Automatic Choke Valve Control for Small Engine Startup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small engines with manual choke mechanisms require improved automatic choke systems that can adapt to varying engine temperatures and operational conditions to optimize fuel-air mixture and reduce exhaust emissions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic choke system featuring a motor-controlled choke valve, temperature sensor, and programmable controller that operates in multiple relief phases based on engine temperature and revolution count, transitioning the choke valve to ensure optimal fuel-air mixture and reduce enriched fuel mixture during startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual choke mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different temperature conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical choke system with an electronically controlled choke valve actuated by a motor. The controller receives temperature sensor inputs and automatically adjusts the choke valve position, substituting mechanical manual operation with an electromechanical system that provides automatic temperature-based adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic choke system performs self-adjustment based on temperature sensor feedback. The controller monitors engine temperature and autonomously controls the choke valve position without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to varying temperature conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If a simple thermal response mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of fuel-air mixture control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control loop where the temperature sensor continuously monitors engine temperature and sends signals to the controller. The controller processes this feedback information and adjusts the choke valve position accordingly, enabling precise fuel-air mixture control based on real-time temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The choke valve position is dynamically adjusted based on varying temperature conditions rather than using a fixed mechanical response. The motor-driven valve can move to different positions and hold them, providing dynamic control that adapts to changing operational conditions for optimized fuel-air mixture.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the choke valve is held closed longer to reduce emissions, then the emission reduction improves, but the startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a multi-phase choke relief strategy with distinct time periods and revolution counts for each phase. The system periodically adjusts the choke valve position through defined phases (first relief phase with time-based control, second relief phase with revolution-based control, third relief phase transitioning to fully open), balancing emission reduction with timely startup.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively manages the choke valve to provide optimal fuel-air mixture, reducing startup emissions and improving engine efficiency by adapting to different temperature conditions and operational states.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor configured to be connected to the engine
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic choke connectable to an engine. Also disclosed is an engine including the automatic choke, an apparatus including the engine and the automatic choke, and a method of controlling a choke valve. The automatic choke includes a motor for moving a choke valve and a controller electrically connected to the motor. In one construction, the controller is configured to store position information and a flag related to a position of the choke valve, determine the engine has, and control the automatic choke with the stored position information based on the flag and the determination that the engine has re-started. In another construction, the controller is configured to generate a motor control signal to direct the choke valve to a fully-open position without providing choke relief based on a temperature value indicating the engine temperature is greater than a threshold.