Käivitussüsteeme
Käivitussüsteeme, commonly referred to as starting systems, are essential components in internal combustion engines responsible for initiating the engine's rotation to begin the combustion process. These systems overcome the inertia of the engine's rotating parts and provide the necessary torque to compress the air-fuel mixture and facilitate ignition. The most prevalent type of käivitussüsteem is the electric starter motor. This system comprises a small, high-torque electric motor powered by the vehicle's battery. When the ignition switch is activated, a solenoid engages a pinion gear, which meshes with the engine's flywheel or flexplate. The starter motor then spins, turning the flywheel and thus the engine's crankshaft. Once the engine starts and runs under its own power, a mechanism disengages the pinion gear from the flywheel to prevent damage. Older vehicles might have utilized manual starting methods, such as a hand crank, but these are largely obsolete in modern automotive applications. Other, less common käivitussüsteeme include compressed air starters, particularly found in large diesel engines like those in ships or heavy machinery, and inertia starters, which store rotational energy in a flywheel that is then released to spin the engine. The reliability and efficiency of the käivitussüsteem are crucial for the overall functionality and user experience of any engine-powered vehicle or equipment.