WO2022185331A1

WO2022185331A1 - A system for starting a two-wheeled vehicle and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022185331A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarmadh Ameer Shafi Khan; Harigovindh KRISHNAMURTHY
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2021-03-02
Filing date: 2022-02-10
Publication date: 2022-09-09

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system for starting a vehicle. The system comprises a throttle position sensor (110), one or more auxiliary sensors (120), a control unit (130) having an ISS module (140). The ISS module (140) is configured to: monitor (204) a starting condition of the vehicle, compare (205): measured values of rate of throttle rise and/or rate of throttle fall against predetermined values, and status of one or more components against predetermined value, and generate a start signal (206) if: measured values of rate of throttle rise is less than or equal to a predetermined rate of throttle rise and/or rate of throttle fall is greater than or equal to a predetermined rate of throttle fall, and position of one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A SYSTEM FOR STARTING A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE AND METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a system for starting a vehicle and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [002] Generally, present day vehicles are equipped with Idle Stop Start (ISS) system that automatically turn-off an Internal Combustion (IC) engine in a state of vehicle idling. In a typical IC engine, combustion of fuel does not take place steadily and varies at intervals of time based on throttle state of the vehicle. An idling state occurs when an engine is kept running when the vehicle is not in use or in a standstill position while parking. Vehicle idling results in unnecessary consumption of fuel by the engine and emission of harmful gases into the environment. To overcome this, a system to effectively control the IC engine during idling is generally placed in such vehicles. Reducing the amount of energy wasted in idling conditions especially at heavy traffic zones significantly helps in gaining better fuel economy for vehicles. [003] Even if the engine is turned off manually, again starting the engine after a small interval of time using an electric switch consumes a lot of time. Moreover, the frequent use of electric switches reduces their reliability as they are designed for only a limited number (100000-300000) of presses.

[004] To overcome these challenges, an idle stop start (ISS) system is generally installed in the vehicles. Typically, the ISS system stops the engine in idling condition and starts the engine when restarting from idling condition. In some existing vehicle with ISS system, a controller controls the start of the vehicle from the idle position based on a rate of throttle raise angle, or engagement of clutch or disengagement of brake alone. In such vehicles, after the flame-out of the engine, when the vehicle is required to be started, a mere pinching of clutch and throttling the accelerator does the job. This inherits potential safety concern if inadvertently throttle is revved suddenly.

[005] In other ISS enabled vehicles, a combination of two elements is used to start the vehicle, such as, brake and throttle. In this case, if brake switch fails or if the user does not fully apply the brake lever, there could be a possibility that the brake switch is activated but mechanically the brake is not engaged. Thus, leading to potential safety risk upon suddenly revving the throttle. Moreover, a sudden revving of the throttle results in an increased air- to-fuel ratio (AFR) in the engine. The increased AFR hampers the reliable starting of the engine.

[006] Further, some existing vehicles equipped with the ISS utilize a combination of throttle and clutch which limits their application to vehicles with clutch or gears only.

[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and a method for starting a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for starting a vehicle.

The system has a throttle position sensor, one or more auxiliary sensors, and a control unit. The throttle position sensor detects position of a throttle shaft of an Internal Combustion (1C) engine. The one or more auxiliary sensors detect position or status of one or more components of the vehicle. The control unit has an idle stop start module and coupled with the throttle position sensor and the one or more auxiliary sensors. The idle stop start module is configured to: receive position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor and position or status of the one or more components from the one or more auxiliary sensors; monitor a starting condition of the vehicle, the starting condition comprises: measuring values of rate of throttle rise and/or rate of throttle fall based on the position of the throttle shaft received from the throttle position sensor; and determining position or status of the one or more components based on position or status received from the one or more auxiliary sensors. The idle stop start module is also configured to: compare: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise against a predetermined rate of throttle rise and/or the rate of throttle fall against a predetermined rate of throttle fall, and position or status of the one or more components against a predetermined value of position or status of the one or more components; and generate a start signal if: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise and/or the rate of throttle fall is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall, and position or status of the one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position or status of the one or more components.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the position of the throttle shaft is in a range of 1% to 10%. The predetermined rate of throttle rise is in a range of 0 to 10%/ms and the predetermined rate of throttle fall is in a range of -10 to 0 %/ms.

[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a speed sensor for measuring speed of the vehicle; and an RPM sensor for measuring speed of the engine. The idle stop start module is configured to: receive speed of the vehicle from the speed sensor and speed of the engine from the RPM sensor; compare: the speed of the vehicle with a predetermined speed of the vehicle; and the speed of the engine with a predetermined speed of the engine; and generate the start signal if: the speed of the vehicle is less than the predetermined speed of the vehicle and the speed of the engine is equal to the predetermined speed of the engine. The predetermined speed of the vehicle is 1 km/hr, and the predetermined speed of the engine is 0 RPM.

[011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the one or more auxiliary sensors are selected from: a brake position sensor for detecting position of a brake, a clutch position sensor for detecting position of a clutch, a seat sensor switch for detecting occupancy of a seat, a footboard switch for detecting rider’s foot on a footboard, a handlebar grip pressure sensor for detecting pressure applied on a handlebar grip, and a side stand position sensor for detecting position of a side stand. The predetermined position of the brake comprises a completely pressed position of the brake, the predetermined position of the clutch comprises a completely pressed position of the clutch, the predetermined status of the seat sensor switch comprises an actuated state indicating the seat in an occupied condition, the predetermined status of the footboard switch comprises an actuated state indicating presence of rider’s foot on the footboard, the predetermined position of the handlebar grip comprises an application of pressure greater than 2 kg/cm² on the handlebar grip, and the predetermined position of the side stand comprises an upright position of the side stand. [012] In still another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: continuously monitor: voltage of a battery from a battery management system, temperature of the engine from a temperature sensor, and position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor; compare: the voltage of the battery with a predetermined voltage of the battery, the temperature of the engine with a predetermined temperature of the engine, and position of the throttle shaft with a predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft; and activate the idle stop start module if: the voltage of the battery is greater than the predetermined voltage of the battery, the temperature of the engine is greater than the predetermined temperature of the engine, and the position of the throttle shaft is within the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft. The predetermined voltage of the battery is 6V, the predetermined temperature of the engine is 15 degree Celsius, and the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft is between 1% to 10%.

[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: continuously receive the speed of the vehicle from the speed sensor, determine a first time- period for which the speed of the vehicle is zero, compare the first time-period with a first predetermined time, and deactivate the idle stop start module if the first time-period is greater than or equal to the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is 300 seconds. [014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: continuously receive the speed of the vehicle from the speed sensor and the speed of the engine from the RPM sensor, determine: a second time-period for which the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined range of speed of the vehicle and the speed of the engine is greater than the predetermined speed of the engine, compare the second time-period with a second predetermined time, and deactivate the idle stop start module if the second time-period is greater than the second predetermined time. The predetermined speed of the vehicle is in a range of 1 to 5 km/hr, the second predetermined time is in a range of 3 seconds to 8 seconds, and the predetermined speed of the engine is 1800 RPM. [015] In a still further embodiment of the invention, the idle stop start module is configured to communicate the start signal to a motor coupled with the IC engine, the motor starts the IC engine upon receipt of the start signal. The idle stop start module is also configured to communicate the start signal to a controller coupled with the motor, the controller starts the motor upon receipt of the start signal thereby starting the IC engine. The motor comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine. The control unit or the controller comprises an ISG controller.

[016] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for starting a vehicle, The method comprising the steps of: receiving, by an idle stop start module of a control unit, position of a throttle shaft of an Internal Combustion (IC) engine from a throttle position sensor and position or status of one or more components from one or more auxiliary sensors; monitoring, by the idle stop start module, a starting condition of the vehicle, the starting condition comprising: measuring values of rate of throttle rise and/or rate of throttle fall based on the position of the throttle shaft received from the throttle position sensor; and determining position or status of the one or more components based on position or status received from the one or more auxiliary sensors; comparing by the idle stop start module: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise against a predetermined rate of throttle rise and/or the rate of throttle fall against a predetermined rate of throttle fall, and position or status of the one or more components against a predetermined value of position or status of the one or more components; and generating, by the idle stop start module, a start signal if: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise and/or the rate of throttle fall is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall, and position or status of the one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position or status of the one or more components. The position of the throttle shaft is in a range of 1% to 10%, the predetermined rate of throttle rise is in a range of 0 to 10%/ms and the predetermined rate of throttle fall is in a range of -10 to 0 %/ms. [017] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the idle stop start module, a speed of the vehicle from a speed sensor and a speed of the engine from an RPM sensor; comparing by the idle stop start module: the speed of the vehicle with a predetermined speed of the vehicle; and the speed of the engine with a predetermined speed of the engine; and generating, by the idle stop start module, the start signal if: the speed of the vehicle is less than the predetermined speed of the vehicle and the speed of the engine is equal to the predetermined speed of the engine. The predetermined speed of the vehicle is 1 km/hr, and the predetermined speed of the engine is 0 RPM.

[018] In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: continuously monitoring by the control unit: voltage of a battery from a battery management system, temperature of the engine from a temperature sensor, and position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor; comparing by the control unit: the voltage of the battery with a predetermined voltage of the battery, the temperature of the engine with a predetermined temperature of the engine, and position of the throttle shaft with a predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft; and activating the idle stop start module by the control unit if: the voltage of the battery is greater than the predetermined voltage of the battery, the temperature of the engine is greater than the predetermined temperature of the engine, and the position of the throttle shaft is within the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft. The predetermined voltage of the battery is 6V, the predetermined temperature of the engine is 15 degree Celsius, and the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft is between 1% to 10%.

[019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: continuously receiving, by the control unit, the speed of the vehicle from the speed sensor; determining, by the control unit, a first time-period for which the speed of the vehicle is zero; comparing, by the control unit, the first time period with a first predetermined time; and deactivating the idle stop start module by the control unit if the first time period is greater than or equal to the first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is 300 seconds.

[020] In still another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: continuously receiving, by the control unit, the speed of the vehicle from the speed sensor and the speed of the engine from the RPM sensor; determining by the control unit: a second time-period for which the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined range of speed of the vehicle and the speed of the engine is greater than the predetermined speed of the engine; comparing by the control unit the second time period with a second predetermined time; and deactivating the idle stop start module by the control unit if the second time-period is greater than the second predetermined time. The predetermined speed of the vehicle is in a range of 1 to 5 km/hr, the second predetermined time is in a range of 3 seconds to 8 seconds, and the predetermined speed of the engine is 1800

RPM. [021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of communicating the start signal by the idle stop start module to a motor for starting the engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[022] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a system for starting a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a method for starting the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows details of the steps illustrated in Figure 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4a illustrates various conditions for generating a start signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4b illustrates a specific position or status of a component of the vehicle and various conditions for generating a start signal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates various throttle positions of the vehicle for generating a start signal and activating an idle stop start module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates activation of the idle stop start module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates deactivation of the idle stop start module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [023] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the present invention.

[024] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system 100 for starting a vehicle. [025] As shown in Figure 1 , the system 100 has a throttle position sensor 110 for detecting position of a throttle shaft of an Internal Combustion (IC) engine 210, and one or more auxiliary sensors 120 for detecting position or status of one or more components of the vehicle. The system 100 also has a control unit 130 coupled with the throttle position sensor 110 and the one or more auxiliary sensors 120. The control unit 130 has an idle stop start (ISS) module 140 configured to start the vehicle. The ISS module 140 is configured to receive the position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor 110 and the position or status of the one or more components from the one or more auxiliary sensors 120.

[026] In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more auxiliary sensors 120 are selected from: a brake position sensor 120a for detecting position of a brake, a clutch position sensor 120b for detecting position of a clutch, a seat sensor switch 120c for detecting occupancy of a seat, a footboard switch 120d for detecting rider’s foot on a footboard, a handlebar grip pressure sensor 120e for detecting pressure applied on a handlebar grip, and a side stand position sensor 120f for detecting position of a side stand. [027] As shown in Figure 1 , the control unit 130 is coupled with a starter motor 200 which in turn is coupled with a crankshaft of the 1C engine 210. In accordance with the present invention, the ISS module 140 is configured to generate and communicate a start signal to the starter motor 200. In an embodiment of the invention, a controller 220 is provided between the control unit 130 and the starter motor 200. In this regard, the controller 220 is configured to start the motor 200 upon receiving the start signal, thereby starting the IC engine 210. In another embodiment of the invention, the starter motor 200 is an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine. Consequently, the controller 220 will be an ISG controller for operating the ISG machine. The ISG controller is configured to start the ISG machine upon receiving the start signal, thereby starting the IC engine 210.

[028] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1 , the control unit 130 is coupled with a speed sensor 150 for measuring speed of the vehicle, an RPM sensor 160 for measuring speed of the engine, a battery management system 180 coupled with a battery 170, and a temperature sensor 190 for obtaining temperature of the engine 210. [029] It may be noted that the ISS module 140 can be implemented in any control unit 130 of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 130 is an engine control unit (ECU). In another embodiment, the control unit 130 is an ISG controller.

[030] In an embodiment of the invention, an ISS switch is provided to enable and disable the ISS module 140. The ISS switch can be manually operated by a user to enable and disable the ISS module 140. In another embodiment of the invention, an ignition switch provided on the vehicle is actuated prior to enabling the ISS module 140.

[031] As described hereinbefore, the ISS module 140 is configured to generate the start signal based on which the IC engine 210 can be started. In this regard, reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3 which illustrate a configuration of the system 100 and a method for starting the vehicle. As shown in Figure 2, at step 201 , the control unit 130 check status of the ignition switch and proceeds further only if the ignition switch is ON. In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 130, at step 201 , also checks status of the ISS switch and proceed further if the ISS switch is ON. [032] At step 202, the ISS module 140 receives position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor 110, and position or status of the one or more components from the one or more auxiliary sensors 120.

[033] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 130, is configured to activate, at step 203, and deactivate, at step 208, the ISS module 140. The method proceeds further only when the control unit 130 activates the ISS module 140. Embodiments of activation and deactivation of the ISS module 140, illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 respectively, have been described below. [034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, at step 204, the ISS module 140 is configured to monitor a starting condition of the vehicle. The starting condition includes: measuring values of rate of throttle rise RTR_S and/or rate of throttle fall RTFS based on the position of the throttle shaft received from the throttle position sensor 110, and determining position or status COMPs of the one or more components based on the position or status received from the one or more auxiliary sensors 120.

[035] In the present context, throttle position is calculated in percentage while the rate of throttle rise RTR_s, or fall RTFS is depicted as percentage per milliseconds (%/ms) based on the throttle position. For instance, if throttle is increased at the rate of 70%, there is a positive rate of change of the throttle, i.e. rate of throttle rise. If the throttle falls at the rate of 10%, there is a negative rate of change of the throttle, i.e. rate of throttle fall.

[036] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 3, the ISS module 140 is also configured to receive speed of the vehicle V_s from the speed sensor 150 and speed of the engine RPMs from the RPM sensor 160. Said otherwise, in addition to the rate of throttle rise RTR_S and/or the rate of throttle fall RTFS and the position or status COMPs of the one or more components, the starting condition also includes receiving the speed V_s of the vehicle from the speed sensor 150 and the speed of the engine RPMs from the RPM sensor 160. [037] As shown in Figure 2, at step 205, the ISS module 140 is configured to compare: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise RTR_S against a predetermined rate of throttle rise RTRI and/or the rate of throttle fall RTFS against a predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI, and position or status COMPs of the one or more components against a predetermined value of position or status COMP1 of the one or more components. [038] In one embodiment, the predetermined rate of throttle rise RTm is in a range of 0 to 10%/ms and the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI is in a range of -10 to 0 %/ms.

[039] In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined rate of throttle rise RTm and the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI can be customized based on a rider. For instance, based on the rider’s gender, age, stature, etc. In this regard, in an embodiment of the invention, a vehicle communication device can be mounted on the vehicle wherein the vehicle communication device is configured to communicate using short-range wireless communication with a rider communication device. The rider communication device includes, but is not limited to, a mobile device. The short-range wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth. Further, the rider communication device has an application, for instance a mobile application, which enables the rider to connect with the vehicle and customize the predetermined rate of throttle rise RTm and the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI as per his/her needs. Alternately, the rider can approach a vehicle service station for customizing the predetermined rate of throttle rise RTm and the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI.

[040] In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined position COMP1 of the brake is a completely pressed position of the brake. The predetermined position COMP1 of the clutch is a completely pressed position of the clutch. The predetermined status COMP1 of the seat sensor switch 120c is an actuated state indicating the seat in an occupied condition. The predetermined status COMP1 of the footboard switch 120d is an actuated state indicating presence of rider’s foot on the footboard. The predetermined position COMP1 of the handlebar grip is an application of pressure greater than 2 kg/cm² on the handlebar grip. The predetermined position COMP1 of the side stand is an upright position of the side stand.

[041] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 3, the ISS module is also configured to compare: the speed of the vehicle V_s with a predetermined speed of the vehicle Vi; and the speed of the engine RPMs with a predetermined speed of the engine RPMi. In one embodiment, the predetermined speed of the vehicle V_s is 1 km/hr and the predetermined speed of the engine RPMs is 0 RPM.

[042] As shown in Figure 2, the ISS module, at step 206, generates the start signal if: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise RTR_S is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise RT and/or the rate of throttle fall RTFS is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI, and the position or status COMPs of the one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position or status COMP1 of the one or more components.

[043] In an embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 3 and 4a, the ISS module 140 is configured to generate the start signal if: the rate of throttle rise RTR_S is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise RTRI and/or the rate of throttle fall RTFS is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI, the position or status COMPs of one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position or status COMP1 of the one or more components, the speed of the vehicle V_s is less than the predetermined speed of the vehicle Vi and the speed of the engine RPMs is equal to the predetermined speed RPMi of the engine. In case any one of the conditions mentioned herein is FALSE, the ISS module goes back to step 204. [044] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 4b, the ISS module 140 is configured to generate the start signal if: the rate of throttle rise RTR_S is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise RT and/or the rate of throttle fall RTFS is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall RTFI, the position COMPs of the brake is in the completely pressed condition and/or the position COMPs of the clutch is in the completely pressed condition, the speed of the vehicle V_s is less than the predetermined speed of the vehicle Vi, and the speed of the engine RPM_S is equal to the predetermined speed RPMi of the engine. In case any one of the conditions mentioned herein is FALSE, the ISS module goes back to step 204. [045] As shown in Figure 2 and described hereinbefore, prior to monitoring the starting condition 204 of the vehicle, the ISS module 140 requires to be activated by the control unit 130. The activation of ISS module 140 has been illustrated in Figure 6. In this regard, at step 203a, the control unit 130 continuously monitors: voltage VOLTs of the battery 170 from the battery management system 180, temperature T_s of the engine 210 from the temperature sensor 190, and position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor 110. Thereafter, at step 203b, the control unit 130 compares: the voltage VOLTs of the battery 170 with a predetermined voltage VOLT1 of the battery 170, the temperature T_s of the engine 210 with a predetermined temperature Ti of the engine 210, and position of the throttle shaft with a threshold percentage. [046] In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined voltage VOLT1 of the battery

170 is 6V, and the predetermined temperature Ti of the engine 210 is 15 degree Celsius. [047] Referring to Figure 5 which illustrates various throttle positions of the vehicle for generating a start signal and activating the ISS module 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown and described hereinbefore, the ISS module 140 takes the rate of throttle rise RTR_S and/ or the rate of throttle fall RTFS into account to generate the start signal, and the control unit 130 takes the position of the throttle shaft into account to activate the ISS module 140. In this regard, in an embodiment of the invention, for activating the ISS module 140, the position of the throttle shaft is in a range of 1% to 10%. As such, a minimum threshold percentage of the position of the throttle shaft is 1% and a maximum threshold percentage of the position of the throttle shaft is 10%.

[048] At step, 203c, the control unit 130 activates the ISS module 140 if: the voltage VOLTs of the battery 170 is greater than the predetermined voltage VOLT1 of the battery 170, the temperature T_s of the engine 210 is greater than the predetermined temperature Ti of the engine 210, and the position of the throttle shaft is within the minimum and maximum threshold percentage. In case the ISS module 140 is not activated by the control unit 130, the starting condition of the vehicle is not monitored, and the vehicle is not started.

[049] As shown in Figure 2, once the vehicle is started at step 207, the ISS module 140 is deactivated at step 208 by the control unit 130. In this regard, Figure 7 illustrates deactivation of the ISS module 140 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the control unit 130 continuously receives, at 208a, the speed V_s of the vehicle from the speed sensor 150; determines, at step 208b, a first time-period t1 for which the speed of the vehicle V_s is zero; compares, at step 208b, the first time-period with a first predetermined time tpDTi ; and deactivates, at step 208c, the ISS module 140 if the first time-period t1 is greater than or equal to the first predetermined time tpDTi. In an embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined time tpDn is 300 seconds.

[050] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit continuously receives, at step 208a, the speed of the vehicle V_s from the speed sensor 150 and the speed of the engine RPMs from the RPM sensor 160. The control unit 130, at step 208b', determines: a second time-period t2 for which the speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined speed V2 of the vehicle and the speed of the engine RPMs is greater than the predetermined speed of the engine RPMi. At step 208c, the control unit 130 compares: the second time-period t2 with a second predetermined time tpDT2; and deactivates the ISS module 140 if the second time-period t2 is greater than the second predetermined time tpDT2. In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined speed V2 of the vehicle is in a range of 1 to 5 km/hr, the second predetermined time tpDT2 is in a range of 3 seconds to 8 seconds, and the predetermined speed of the engine RPMi is 1800 RPM.

[051] Advantageously, the present invention ensures safety of the rider by not starting the vehicle in case of a sudden throttle rise. As described herein, starting of the vehicle from a stop condition does not only require the rate of throttle rise but also the rate of throttle fall and the position or status of one or more components of the vehicle to be measured. This further enables that aged or weak riders can raise the throttle slightly and leave for the throttle to fall. If the rate of throttle fall meets the condition described hereinbefore, the ISS module 140 checks for other conditions and starts the vehicle. This also avoids embarrassment and troubleshooting in case the vehicle is not started. Moreover, since less effort is required for throttle fall, possibility of vehicle restart increases. Further, the present invention also results in the engine 210 reliability being increased and increased electric start (ES) switch life.

[052] Additionally, since the ISS module 140 remains in deactivated state unless the conditions described hereinbefore are met, the battery 170 consumption is optimized thereby improving life of the battery 170.

[053] Furthermore, since the control unit 130 is configured to deactivate the ISS module 140 if the vehicle is in a prolonged stationary condition, for example: vehicle in a parked condition, the system and method of the present invention also find application in 2W, 3W, and 4W vehicles. [054] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (100) for starting a vehicle comprising: a throttle position sensor (110) for detecting position of a throttle shaft of an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (210); one or more auxiliary sensors (120) for detecting position or status of one or more components of the vehicle; and a control unit (130) having an idle stop start module (140), the control unit (130) coupled with the throttle position sensor (110) and the one or more auxiliary sensors (120); wherein the idle stop start module (140) is configured to: receive position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor (110) and position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components from the one or more auxiliary sensors (120); monitor a starting condition of the vehicle, the starting condition comprises: measuring values of rate of throttle rise (RTR_s) and/or rate of throttle fall (RTFS) based on the position of the throttle shaft received from the throttle position sensor (110); and determining position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components based on position or status received from the one or more auxiliary sensors (120); compare: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise (RTR_s) against a predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTRI) and/or the rate of throttle fall (RTFS) against a predetermined rate of throttle fall (RTFI), and position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components against a predetermined value of position or status (COMP1) of the one or more components; and generate a start signal if: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise (RTR_s) is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTm) and/or the rate of throttle fall (RTFS) is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall (RTFI), and position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position or status (COMP1) of the one or more components.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the position of the throttle shaft is in a range of 1 % to 10%. 3. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTm) is in a range of 0 to 10%/ms and the predetermined rate of throttle fall (RTFI) is in a range of -10 to 0 %/ms.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 , comprising: a speed sensor (150) for measuring speed of the vehicle; and an RPM sensor (160) for measuring speed of the engine.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the idle stop start module (140) is configured to: receive speed of the vehicle (V_s) from the speed sensor (150) and speed of the engine (RPMs) from the RPM sensor (160); compare: the speed of the vehicle (V_s) with a predetermined speed of the vehicle (Vi); and the speed of the engine (RPMs) with a predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi); and generate the start signal if: the speed of the vehicle (V_s) is less than the predetermined speed of the vehicle (Vi) and the speed of the engine (RPM_S) is equal to the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi), wherein the predetermined speed of the vehicle (Vi) is 1 km/hr, and the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi) is 0 RPM.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more auxiliary sensors (120) are selected from: a brake position sensor (120a) for detecting position of a brake, a clutch position sensor (120b) for detecting position of a clutch, a seat sensor switch (120c) for detecting occupancy of a seat, a footboard switch (120d) for detecting rider’s foot on a footboard, a handlebar grip pressure sensor (120e) for detecting pressure applied on a handlebar grip, and a side stand position sensor (120f) for detecting position of a side stand. 7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the predetermined position of the brake comprises a completely pressed position of the brake, the predetermined position of the clutch comprises a completely pressed position of the clutch, the predetermined status of the seat sensor switch (120c) comprises an actuated state indicating the seat in an occupied condition, the predetermined status of the footboard switch (120d) comprises an actuated state indicating presence of rider’s foot on the footboard, the predetermined position of the handlebar grip comprises an application of pressure greater than 2 kg/cm² on the handlebar grip, and the predetermined position of the side stand comprises an upright position of the side stand.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (130) is configured to: continuously monitor: voltage (VOLTs) of a battery (170) from a battery management system (180), temperature of the engine (T_s) from a temperature sensor (190), and position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor (110); compare: the voltage (VOLTs) of the battery (170) with a predetermined voltage

(VOLT1) of the battery (170), the temperature of the engine (T_s) with a predetermined temperature of the engine (Ti), and position of the throttle shaft with a predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft; and activate the idle stop start module (140) if: the voltage (VOLTs) of the battery (170) is greater than the predetermined voltage (VOLT1) of the battery (170), the temperature of the engine (T_s) is greater than the predetermined temperature of the engine (Ti), and the position of the throttle shaft is within the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft, wherein the predetermined voltage (VOLT1) of the battery (170) is 6V, the predetermined temperature of the engine (Ti) is 15 degree Celsius, and the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft is between 1% to 10%.

9. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to: continuously receive the speed of the vehicle (V_s) from the speed sensor (150), determine a first time-period (t1 ) for which the speed of the vehicle (V_s) is zero, compare the first time-period (t1) with a first predetermined time (tpDTi), and deactivate the idle stop start module (140) if the first time-period (t1) is greater than or equal to the first predetermined time (tpDTi), wherein the first predetermined time (tpDTi) is 300 seconds.

10. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (130) is configured to: continuously receive the speed of the vehicle (V_s) from the speed sensor (150) and the speed of the engine (RPM_S) from the RPM sensor (160), determine: a second time-period (t2) for which the speed of the vehicle (V_s) is within a predetermined range of speed of the vehicle (V2) and the speed of the engine (RPMs) is greater than the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi), compare the second time-period (t2) with a second predetermined time (tpDT2), and deactivate the idle stop start module (140) if the second time-period (t2) is greater than the second predetermined time (tpDT2), wherein the predetermined speed of the vehicle (V2) is in a range of 1 to 5 km/hr, the second predetermined time (tpDT2) is in a range of 3 seconds to 8 seconds, and the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi) is 1800 RPM. 11. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claim, wherein the idle stop start module (140) is configured to communicate the start signal to a motor (200) coupled with the IC engine (210), the motor (200) starts the IC engine (210) upon receipt of the start signal. 12. The system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the idle stop start module (140) is configured to communicate the start signal to a controller (220) coupled with the motor (200), the controller (220) starts the motor (200) upon receipt of the start signal thereby starting the IC engine (210).

13. The system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the motor (200) comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control unit (130) or the controller (220) comprises an ISG controller.

15. A method for starting a vehicle comprising the steps of: receiving (202), by an idle stop start module (140) of a control unit (130), position of a throttle shaft of an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (210) from a throttle position sensor (110) and position or status (COMPs) of one or more components from one or more auxiliary sensors (120); monitoring (204), by the idle stop start module (140), a starting condition of the vehicle, the starting condition comprising: measuring values of rate of throttle rise (RTRS) and/or rate of throttle fall (RTFS) based on the position of the throttle shaft received from the throttle position sensor (110); and determining position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components based on position or status received from the one or more auxiliary sensors (120); comparing (205) by the idle stop start module (140): the measured values of the rate of throttle rise (RTR_s) against a predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTRI) and/or the rate of throttle fall (RTFS) against a predetermined rate of throttle fall (RTFI), and position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components against a predetermined value of position or status (COMP1) of the one or more components; and generating (206), by the idle stop start module (140), a start signal if: the measured values of the rate of throttle rise (RTR_s) is less than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTm) and/or the rate of throttle fall (RTFS) is greater than or equal to the predetermined rate of throttle fall (RTFI), and position or status (COMPs) of the one or more components is more than or equal to one or more predetermined position or status (COMP1) of the one or more components, wherein the position of the throttle shaft is in a range of 1% to 10%, the predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTm) is in a range of 0 to 10%/ms and the predetermined rate of throttle fall (RTFI) is in a range of -10 to 0 %/ms.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, comprising the steps of: receiving (204), by the idle stop start module (140), a speed of the vehicle (V_s) from a speed sensor (150) and speed of the engine (RPMs) from the RPM sensor (160); comparing (205) by the idle stop start module (140): the speed of the vehicle (V_s) with a predetermined speed of the vehicle (Vi); and the speed of the engine (RPMs) with a predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi); and generating (206), by the idle stop start module (140), the start signal if: the speed of the vehicle (V_s) is less than the predetermined speed of the vehicle (Vi) and the speed of the engine (RPMs) is equal to the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi), wherein the predetermined speed of the vehicle (Vi) is 1 km/hr, and the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi) is 0 RPM.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring (203a) by the control unit (130): voltage (VOLTs) of a battery (170) from a battery management system (180), temperature of the engine (T_s) from a temperature sensor (190), and position of the throttle shaft from the throttle position sensor (110); comparing (203b) by the control unit (130): the voltage (VOLTs) of the battery (170) with a predetermined voltage (VOLT1) of the battery (170), the temperature of the engine (T_s) with a predetermined temperature of the engine (Ti), and position of the throttle shaft with a predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft; and activating (203c) the idle stop start module (140) by the control unit (130) if: the voltage (VOLTs) of the battery (170) is greater than the predetermined voltage (VOLT1) of the battery (170), the temperature of the engine (T_s) is greater than the predetermined temperature of the engine (Ti), and the position of the throttle shaft is within the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft, wherein the predetermined voltage (VOLT1) of the battery (170) is 6V, the predetermined temperature of the engine (Ti) is 15 degree Celsius, and the predetermined range of position of the throttle shaft is between 1% to 10%.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16, comprising the steps of: continuously receiving (208a), by the control unit (130), the speed of the vehicle (V_s) from the speed sensor (150); determining (208b), by the control unit (130), a first time-period (t1) for which the speed of the vehicle (V_s) is zero; comparing (208b), by the control unit (130), the first time period (t1) with a first predetermined time (tpDTi); and deactivating (208c) the idle stop start module (140) by the control unit (130) if the first time period (t1 ) is greater than or equal to the first predetermined time (tpDTi), wherein the first predetermined time (tpDTi) is 300 seconds.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16, comprising the steps of: continuously receiving (208a), by the control unit (130), the speed of the (V_s) from the speed sensor (150) and the speed of the engine (RPMs) from the RPM sensor (160); determining (208b') by the control unit (130): a second time-period (t2) for which the speed of the vehicle (V_s) is within a predetermined range of speed of the vehicle (V2) and the speed of the engine (RPMs) is greater than the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi); comparing (208b') by the control unit (130) the second time period (t2) with a second predetermined time (tpDT2); and deactivating (208c) the idle stop start module (140) by the control unit (130) if the second time-period (t2) is greater than the second predetermined time (tpDT2); wherein the predetermined speed of the vehicle (V2) is in a range of 1 to 5 km/hr, the second predetermined time (tpDT2) is in a range of 3 seconds to 8 seconds, and the predetermined speed of the engine (RPMi) is 1800 RPM.

20. The method as claimed in claim 15, comprising the step of communicating the start signal by the idle stop start module (140) to a motor (200) for starting the IC engine

(210).