Bidirectional Throttle Lever Control for Auxiliary Vehicle Functions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional throttle operating devices for vehicles like ATVs and PWCs are limited to one-directional rotational operations of the throttle lever, restricting the ability to perform other operations beyond throttle control.

Innovation Solution

A throttle operating device with a fixing member, throttle lever, and detection sensor that allows rotational operation in both forward and reverse directions, enabling control of the vehicle's drive source and operation of additional devices when the throttle lever is rotated in these directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the throttle lever is limited to one-directional rotation, then the throttle control function is simple and reliable, but the versatility and operational flexibility are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The throttle lever is designed to perform multiple functions: forward rotation controls the drive source (throttle), while reverse rotation operates other vehicle devices such as lights or horns. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to serve several purposes, improving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes reverse rotation of the throttle lever (opposite to the conventional forward rotation) to trigger alternative functions. By inverting the direction of operation, the system enables additional device control while maintaining the familiar throttle lever interface, thus enhancing adaptability without requiring completely new control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the throttle lever allows reverse direction rotation, then additional device operations are enabled, but accidental operations may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation capabilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor and control system are designed to recognize and respond differently to forward versus reverse rotation directions. By implementing asymmetric detection logic that distinguishes between rotation directions, the system enables intentional reverse operations while potentially implementing confirmation requirements or dead zones to prevent accidental activations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The detection sensor provides feedback on the rotation direction and angle of the throttle lever to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor operator intent and implement appropriate response strategies, such as requiring deliberate rotation beyond a certain threshold to activate reverse functions, thereby reducing accidental operations while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11668254B2Throttle operating device
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 ASAHI DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • US11668254B2 patent drawing
  • US11668254B2 patent drawing
  • US11668254B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A throttle operating device includes a fixing member, a throttle lever, and a detection sensor. A drive source of the transport is configured to be controlled based on the rotational operation angle of the throttle lever detected by the detection sensor. The throttle lever is configured to be rotated in a forward direction and a reverse direction. When the throttle lever is rotated in the forward direction, the drive source of the transport can be controlled. When the throttle lever is rotated in the reverse direction, a predetermined device mounted on the transport can be operated or an operation of the predetermined device can be stopped.