Electronic Throttle Device with Mechanical Guard Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to develop an electronic throttle valve system suitable for straddle-type vehicles, such as two-wheeled motor vehicles, which face housing space limitations and require a mechanism that can be mounted under severe restrictions, differing from four-wheeled vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electronic throttle device comprising a throttle valve, an electric motor, and a control unit, with a mechanical throttle-valve actuating mechanism that includes a first and second rotational member with limited relative movement, an elastic member, and a guard mechanism with a pulley and lever pulley system, allowing for smooth operation and actuation of the throttle valve, even when the electric motor stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an electronic throttle valve system is applied to two-wheeled motor vehicles, then emission and fuel consumption are reduced, but housing space is limited and layout restrictions are severe
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic throttle valve system is integrated into the existing throttle body structure of two-wheeled motor vehicles. The electric motor is mounted within the throttle body housing, and the valve shaft with throttle valve is nested within the same assembly. This nesting approach allows the electronic control system to be incorporated without requiring additional external space, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving emission reduction and maintaining limited housing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electronic motor-driven throttle actuation system with the traditional cable-operated throttle mechanism by providing a guard mechanism that can operate in both electronic and mechanical modes. The electric motor, valve shaft, and cable-operated components are merged into a single integrated assembly, allowing the system to function as an electronic throttle while fitting within the constrained space of two-wheeled vehicles.
2Reliability
If a mechanical throttle-valve actuating mechanism is provided with a guard mechanism, then reliability is improved for emergency situations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guard mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electric motor system and the traditional cable-operated throttle system. It includes a lever pulley that can be actuated by the cable in emergency situations to manually open the throttle valve. This intermediary mechanism provides a fallback mechanical operation mode without completely redesigning the electronic system, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard mechanism is designed to be dynamically switchable between normal electronic operation mode and emergency mechanical operation mode. The lever pulley can engage or disengage from the cable operation depending on the situation, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level based on operational needs. This dynamic design provides reliability assurance while avoiding unnecessary complexity during normal operation.
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 solution enables a more suitable electronic throttle valve system for straddle-type vehicles, ensuring smooth operation and responsiveness, with the elastic member facilitating actuation and protecting components, while the guard mechanism ensures continued functionality in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (51) which is formed between the first and the second rotational members. Preferably, the elastic member is a cushion spring
Implementation Method 2
the elastic member is a cushion spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic throttle device (100) comprising a throttle valve (10), an electric motor (20), and a control unit (30), for adjusting an amount of intake air to an internal combustion engine (200) of a straddle-type vehicle, the electronic throttle device further comprising a mechanical throttle-valve actuating mechanism (50) comprising a first rotational member (54) for operation with an accelerator controller (60) of the vehicle and a second rotational member (13) for operation with the throttle valve (10), said first and second rotational members being engageable with each other, wherein a relative movement between said first and second rotational members is limited within a predetermined displacement, and wherein an elastic member (51) is interposed between said first and second rotational members.