Mechanical Air-Fuel Restrictor Plate for Drag Racing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drag racing technologies lack a reliable, cost-effective, and easily adjustable method to restrict engine horsepower without electronic components, particularly in categories where electronic devices are not allowed, leading to inconsistent and time-consuming adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A restrictor device consisting of a main body member with a slideably insertable restrictor plate and a retaining/sealing cover, rigidly mounted between the air-fuel metering device and the intake manifold, allowing for quick and easy change of restriction by swapping distinct plates, providing consistent and accurate engine power reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-electronic throttle stop with manual adjustment is used, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but the adjustment precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor plate is segmented into multiple pre-drilled hole patterns, each providing a specific restriction level. This allows precise power adjustment without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple restriction configurations are merged into a single restrictor plate by drilling different hole patterns on the same plate. This eliminates the need for multiple separate plates or complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and precision.
2Device complexity
If a fixed restrictor plate is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different power restriction needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor plate is divided into multiple functional zones with different hole patterns, allowing selection of different restriction levels based on racing conditions and engine requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single restrictor plate performs multiple functions by incorporating different hole patterns that can be selected based on various racing conditions, engine configurations, and restriction needs, achieving versatility without increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If electronic throttle stops are used, then the adjustment precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system is extracted and replaced with a simple mechanical selection process. The restrictor plate with pre-drilled hole patterns provides reliable power restriction through pure mechanical means, eliminating electronic components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (restrictor plate with holes) instead of expensive electronic systems. The plate can be easily replaced or adjusted by selecting different hole patterns, providing cost-effective reliable restriction.
4Device complexity
If manual adjustment of throttle stop is made, then the device is simple, but the time required for adjustment and the loss of information about previous settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hole patterns are pre-configured on the restrictor plate during manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during setup. The desired restriction level is already prepared and can be quickly selected by installing the appropriate plate or covering.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple restriction configurations are copied onto a single plate through pre-drilled hole patterns. This allows quick selection of different restriction levels without manual measurement or adjustment, reducing adjustment time and eliminating the need to remember previous settings.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a device and method for controlling or restricting the air-fuel mixture into an internal combustion engine having a body member rigidly mounted between the air-fuel metering device and the engine intake, a slidably insertable restrictor plate, and a retaining and sealing cover. The body member may contain a single spacer or two spacers and may contain either a slot or a groove that communicates with the plate. The plate may contain a plurality of bore holes and multiple distinct plates can be made in order to achieve various and linear amounts of restriction. The plate can be easily and quickly changed depending on the amount of restriction desired. One or more embodiments of the device can be used on engines in various motorized vehicles and in various motorsports, such as drag racing. Other embodiments are described and shown.