Patent ID: 6357409
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: F01L,F02D,F02N,Y02T

Abstract:
A method for starting a camless internal combustion engine in response to a start signal, the internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a plurality of cylinders each having one or more actuators for electronically actuating corresponding intake and exhaust valves, the internal combustion engine being mechanically coupled via the crankshaft to a starter motor, the starter motor being activated in response to the start signal, said method comprising:positioning each of the valves in accordance with a predetermined valve initial position, the valves being positioned so as to allow the flow of air in and out of each of the cylinders, said step of positioning the valves comprising the step of positioning each of the valves at the conclusion of a prior operation of the internal combustion engine; rotating the crankshaft via the starter motor to a target idle speed for the engine; activating each of the valves in accordance with a predetermined valve activation sequence when the rotational speed of the crankshaft equals or exceeds the target idle speed; and activating each of the cylinders in accordance with a predetermined cylinder activation sequence after the valves have been activated.