Patent ID: 8408175

Claim:
A starter system for an engine having a stop-start capability, the starter system comprising: a first gear coupled to the engine, such that the first gear rotates at a speed of the engine; and a starter arranged relative to the engine, the starter having: a second gear arranged to selectively mesh with and apply torque to the first gear in order to start the engine, wherein the second gear is capable of rotating at the speed of the engine; a synchronizer device configured to substantially match the speed of the second gear with the speed of the engine prior to engagement of the first and second gears, such that the second gear is enabled to mesh with and apply torque to the first gear to thereby start the engine; and an over-running clutch operatively connected to the second gear, arranged to be displaced toward the first gear, and configured to transmit the starter torque to the second gear when the first gear rotates slower than the second gear and freewheel when the first gear rotates faster than the second gear; wherein the first gear includes a first frictional surface and the synchronizer device includes a second frictional surface configured to be driven into contact with the first frictional surface to thereby substantially match the speed of the second gear with the speed of the engine.