Hongchang Gongmao

What is the working principle of a retarder starter?

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2025-06-26

The core of the reduction starter lies in enhancing its starting performance through the coordinated operation of a "reduction gear set" and a "motor." The working principle can be simply summarized in the following three steps:
1. The motor runs at high speed, producing low torque.
When an electric motor (such as a DC motor) is powered on, it spins at high speed, generating initial torque—but at this stage, the torque remains relatively low (similar to a small gear rotating rapidly).
2. Reduction Gear Set: "Reduces Speed, Increases Torque"
The motor's output shaft is connected to a reduction gear set (such as planetary gears or helical gears), which, through the meshing of the gears, converts high-speed, low-torque motion into low-speed, high-torque power. (This principle is similar to how a bicycle works—with a "big sprocket driving a small chainring," making pedaling much easier.)
The reduction ratio (e.g., 5:1) determines the torque amplification factor: for every 5 rotations of the input shaft, the output shaft rotates once, multiplying the torque by 5.
3. High-torque drive engine flywheel
The reduced torque is transmitted to the engine flywheel via the drive gear, causing the crankshaft to rotate and completing the start-up process.
Core Advantages
Achieving high torque with a small motor: No need to design a large-sized motor—this results in a more compact structure and lower energy consumption.
Suitable for high-compression engines: High torque effectively overcomes the significant resistance during cold starts—such as in low-temperature or heavy-load conditions.

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