Engine control unit enablement system
First Claim
1. An engine electronics power management system comprising:
- an energy source to convert mechanical energy from an engine to electrical energy;
an engine operation sensor configured to provide feedback regarding engine operating status;
a controller connected to the engine operation sensor to receive the feedback as to engine operating status and configured to prevent transference of electrical energy from the energy source to an engine electronic upon engine shut-down; and
the engine operation sensor including an engine position sensor designed to provide feedback of rotational position of a rotary component of the engine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An engine control unit enablement circuit is disclosed that selectively closes a conductive path between a chargeable electrical energy source and electronics of an engine/motor. An engine position sensor provides feedback as to the rotational position of a rotating component of an engine to the enablement circuit. When the rotating component, e.g. crankshaft or flywheel, is rotating, the enablement circuit closes the conductive path and allows the transference of electrical energy from the energy source to the engine and motor electronics. Conversely, when feedback is received indicative of non-rotation of the rotating component, the enablement circuit opens the conductive path. As such, energy stored in the energy source remains stored. With a subsequent detection of rotation of the rotating component, the conductive is closed and the stored energy is allowed to pass to the engine and motor electronics thereby allowing faster powering of the engine and motor electronics.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An engine electronics power management system comprising:
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an energy source to convert mechanical energy from an engine to electrical energy;
an engine operation sensor configured to provide feedback regarding engine operating status;
a controller connected to the engine operation sensor to receive the feedback as to engine operating status and configured to prevent transference of electrical energy from the energy source to an engine electronic upon engine shut-down; and
the engine operation sensor including an engine position sensor designed to provide feedback of rotational position of a rotary component of the engine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An engine electronics power management system comprising:
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an energy source to convert mechanical energy from an engine to electrical energy;
an engine operation sensor configured to provide feedback regarding engine operating status;
a controller connected to the engine operation sensor to receive the feedback as to engine operating status and configured to prevent transference of electrical energy from the energy source to an engine electronic upon engine shut-down;
the energy source including an alternator constructed to output AC power during engine operation and an AC/DC converter designed to condition AC power received from the alternator into DC power used to power the engine electronic, and an energy storage device that when charged is configured to store electrical energy engine upon shut-down; and
a power switch connected between the energy storage device and the engine electronic, and wherein a closing of the power switch allows transference of electrical energy from the energy storage device to the engine electronic. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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7. An electronically controlled engine comprising:
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a flywheel assembly configured to rotate and generate electrical energy during engine operation;
an energy storage device connected to receive electrical energy from the flywheel assembly;
an electronic component that is powered by the electrical energy; and
a selectively controlled power switch that when closed electrically connects the energy storage device and the electronic component and when opened electrically disconnects the energy storage device from the engine electronic component. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An outboard motor comprising:
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an internal combustion engine to provide thrust for a watercraft;
a non-battery electrical energy source that is charged during engine operation and configured to maintain an electrical charge absent a load placed thereon;
an engine control unit (ECU) configured to control operation of the internal combustion engine;
an ECU enablement circuit configured to electronically connect the ECU to the non-battery electrical energy source during engine operation and electrically disconnect the ECU from the non-battery electrical energy source during engine non-operation; and
a crank position sensor configured to provide feedback regarding position of a crankshaft to the ECU enablement circuit. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification