General Purpose Engine Choke Control ECU Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing general purpose engines require different ECUs for automatic and manual choking functions, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and the risk of wrong assembly in the aftermarket due to the need for multiple ECU types.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus for a general purpose engine that uses a single type of ECU, featuring a temperature detector, heater connection determiner, and choke controller to automatically control the choke valve based on temperature and inform users to manually operate the choke valve if the heater is not connected, utilizing a thermo wax regulating member and heater for temperature-dependent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different ECUs are prepared for automatic and manual choking functions, then the engine can be adapted to different operating conditions, but the manufacturing complexity increases and the risk of wrong assembly rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ECU that can perform both automatic choking control and manual choking support functions. The ECU includes a heater connection determiner that detects whether the heater is connected, and based on this detection, automatically switches between automatic choking mode (when heater is connected) and manual choking guidance mode (when heater is not connected). This eliminates the need for different ECU types for different engine configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ECU's choking control function adaptive rather than fixed. The ECU dynamically changes its operating mode based on the heater connection status detected by the heater connection determiner. When the heater is connected, the ECU performs automatic choking; when the heater is not connected, the ECU provides manual choking guidance. This dynamic adaptation allows one ECU to serve multiple functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different ECUs are prepared for automatic and manual choking functions, then the engine can be adapted to different operating conditions, but product management becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ECU that can perform both automatic choking control and manual choking support functions. The ECU includes a heater connection determiner that detects whether the heater is connected, and based on this detection, automatically switches between automatic choking mode (when heater is connected) and manual choking guidance mode (when heater is not connected). This eliminates the need for different ECU types for different engine configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different ECUs are prepared for automatic and manual choking functions, then the engine can be adapted to different operating conditions, but the possibility of wrong assembly in the after market increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ECU that can perform both automatic choking control and manual choking support functions. The ECU includes a heater connection determiner that detects whether the heater is connected, and based on this detection, automatically switches between automatic choking mode (when heater is connected) and manual choking guidance mode (when heater is not connected). This eliminates the need for different ECU types for different engine configurations.
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
Enables the use of a single ECU type for both automatic and manual choking functions, simplifying manufacturing and reducing the risk of incorrect assembly, while ensuring proper engine operation across varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a choke valve opening regulating mechanism (116) having regulating member (thermo wax) that regulates opening of the choke valve (74)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detector (temperature sensor 120) that detects temperature of the general purpose engine (10)
Implementation Method 3
a heater connection determiner (CPU 136, heater detecting circuit 150) that determines whether the heater (116g) is connected to the heater connection terminal (142)
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for controlling a general purpose engine having a choke valve, a choke valve opening/closing mechanism, a choke valve opening regulating mechanism, a heater and a heater connection terminal, it is configured to detect temperature of the general purpose engine, to determine whether the heater is connected to the heater connection terminal, and to control operation of the choke valve opening/closing mechanism based on the detected temperature to open/close the choke valve when it is determined that the heater is connected to the heater connection terminal, while informing a user to manually open/close the choke valve by a manual opening/closing mechanism when it is determined that the heater is not connected to the heater connection terminal.