Electronic Throttle Control for Snowmobiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Snowmobile riders face fatigue and mechanical issues due to the need to constantly operate the throttle lever for extended periods, especially in shortened snow seasons, as the existing Bowden cable mechanism requires significant strength and can lead to throttle valve freezing.

Innovation Solution

A straddle type vehicle equipped with an operation portion, an operation input detector, and an operation amount detector that allows for electronic control of the engine, eliminating the need for mechanical wires and reducing the effort required to operate the throttle lever by using a torsion coil spring and sensors to detect and respond to rider input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the elastic force of the spring is increased to prevent throttle valve freezing, then the throttle valve can be reliably closed, but the rider needs more strength to operate the throttle lever

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrottle valve closing reliabilityVSAvoidthrottle lever operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical Bowden cable system with an electronic sensor system. The operation amount detector (sensor) electrically detects the operation amount of the operation portion, and the control portion controls the throttle valve based on this detection, eliminating the need for mechanical force transmission and spring-based return mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic control system as an intermediary between the rider's operation and the throttle valve. The operation amount detector and control portion act as mediators that translate rider input into precise throttle valve positioning without requiring direct mechanical force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the Bowden cable mechanism is used to connect the throttle lever and throttle valve, then mechanical connection is simple, but the mechanism becomes extensive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection simplicityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the extensive mechanical Bowden cable system with a compact electronic detection and control system. The operation amount detector and control portion occupy minimal space while providing more precise and reliable control compared to the mechanical cable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the rider operates the throttle lever in a half-open state for long hours, then low speed travel is maintained, but the rider's hand becomes extremely tired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow speed travel durationVSAvoidthrottle lever operation fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the operation amount detector continuously monitors the operation portion position, and the control portion adjusts the throttle valve accordingly. This allows the system to maintain precise throttle positioning without requiring continuous physical effort from the rider.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system performs the work of maintaining throttle position automatically. Once the rider sets the desired throttle position, the control portion maintains it without requiring continuous rider intervention or physical effort, making the system self-servicing for prolonged operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution simplifies the engine control mechanism, reduces rider fatigue, and prevents throttle valve freezing by allowing for precise control of the throttle valve without the need for excessive mechanical force, enabling stable low-speed travel and reducing the risk of mechanical complications.

Implementation Method 1

an operation amount detector which is provided near the grip and electrically detects an operation amount of the operation portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

reducing the effort required to operate the throttle lever by using a torsion coil spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8186476B2Straddle type vehicle

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A snowmobile includes an engine, a handle, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The handle includes a grip grasped by the rider. The operation portion is provided near the grip to control driving of the engine. The operation input detector is provided near the grip to detect whether operation of the operation portion has been carried out by the rider. The operation amount detector electrically detects the operation amount of the operation portion. The control portion controls driving of the engine based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector when operation of the operation portion by the rider is detected at the operation input detector.