Patented Software Solution to Prevent Rotation of the Tool Upon Machine Start at Idle

During the start-up phase of machines it can happen that tools are inadvertently rotating, which is caused by the half-throttle setting. Due to the starting throttle locking mechanism, the engine's rotational speed is above the engagement speed of the tool (for example the chain of a chain saw).

This article describes the software algorithms developed by PRUFREX that are able to prevent rotation of the tool upon machine start at idle. The patented software solution is able to differentiate between start behavior with and without a starting throttle locking mechanism based on the machine's speed and time information and, as a result, can identify or estimate the position of the throttle valve. The effect of the algorithms is the switch-over between different ignition curves that are stored in the microcontroller-operated ignition modules. This includes a provision in the start ignition curve that prevents the tool from rotating. Toggling between different ignition curves is already part of today's technology. The underlying patent defines the conditions for switch-over that is solely controlled by software.

The article explains the various machine states and their identification in detail. The possible program sequence is featured.