Electronic Throttle Control for Smooth Recreational Vehicle Speed Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles with mechanically controlled throttle valves experience jumpy throttle response and difficulty in controlling engine torque, making it cumbersome to adjust throttle valve opening, especially in various applications such as plowing or hauling.
Innovation Solution
An electronic throttle control system with an engine control module that regulates throttle valve movement based on input devices and sensors, including drive mode selection, idle speed control, location detection, and security codes, to provide precise engine power and speed management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical linkage is used to control the throttle valve, then the structure is simple, but the throttle response is jumpy and hard to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable linkage system with an electronic control system consisting of an engine control module, position sensor, and electronic throttle actuator. This substitution eliminates the mechanical transmission delays and friction that cause jumpy throttle response, enabling smooth and precise throttle control through electronic signals while maintaining system simplicity through integrated control logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of throttle valve opening rate is implemented, then throttle response can be customized, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and impracticable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic throttle response control where the engine control module continuously adjusts the throttle valve opening rate based on real-time operating conditions such as engine load, RPM, and temperature. This dynamic adaptation provides customized throttle behavior for different applications (plowing, hauling, trail riding) without requiring manual adjustment, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the throttle position sensor and engine parameters to automatically adjust the throttle valve opening rate. The engine control module receives continuous feedback on actual throttle position and engine conditions, comparing it with desired values and making real-time adjustments to achieve optimal throttle response for the current application without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If separate mechanical devices are used for idle speed control and speed limiting, then each function is dedicated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single engine control module that handles throttle control, idle speed regulation, and maximum speed limiting. The engine control module universally manages all throttle-related functions by processing inputs from various sensors and executing appropriate control algorithms, eliminating the need for separate mechanical devices while maintaining reliable control through software-based function separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle includes a seatbelt sensor configured to detect when a seatbelt is in an engaged position or a disengaged position and an engine control module in communication with the seatbelt sensor to automatically limit a maximum speed of the vehicle to a reduced maximum speed limit upon detection of the seatbelt is in the disengaged position.