Carburetor Idle Down Linkage for Snow Blower Throttle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carburetors for snow blowers lack a convenient and fast mechanism to transition the engine into an idle state, often requiring complex operation of the throttle and choke controls, which can lead to accidental engine shutdown or difficulty in operation due to environmental factors like snow coverage.

Innovation Solution

A carburetor with an independent idle down feature, accessible through a dedicated idle down handle that allows for quick engine idling without affecting the choke valve, utilizing a transmission shaft and linkage system to control the throttle valve independently of the choke mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the power controller is used to place the engine into idle condition, then the engine can be controlled to idle state, but the operation is complex and may lead to accidental shutdown or incorrect positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of idle operationVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent parts: the existing power controller for overall engine control and the new idle-down feature for specific idle transition. This segmentation allows the idle function to be simplified and dedicated, reducing operational complexity while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The idle-down feature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the throttle valve. Instead of directly operating the complex power controller, the user interacts with the simpler idle-down feature, which then mediates the throttle adjustment to achieve idle condition through the air passage aperture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the power controller is actuated to close the throttle valve, then the engine enters idle state, but the response time is slow and may inadvertently shut off the engine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speed to idleVSAvoidrisk of accidental shutdown
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The idle-down feature is designed to preliminarily prepare the system for idle transition by providing a dedicated, pre-configured pathway to idle condition. The feature includes predetermined aperture positions that correspond to idle requirements, allowing rapid transition without the need for gradual throttle adjustment, thus speeding up response while preventing overshoot into shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The idle-down feature implements partial action by providing specific, limited aperture positions rather than continuous throttle control. This partial action approach provides enough control for idle transition without the complexity and risk of full throttle control, achieving the necessary idle state without enabling accidental shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If the power controller lever is used for idle control, then the throttle can be adjusted, but the user may inadvertently place the lever into the wrong position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of idle controlVSAvoidcontrol position precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The idle-down feature applies local quality by providing a dedicated control element with specific functionality for idle transition. This localized feature has distinct physical characteristics and positioning mechanisms that ensure precise idle positioning, contrasting with the general-purpose power controller lever that lacks precise positioning for idle specifically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the power controller is located in its current position, then the engine control is maintained, but it is not convenient or easy for the user to actuate in snowy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of actuation in snowy conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The idle-down feature serves as an intermediary control element that is optimally positioned and designed for easy operation in snowy conditions. It acts as a mediator between the user and the engine idle function, providing a accessible interface that is not subject to the same environmental constraints as the original power controller location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables easy and rapid engine idling, reducing the risk of accidental shutdown and improving usability in snowy conditions by providing a distinct and intuitive control for transitioning to an idle state, separate from the choke and throttle operations.

Implementation Method 1

The venturi can be variously configured in different arrangements of carburetors and may in some instances even be absent. Fuel can be drawn into the venturi or other portion of the air passage through the carburetor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

The engine will enter an idle state when this is done and a vacuum created by this closure will function to draw a minimum amount of fuel and air through apertures that allow the engine to run in an idle condition.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS10584661B2Carburetor with idle down feature
Publication Date: 2020.03.10 LIQUID COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • US10584661B2 patent drawing
  • US10584661B2 patent drawing
  • US10584661B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A carburetor with a throttle valve is provided in which a linkage member is in communication with the throttle valve. An idle down handle can be moved from an unactuated position to an actuated position and is in communication with the throttle valve. Movement of the idle down handle to the actuated position causes the throttle valve to be placed into the closed position. When the idle down handle is in the unactuated position the throttle linkage member can cause the throttle valve to be moved back and forth between the open and closed positions.