Tata gets patent for auto stop/start 

Tata Motors have invented auto stop/start system for manual transmission cars in consideration of the fact that most drivers keep the clutch depressed and transmission slotted to a driving gear at standstill which, in a regular stop/start system, does not switch off the engine, thus withholding fuel saving benefits of the said system.

The new technology comes equipped with various sensors to detect idling and works more effectively for Indian driving habits. Unlike a regular stop/start system that switches off the engine after slotting the gear lever to neutral and releasing the clutch, Tata’s stop/start technology will automatically turn off the engine when the vehicle is at standstill.

According to a patent document filed by Tata Motors, the auto stop/start control system comprises an electronic controller and an engine stop/start system which can start or stop the engine in response to electronic commands. The electronic controller will have an assembly of digital input blocks for measuring ignition key state, crank position, brake pedal state, clutch pedal state, engine speed and vehicle speed.

The digital and analog information obtained by the electronic controller through the input blocks are stored in the memory block. Using this stored information from the memory block, the semiconductor device does the necessary processing and accordingly generates the signals for starting or stopping the engine.

The engine stop/start system works in response to the said signals. After the vehicle comes to a complete stand-still, the electronic controller checks if the engine is running and also if the engine speed is at idle speed, then only the stop/start mechanism works.

It will be interesting to see that how well the new system is calibrated because currently most of the stop/start systems don’t work seamlessly. Tata Motors is expected to roll out this technology soon with their future cars but currently there is no confirmation on the timeline.