Electronic Governor Throttle Control for Utility Vehicle Speed Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transmission systems in utility vehicles do not effectively limit engine speed or rpm, lacking smart governor systems that allow users to set speed limits based on vehicle attachments or operating conditions, which can lead to excessive noise, damage, or safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic speed control system that includes a speed compensation component, pedal command component, and throttle actuator, which calculates a governor throttle offset to adjust the throttle command based on vehicle attachments and transmission positions, ensuring the engine response meets desired criteria by comparing maximum allowed speed with actual ground speed and applying a throttle offset to the pedal command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional transmission system is used, then the engine speed responds directly to throttle commands providing complete control, but the vehicle cannot effectively limit engine speed or rpm leading to excessive noise and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop that continuously monitors actual ground speed using sensors and compares it to the desired maximum speed. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the throttle command to maintain speed limits, resolving the contradiction between direct throttle control and speed limitation by adding intelligent feedback-based modulation to the conventional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical governor systems with an electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and electronic throttle actuators. This substitution allows for more precise and adaptable speed limiting while maintaining ease of operation, as the electronic system can dynamically adjust throttle commands based on real-time speed feedback without the mechanical complexity of traditional governors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical governor is built in to limit top speed, then engine rpm are limited, but the system is not smart and does not allow users to select upper limits based on activity or attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed limits that can be adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions, vehicle attachments, and user preferences. The system allows users to select different maximum speed settings appropriate for various activities (e.g., lower speeds for plowing, higher speeds for transport), making the governor system adaptable to different work environments rather than fixed at a single speed threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal governor system that can accommodate multiple attachments and operating conditions through a single electronic control unit. The system recognizes different attachment types (plows, snowblowers, transport equipment) and automatically or manually adjusts speed limits accordingly, providing multi-functionality that replaces the need for attachment-specific mechanical governors.
3Speed
If a throttle ramp is used to control acceleration rate, then engine acceleration is controlled, but top speed or engine rpms are not limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the throttle ramp function (which controls acceleration rate) with the governor function (which limits top speed) into a single integrated electronic control system. The system simultaneously manages both acceleration profiles and maximum speed limits by processing throttle commands through both the ramp logic and speed limitation logic, ensuring that neither acceleration nor top speed exceeds safe thresholds.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart governor system that intercepts and adjusts throttle commands when certain criteria are met based on vehicle operations and a user-selected transmission mode. The governor, when engaged, reduces a throttle command in order limit engine and/or ground speed.