Abstract: A vehicle determines a first resistance of a starter motor and a starter cable connected thereto based at least in part on the first voltage of a power source. The vehicle determines a predicted minimum battery voltage based at least in part on the first resistance of the starter motor and the starter cable. The vehicle, in response to the predicted minimum battery voltage satisfying a threshold, enables a vehicle stop-start function, and, in response to the predicted minimum battery voltage failing to satisfy the threshold, disables the vehicle stop-start function.

Abstract: A vehicle determines a first resistance of a starter motor and a starter cable connected thereto based at least in part on the first voltage of a power source. The vehicle determines a predicted minimum battery voltage based at least in part on the first resistance of the starter motor and the starter cable. The vehicle, in response to the predicted minimum battery voltage satisfying a threshold, enables a vehicle stop-start function, and, in response to the predicted minimum battery voltage failing to satisfy the threshold, disables the vehicle stop-start function.

Abstract: A vehicle determines a first resistance of a starter motor and a starter cable connected thereto based at least in part on the first voltage of a power source. The vehicle determines a predicted minimum battery voltage based at least in part on the first resistance of the starter motor and the starter cable. The vehicle, in response to the predicted minimum battery voltage satisfying a threshold, enables a vehicle stop-start function, and, in response to the predicted minimum battery voltage failing to satisfy the threshold, disables the vehicle stop-start function.

Abstract: A passive two-terminal circuit element may include a resistor including a carbon-metal composite resistive element. The resistive element is configured to maintain a resistivity that fluctuates less than one tenth of an ohm per ten degree temperature change up to 400 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the availability of start-stop operations within a microhybrid vehicle includes determining the electric current drawn by a set of electrical components of the vehicle, from the vehicle's battery. The internal resistance of the vehicle's battery, and the resistance of a starter motor loop circuit coupled to the engine of the vehicle are dynamically calculated. The closed-circuit voltage of the battery is predicted, using the internal resistance of the battery, the resistance of the starter motor loop circuit, and the current drawn by the set of electrical components of the vehicle. The start-stop operation is carried out if the closed-circuit voltage of the battery is predicted to be above a pre-determined minimum value.

Abstract: A passive two-terminal circuit element may include a resistor including a carbon-metal composite resistive element. The resistive element is configured to maintain a resistivity that fluctuates less than one tenth of an ohm per ten degree temperature change up to 400 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the availability of start-stop operations within a microhybrid vehicle includes determining the electric current drawn by a set of electrical components of the vehicle, from the vehicle's battery. The internal resistance of the vehicle's battery, and the resistance of a starter motor loop circuit coupled to the engine of the vehicle are dynamically calculated. The closed-circuit voltage of the battery is predicted, using the internal resistance of the battery, the resistance of the starter motor loop circuit, and the current drawn by the set of electrical components of the vehicle. The start-stop operation is carried out if the closed-circuit voltage of the battery is predicted to be above a pre-determined minimum value.

Abstract: A system and method for absorbing rock-back and oscillation in a drive assembly of an engine start-stop device. The drive assembly has a pinion with at least two slots that receive axially extending protrusions of a barrel element. Damping elements in the slots and a spring element absorb rock-back and impact oscillations.

Abstract: A control circuit receives a starting signal from a powertrain control module of a vehicle and delays the coupling of the main starting current from the battery to the starting motor until a reduced current in an alternative flow path is provided to the starter motor, initiating its motion. In a preferred, the pre-start sequence is controlled by a microprocessor which provides a control signal to a solid state switch coupled by a conductor providing current limiting resistance between the battery supply and the starter motor for a predetermined period of time. Subsequent to the pre-spin period, the control circuit provides a signal to a different solid state switch which activates the starter solenoid, in turn, coupling the battery to the starter motor and engaging the pinion gear with the ring gear.

Abstract: A system and method for absorbing rock-back and oscillation in a drive assembly of an engine start-stop device. The drive assembly has a pinion with at least two slots that receive axially extending protrusions of a barrel element. Damping elements in the slots and a spring element absorb rock-back and impact oscillations.

Abstract: An apparatus for cranking an engine that includes a starter motor that includes an armature shaft, a pinion connected to the armature shaft for rotation about an axis, the pinion being able to translate along the axis relative to the armature shaft toward a fixed surface that limits said translation, an engine crankshaft, a ring gear engaged with the pinion and driveably connected to the crankshaft, and a first spring for urging the pinion elastically toward with the fixed surface and the ring gear and elastically resisting axial translation of the pinion away from the ring gear.

Abstract: A torque transfer system for cranking an engine includes a starter motor, an engine crankshaft, a pinion, a ring gear engaged with the pinion and driveably connected to the crankshaft, and a one-way clutch for alternately opening and closing a drive connection between the pinion and the starter motor.

Abstract: A starter motor is provided having a starter motor housing with an electric motor mounted therein. A stationary gear base mounted onto the starter motor housing and includes a plurality of pockets formed therein and spaced thereabout. A stationary gear is rotatably mounted within the stationary gear base for limited rotational movement and includes a plurality of legs that extend into the pockets. One or more variable rate dampening members are positioned within the pockets, circumferentially between the legs of the stationary gear and inner walls of the pockets. The variable rate dampening members provide variable rate dampening such that when the starter motor experiences high frequency, low amplitude oscillations the dampening members provide a first spring rate and when the starter motor experiences a high amplitude impact for a short duration of time, the dampening members provide a second spring rate that is stronger than the first spring rate.

Abstract: A starter motor for an internal combustion engine having an integral one-way roller clutch and epicycle gear train unit is provided. The integrated unit includes an integrated gear support/clutch barrel which, on one side, houses the roller and spring elements of the clutch and, on the other side, supports the planetary gears of the epicycle gear assembly. The invention is of simple construction and provides reduced overall starter motor dimension while demonstrating improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

Abstract: A starter motor is provided having a starter motor housing with an electric motor mounted therein. A stationary gear base mounted onto the starter motor housing and includes a plurality of pockets formed therein and spaced thereabout. A stationary gear is rotatably mounted within the stationary gear base for limited rotational movement and includes a plurality of legs that extend into the pockets. One or more variable rate dampening members are positioned within the pockets, circumferentially between the legs of the stationary gear and inner walls of the pockets. The variable rate dampening members provide variable rate dampening such that when the starter motor experiences high frequency, low amplitude oscillations the dampening members provide a first spring rate and when the starter motor experiences a high amplitude impact for a short duration of time, the dampening members provide a second spring rate that is stronger than the first spring rate.

Abstract: A starter motor for an internal combustion engine having an integral one-way roller clutch and epicycle gear train unit is provided. The integrated unit includes an integrated gear support/clutch barrel which, on one side, houses the roller and spring elements of the clutch and, on the other side, supports the planetary gears of the epicycle gear assembly. The invention is of simple construction and provides reduced overall starter motor dimension while demonstrating improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.