Accelerator Position Sensor Layout for Protected Cable-Linked Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accelerator position sensors in straddle-type vehicles, when integrated with the accelerator grip without a mechanical connection, impair the operation feeling and are vulnerable to impacts, water, and mud, necessitating improved protection without compromising the grip's functionality.

Innovation Solution

The accelerator position sensor is connected to the accelerator grip via an accelerator cable, installed between a pair of seat rails, protected by the seat rails from impacts, and positioned above an outlet tube to shield it from water and mud, utilizing a space between an air cleaner case and the outlet tube to prevent capacity reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the accelerator position sensor is integrated with the accelerator grip without mechanical connection, then the operation feeling of the accelerator grip is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to impacts, water, and mud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation feeling of accelerator gripVSAvoidprotection of accelerator position sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The accelerator position sensor is separated from the accelerator grip and installed in a protected location (between seat rails and above outlet tube). The sensor is connected to the grip via an accelerator cable, dividing the system into a sensing portion (protected) and an operating portion (accessible), thereby protecting the sensor while maintaining grip functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An accelerator cable serves as an intermediary element connecting the accelerator grip to the position sensor. This cable transmission mechanism allows the sensor to be located in a protected position while still receiving operational input from the grip, resolving the contradiction between protection and operational feeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the accelerator position sensor is installed in a protected location, then protection against impacts, water, and mud is improved, but the installation space may reduce air cleaner capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of accelerator position sensorVSAvoidair cleaner capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is installed in a three-dimensional space above the outlet tube and between the seat rails, utilizing vertical and lateral spatial dimensions. This positioning uses otherwise wasted space in the vehicle assembly, protecting the sensor without encroaching on the air cleaner's functional volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4506237B1Installation structure of accelerator position sensor

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP

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AI summary

In an installation structure of an accelerator position sensor (53) connected to an accelerator grip (51) via an accelerator cable (52) in a straddle-type vehicle (1), a seat (23) is supported from a lower side of the straddle-type vehicle by a pair of seat rails (21), an air cleaner case (47) is installed below the pair of seat rails, an outlet tube (48) extends forward from the air cleaner case, an upper surface of the outlet tube is lower than an upper surface of the air cleaner case, and the accelerator position sensor is installed above the outlet tube between the pair of seat rails. Thereby, an operation feeling of the accelerator grip is not impaired, and the accelerator position sensor is protected by the seat rails from an impact when the vehicle falls down.