Contactless Throttle Position Sensing Using Magnetic Hall Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle throttle controls face issues with calibration retention due to sensitivity to environmental conditions and mechanical wear, particularly when relying on contact-based potentiometers for position sensing.
Innovation Solution
A contactless vehicle power control system that uses a magnetic member with a sensor in contactless association with the throttle, allowing for absolute position sensing without initial movement, and includes a biasing assembly for resiliently biasing the throttle towards neutral, enabling accurate and durable control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contactless sensor system is used for throttle position sensing, then reliability and durability are improved by eliminating mechanical wear and contact erosion, but device complexity increases due to the need for magnetic members and contactless sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based potentiometer system with a contactless magnetic sensing system. The magnetic member attached to the throttle interacts with a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or magnetoresistive sensor) to detect throttle position without physical contact. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, contact erosion, and friction associated with traditional potentiometers, thereby improving reliability and durability while maintaining calibration retention across environmental conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a magnetic member with contactless sensor is used for position sensing, then calibration retention is improved by eliminating sensitivity to environmental conditions and mechanical wear, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary alignment feature where the magnetic member is pre-positioned or pre-aligned relative to the sensor during assembly. This may include mechanical guides, keyed features, or pre-set spacing mechanisms that ensure the magnetic member and sensor are correctly positioned before final assembly. This preliminary action simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for complex post-assembly calibration while maintaining the stability and calibration retention benefits of the contactless magnetic sensing system.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical amplification is used to map throttle position to electrical domain, then sensing precision is improved, but mechanical wear and contact erosion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for mechanical amplification mechanisms by using a magnetic sensor that can directly detect small angular displacements of the throttle with high precision. The magnetic field interacts directly with the magnetic member on the throttle, allowing the sensor to resolve fine position changes without requiring mechanical leverage or amplification. This direct magnetic coupling maintains measurement precision while eliminating the mechanical wear and contact erosion associated with amplification mechanisms.
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 provides improved reliability and stability by maintaining accurate throttle position sensing and control, reducing mechanical wear and environmental sensitivity, while allowing for smooth transitions between propulsion and regenerative braking modes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic member having a magnetic field and associated with at least one of the throttle and the throttle mounting portion
Implementation Method 2
the sensor includes at least one Hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle power control that includes a throttle mounting portion and a throttle that is movably mounted to the throttle mounting portion and configured for manipulation and operation by a rider. The power control also includes a sensor in contactless association with at least one of the throttle and throttle mounting portion. The sensor is configured for sensing a position of the throttle with respect to the mounting portion, in the contactless association, and generating a signal based on the sensed position for controlling motive power of a vehicle.