Removable ECU Support for ATV Throttle Body Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles like ATVs, the limited space near the engine and throttle body makes it difficult to mount and maintain the ECU, as traditional mounting methods restrict access and require lengthy harnesses, complicating servicing and maintaining the throttle body.
Innovation Solution
A removable support member is used to position the ECU upward and near the throttle body, allowing for efficient space utilization and easy maintenance by minimizing harness length and eliminating the need to reconnect them during servicing, while also providing protection from environmental influences like mud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the ECU is disposed near the throttle body to reduce harness length, then the harness length is reduced, but the maintainability of the throttle body deteriorates due to limited access space
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed as a separate, removable component from both the vehicle body and the throttle body. This segmentation allows the ECU to be mounted on the support member which can be easily detached, providing access to the throttle body when needed while maintaining the shortened harness configuration during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is made movable and removable rather than fixed. It can be detached from the vehicle body when throttle body maintenance is required, and reattached when not needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between two states: normal operation with shortened harness and maintenance mode with improved access.
2Area of stationary object
If the ECU is disposed in a suitable empty space of the vehicle body, then the mounting space is obtained, but the ECU is exposed to environmental influences such as mud and water
Solution Approach 1:
The support member containing the ECU is positioned within the space formed by the vehicle body, fuel tank, and seat. This nested arrangement allows the ECU to be housed in an otherwise unused space while being protected by the surrounding vehicle components that shield it from environmental influences.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary structure between the ECU and the harsh environment. It provides a mounting platform that positions the ECU in a protected location, using the vehicle body, fuel tank, and seat as natural barriers against mud and water.
3Area of stationary object
If the ECU is disposed forwardly or rearwardly in the vehicle, then the mounting space can be obtained, but the harness length increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of disposing the ECU only in forward or rearward directions along the vehicle's longitudinal axis, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by mounting the ECU on the support member above the throttle body. This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of short harness length and adequate mounting space.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle-ride type vehicle, and arrangement of an electric part such as a controller for a saddle-ride type vehicle, can include a vehicle frame which has a left main frame and a right main frame which extend from a forward side to a rearward side of a vehicle body. An engine is supported on the vehicle frame, and a throttle body is disposed near the engine. An air cleaner is disposed adjacent throttle body, and a controller is provided, which is configured to control the engine. A support member supports at least a controller, with the support member being removably mounted relative to the vehicle body. The support member is separate from the throttle body and the air cleaner. The support member is typically disposed above the throttle body.