Bendixsystem

The Bendixsystem, often referred to as the Bendix drive or Bendix starter drive, is a component used in starter motors for internal combustion engines. Its primary function is to engage and disengage the starter motor's pinion gear with the engine's flywheel or flexplate. This engagement allows the starter motor to crank the engine to initiate combustion.

Invented by Vincent Hugo Bendix, the Bendixsystem revolutionized starting mechanisms. Prior to its invention, various manual or less reliable methods were used to start engines. The Bendix drive's ingenious design uses a helical spline shaft and an overrunning clutch mechanism. When the starter motor is energized, the pinion gear is automatically moved forward along the shaft to mesh with the engine's ring gear. Once the engine starts and its speed exceeds that of the starter motor, the overrunning clutch disengages the pinion gear, preventing damage to the starter motor.

The Bendixsystem consists of several key parts including the pinion gear, the drive sleeve, the actuating yoke, and the overrunning clutch. The overrunning clutch is crucial for its operation, allowing torque to be transmitted in only one direction. This device is a common feature in automotive starter motors and has been a standard for decades, though modern systems may incorporate electronic engagement mechanisms or variations on the original design.