Patent attributes
A starter for an engine includes a motor, a cylindrical tube, a one-way clutch, an output shaft, and a pinion gear. The motor generates a rotational force. A first bearing rotatably supports the tube. The tube includes a female helical spline on its inner surface. The clutch transfers a rotational force from the motor to the tube. The output shaft has first and second ends axially aligned with a shaft of the motor. The first end has a male helical spline that engages the female helical spline of the tube. A second bearing rotatably and slidably supports the second end of the output shaft. The pinion gear is disposed on the output shaft and is slidable to engage the output shaft and a ring gear on the engine. The output shaft has a straight spline engaging the pinion gear.
