of the engine coolant.
[0020] In an embodiment, the ECU (102) enables the auto engine start mode at -20°C upon detection of the engine air heater (105) and the ECU (102) enables auto engine start mode at 0°C in absence of the engine air-heating element (105). The ECU (102) detects the engine air heater (105) by the heater detection sensors (114). Once the engine air heater (105) is detected, the ECU (102) transmits a signal to enable the engine air heater (105) for a predefined time and further activates the indicating device (104). The plurality of engine condition monitoring sensor (107) are configured with the ECU (102) and the ECU (102) senses the real-time values of the sensors and further compared the sensed values with a predefined permissible limit of a parameter of a vehicle. The parameter may be engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level and parking brake parameters (position), a battery condition parameters and an engine rpm.
[0021] Thereafter, upon identification of the sensed values greater than or equal to the predefined permissible limit, the ECU (102) transmits a start signal to the engine start-stop sub-system (103) in order to crank the engine and subsequently runs the engine in low idle for a predefined time. If the ECU (102) identifies the sensed values as below than the predefined permissible limit, then the ECU (102) activates the indicating device (104) to alert a user.
[0022] Further, the ECU (102) is configured with the engine to detect the state of the engine. The state of the engine may be a running state or an off state. In case the ECU (102) detects the engine state as running state, then the ECU (102) may not instruct to engine for crank again. Thus, the starter motor’s safety is assured by ECU (102). Further, in case the ECU (102) detects the engine state as the off state, then the ECU (102) transmits a cranking instruction to the engine start-stop sub-system (103) in order to crank the engine. Furthermore, if the engine fails to crank, the ECU (102) repeats the transmission of the cranking instruction for a predefined time along with a predefined cranking delay.
[0023] Furthermore, after completion of the cranking engine ECU (102) will monitor the engine mandatory safety parameters like engine oil pressure, engine over speed etc. Upon meeting all safety engine will allow to continue to run at low idling for the predefined time, the ECU (102) increases the Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) up to a predefined maximum speed to run the engine till the temperature of the engine coolant reaches at a predefined maximum coolant temperature (70 °C) and simultaneously charges the battery. Once the coolant temperature reaches at the predefined maximum coolant temperature, the ECU (102) controls the running state of the engine by performing the low idling for the predefined time and after completion of the low idling for the predefined time, the ECU (102) transmits a stop signal to the engine.
[0024] Furthermore, the ECU (102) instructs the engine to automatic shut off, upon detection of an over speed of the engine or a low oil pressure of the engine. Thus, the engine’s safety is assured by ECU (102) at all stages.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, once the engine is cranked, the ECU (102) instructs ECU (102) to perform the low idling at the speed of 700 rpm and the low idling is performed for 3 minutes. Thereafter, the ECU (102) increases the rpm up to predefined maximum speed of 1500 RPM and the ECU (102) instructs the engine to run until the coolant temperature reaches greater than 70°C and simultaneously charges the battery. The engine RPM is detected by the engine RPM sensor (113). Once the coolant temperature reaches greater than 70°C, the ECU (102) instructs the engine to perform low idling for 2 minutes followed by automatically shut off. An aforesaid cycle may be repeated whenever the coolant temperature is detected as below -20°C and upon detection of the presence of the engine intake air heating element (105). The indicating device (104) may be a buzzer, a dashboard or an audio-visual device.
[0026] Now referring to Figure 2, a cycle of the auto engine start is shown. It is observed that, a low temperature affects most of the operating phases of the engine. The operating phases of the engine may be fueling, lubrication by oil, coolant flow, combustion cycle, battery life and many more. Thus, the auto engine start mode for extremely cold conditions and emergency conditions is necessary.
[0027] In an another embodiment, the battery (106) charging value is continuously monitored by the ECU (102) upon detection of the engine temperature below -20°C or 0°C. The battery charging value is monitored by the battery sensor (112). The ECU maintains the battery (106) charge at a predefined maximum charging value in order to keep the maximum amount of power available for cranking the engine and to prevent freezing of an electrolyte. The battery is charged during the phase of increased Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) of the engine.
[0028] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of the system (100) for the auto engine start and Figure 4 shows a method (200) steps for an auto engine start. Again referring to figure 4, at step 202: Sensors (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114) senses fuel parameters and the parameters are one or more engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level and parking brake parameters (position), battery condition parameters, engine RPM and heating element (105). In case the parameters are less than a predefined parameters limit, an indicating device (104) gets activate (activate buzzer 1).
[0029] At step 204: The ECU enables the auto engine start mode at -20°C upon detection of an engine intake air heating element (105) and the auto engine start mode at 0°C in absence of the engine air heating element (105). The heating element (105) is configured to be turn ON for the predefined time followed by the audio-visual indication on the indicating device (104) (activate buzzer 2).
[0030] At step 206: The ECU identifies an engine state and upon identification of the off state, the ECU transmits a cranking instruction to an engine start-stop sub-system (103) in order to crank the engine for a predefined number of cranks.
[0031] At step 208: The ECU increases the engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) upon completion of a low idling up to a predefined speed to charge a battery and runs at same RPM till the engine coolant temperature reaches a predefined desired temperature.
[0032] At step 210: The ECU monitors a charge of the battery upon detection of the engine temperature below -20°C and maintains the battery charge at a predefined maximum charging value in order to keep the maximum amount of power available for cranking the engine and to prevent freezing of an electrolyte.
[0033] At step 212: The ECU shut off the engine on achieving the engine coolant temperature greater than 70°C or upon detection of an over speed of the engine or the low oil pressure of the engine.
[0034] In another embodiment, thesystem (100) for auto engine start comprises an interlocking switch (101) is configured to power-up the system (100) for the auto engine start mode. Plurality of sensors (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114) are configured for sensing plurality of parameters as engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level and parking brake parameters (position), battery condition parameters, an engine rpm and a heating element (105) for heating engine air intake. An ECU (102) is configured to auto start the engine based on signals received from the various sensors and upon fulfilment of predefined conditions of parameters.
[0035] The ECU (102) is configured to activate an indicating device (104) to alert the user on failure of auto start of the engine on non-fulfilment of predefine conditions based on inputs of various parameters transmitted by the sensors (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114).
[0036] Further, the ECU (102) enables the auto engine start mode at -20°C upon detection of the engine intake air-heating element (105), and the ECU (102) enables auto engine start mode at 0°C in absence of the engine air-heating element (105). The heating element (105) is configured to be turn ON for a predefined time followed by an audio-visual indication on the indicating device (104).
[0037] The ECU (102) identifies an engine state and upon identification of an off state, the ECU (102) transmits a cranking instruction to the engine start-stop sub-system (103) in order to crank the engine for a predefined number of cranks, wherein the engine states are a running state and an off state. The ECU (102) on completion of a low idling predefined time is configured to increase engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) up to a predefined speed to charge the battery (106) and runs at same rpm till the engine coolant temperature reaches a predefined desired temperature.
[0038] The ECU (102) is configured to shut-off the engine on achieving the engine coolant temperature greater than 70°C. Further, the ECU (102) continuously monitors a charge of the battery upon detection of the engine temperature below -20°C, and the battery (106) charge is maintained at a predefined maximum charging value in order to keep the maximum amount of power available for cranking the engine and to prevent freezing of an electrolyte.
[0039] The ECU (102) is configured to continuously monitor the temperature of the engine coolant at a sleep mode to avoid the battery drainage. The ECU (102) instructs the engine to automatic shut off, upon detection of an over speed of the engine or a low oil pressure of the engine.
[0040] Further, the invention can be used for applications like military, high altitude operating vehicles etc. However, not limited to the same.
[0041] 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.
[0042] Some embodiment may keep the battery charge and the engine temperature within reasonable limit for all the time. Therefore, there is no need to wait to get the engine ready to start and engine will be maintained always at warm condition.
[0043] Some embodiment may keep the battery charge. Therefore, extra strain on battery may be avoided.
[0044] Some embodiment may reduce time and provides highly accurate method to avoid the engine starting problem during extremely cold (above 0 ~ -50 °C) and emergency conditions.
[0045] Some embodiment may applicable to armoured fighting vehicles, dozers and motor graders working in emergency condition to wipe out snowfall. Also applicable to military vehicles working in extremely cold conditions.
[0046] Part No. Part Name
100 System
101 Interlocking switch
102 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
103 Engine start-stop sub system
104 Indicating device
105 Heating element
106 Battery
107 Engine condition-monitoring sensors
108 Fuel level sensors
109 Oil level sensors
110 Coolant level sensors
111 Parking sensors
112 Battery sensors
113 Engine RPM sensors
114 Heater detection sensors

,CLAIMS:
1. A system (100) for auto engine startcomprises:
an interlocking switch (101) configured to power-up the system (100) for an auto engine start mode;
plurality of sensors (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114) configured for sensing plurality of parameters, wherein the parameters are engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level and parking brake position, battery condition, engine rpm and heating element (105) for heating engine air intake; and
an ECU (102) configured to auto start the engine based on signals received from the various sensors and upon fulfilment of predefined conditions.
2. The system (100) for the auto engine start as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) is configured to activate an indicating device (104) to alert the user on failure of auto start of the engine on non-fulfilment of predefine conditions based on inputs of the various parameters transmitted by the sensors (108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114).
3. The system (100) for the auto engine start as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) enables the auto engine start mode at -20°C upon detection of the engine air heating element (105), and the ECU (102) enables auto engine start mode at 0°C in absence of the engine air heating element (105).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heating element (105) is configured to be turn ON for a predefined time followed by an audio-visual indication on the indicating device (104).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) identifies an engine state and upon identification of an off state, the ECU (102) transmits a cranking instruction to the engine start-stop sub-system (103) in order to crank the engine for a predefined number of cranks, wherein the engine states are a running state and an off state.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) on completion of a low idling predefined time is configured to increase engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) up to a predefined speed to charge the battery (106) and runs at same rpm till the engine coolant temperature reaches a predefined desired temperature.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) is configured to shut-off the engine on achieving the engine coolant temperature greater than 70°C.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) continuously monitors a charge of the battery upon detection of the engine temperature below -20°C, and the battery (106) charge is maintained at a predefined maximum charging value in order to keep the maximum amount of power available for cranking the engine and to prevent freezing of an electrolyte.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) is configured to continuously monitor the temperature of the engine coolant at a sleep mode to avoid the battery (106) drainage.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (102) instructs the engine to automatic shut off, upon detection of an over speed of the engine or a low oil pressure of the engine.