Electric starter
The invention of the electric starter fundamentally altered the landscape of the automotive industry and contributed significantly to the growth of Detroit as a major manufacturing center. Prior to its development, operating a motor vehicle required considerable physical strength and presented a genuine safety hazard, limiting automobile ownership to a smaller segment of the population. This innovation, spearheaded by Charles Kettering and refined through the efforts of numerous engineers and companies, made automobiles more accessible and reliable, paving the way for mass adoption and transforming personal transportation.
History
The concept of an electric starter for automobiles predates Charles Kettering’s widely recognized patent. As early as 1899, Clyde J. Coleman applied for a patent for an electric automobile starter[1], and was issued a patent in 1903. However, his initial designs proved impractical for widespread implementation. The challenges lay in creating a system that was both powerful enough to turn the engine and lightweight enough to be integrated into a vehicle. Early automobiles were started using a hand crank, a method that demanded significant physical exertion and carried the risk of injury if the engine backfired, potentially breaking the operator’s arm.
Charles Kettering, working with Edward A. Deeds at Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO), tackled these challenges in the early 1910s. Kettering’s approach focused on developing a starter motor powered by a 24-volt battery, coupled with a feedback mechanism to recharge the battery while the vehicle was running[2]. This system addressed the weight and power concerns that plagued earlier attempts. The Cadillac Car Company recognized the potential of Kettering’s invention and became the first to adopt it, integrating the electric starter into their 1912 models. This collaboration proved pivotal in demonstrating the practicality and reliability of the new technology.
On August 17, 1915, Kettering officially received a patent for the electric self-starter[3]. This patent marked a turning point in automotive history, as it eliminated the need for manual cranking and made automobiles significantly easier and safer to operate. The impact extended beyond convenience; it broadened the appeal of automobiles to a wider demographic, including women and those less physically capable of operating a hand crank. The increased accessibility contributed to the rapid growth of the automotive industry and the expansion of related industries, including manufacturing, road construction, and petroleum production.
In 1916, Kettering sold DELCO to General Motors (GM)[4], and he subsequently served as the head of research for GM for over three decades. During his tenure at GM, Kettering continued to innovate, contributing to the development of four-wheel brakes and other advancements. His work not only improved the performance and safety of automobiles but also played a crucial role in establishing GM as a leading force in the automotive industry. The story of the electric starter also has roots in German engineering, with the term “Anlasser” originating from the early development of the starter motor by Bosch in 1914[5].
Notable Residents
Charles Franklin Kettering, born August 29, 1876, in Loudonville, Ohio, became a prominent figure associated with Detroit through his work with General Motors[6]. After graduating from Ohio State University with an engineering degree in 1904, he initially gained recognition for his invention of the electric cash register while working at the National Cash Register Company (NCR). His move to establish Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO) and subsequent development of the electric starter cemented his legacy in the automotive world.
Kettering’s impact extended beyond automotive engineering. He held at least 140 patents over his career, covering a diverse range of inventions, including an early automobile ignition system and even an incubator for premature infants[7]. This breadth of innovation demonstrates his multifaceted engineering talent. Furthermore, Kettering co-founded the Sloan-Kettering Institute of Cancer Research, showcasing his commitment to public health and scientific advancement. While not solely defined by his residence in Detroit, his leadership role at General Motors and the impact of his inventions firmly link him to the city’s industrial and technological history.
Culture
The introduction of the electric starter had a subtle but significant impact on the culture surrounding automobiles. Previously, starting a car was a physical undertaking, often requiring the assistance of others. This created a social dynamic where men typically handled the starting process, reinforcing traditional gender roles. The electric starter, by removing this physical barrier, made it easier for women to operate automobiles independently[8]. This contributed to a shift in societal perceptions of women and their capabilities, and increased their participation in the burgeoning automotive culture.
The ease of starting an automobile also influenced how people perceived and used cars. The elimination of the hand crank made driving more accessible to a broader range of individuals, fostering a greater sense of independence and freedom. This, in turn, fueled the growth of recreational driving and road trips, transforming the automobile from a primarily utilitarian vehicle into a symbol of personal mobility and leisure. The legend surrounding the electric starter’s origin – that it was born out of Kettering’s desire to prevent others from suffering the fate of a friend who died from injuries sustained while cranking an engine[9] – adds a layer of human interest to the story, emphasizing the safety benefits of the invention and its potential to save lives.
Economy
The widespread adoption of the electric starter had a profound effect on the automotive economy, particularly in manufacturing hubs like Detroit. By simplifying the operation of automobiles, the electric starter broadened the potential customer base, driving increased demand for vehicles. This surge in demand stimulated growth across the entire automotive supply chain, from raw material suppliers to component manufacturers to assembly plants. The increased production volume led to economies of scale, reducing manufacturing costs and making automobiles more affordable for a larger segment of the population.
Kettering’s innovations, including the electric starter, also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement within the automotive industry. His leadership at General Motors emphasized research and development, leading to a steady stream of new features and improvements that enhanced the performance, safety, and appeal of automobiles. This commitment to innovation not only strengthened GM’s position in the market but also spurred competition among other automakers, driving further technological progress. The economic benefits extended beyond the automotive sector, as the growth of the industry created jobs and stimulated economic activity in related fields, such as road construction, petroleum refining, and tourism.
Automobile history
Charles Kettering
General Motors
Detroit automotive industry
Transportation in Detroit