Adaptive Throttle Control for Uneven Terrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional throttle control systems for vehicles struggle with modulating speed in inclement weather and uneven terrain, leading to an uncomfortable ride, increased brake wear, and higher fuel consumption due to difficulty in controlling vehicle responsiveness.

Innovation Solution

A throttle control system that incorporates sensors to detect suspension amplitudes and angular positions, using a controller to regulate the throttle based on operational data from these sensors, allowing for adaptive speed control and improved engine speed modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional torque control systems use spark retardation and fuel reduction to slow the vehicle during inclement weather and uneven terrain, then the vehicle speed is adequately reduced, but the ride becomes rough and jerky, and brake wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speedVSAvoidride comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The throttle control system dynamically adjusts the throttle opening based on real-time sensor data from the suspension system and grade sensor, continuously adapting to changing road conditions to maintain smooth vehicle operation while controlling speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from suspension sensors that detect suspension amplitudes and a grade sensor that detects angular position to continuously monitor vehicle conditions and adjust throttle opening accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents rough and jerky operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If conventional throttle control systems reduce vehicle responsiveness for better control in inclement weather, then vehicle control is improved, but fuel consumption increases due to operator compensation behaviors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle controlVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The throttle control system operates autonomously using sensor feedback to adjust throttle opening, eliminating the need for operator intervention and compensation behaviors like brake pumping, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption while maintaining reliable vehicle control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If conventional torque control systems apply brake force to control vehicle speed in challenging conditions, then speed control is achieved, but brake wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speed controlVSAvoidbrake service life

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical brake-based speed control with an electronic throttle control mechanism that uses sensor feedback to adjust engine power output, thereby controlling vehicle speed without relying on brake application and reducing brake wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8019521B2Enhanced throttle control

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A throttle control system for a vehicle includes a suspension sensor that detects suspension amplitudes of a suspension system of the vehicle, a grade sensor that detects an angular position of the vehicle, and a controller that receives first operational data from the suspension sensor and second operational data from the grade sensor and regulates a throttle of the vehicle based on the first and second operational data.