Engine Speed Control Lever with Detent Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote levers for internal combustion engines allow continuous adjustable speed, making it difficult to transform engines into two-speed configurations, as intermediate positions can still adjust speed between minimum and maximum speeds.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control lever, detent element, and seats that use a biasing force to automatically lock into either a first or second position, preventing intermediate speed adjustments, comprising a deadbolt and elastic or magnetic biasing members to ensure the lever locks into predefined speed settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a remote lever with discrete angular stroke is used to transform a continuously adjustable speed engine into a two-speed engine, then the engine can operate at minimum and maximum speeds, but the lever still allows positioning in intermediate positions which maintains continuous speed adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever's angular stroke is segmented into discrete positions (minimum speed and maximum speed) separated by a gap, preventing continuous adjustment. The lever can only be positioned at these two distinct angular locations, eliminating intermediate speed settings while maintaining ease of operation between the two defined speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
A detent element acts as an intermediary mechanism that engages with stops at the minimum and maximum speed positions. This detent element physically prevents the lever from being positioned between these two extremes, forcing the system to operate only at the predefined discrete speeds while maintaining user-friendly control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lever with discrete angular stroke is used to limit speed positions, then the engine operates at predefined speeds, but the structure becomes more complex compared to continuous adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever is merged with the detent element and stops into a single integrated mechanism. The lever itself incorporates the positioning function through its discrete angular stroke and the detent element, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms while achieving predefined speed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to be self-locking at the minimum and maximum speed positions through the detent element engaging with stops. The system automatically maintains these positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring stable predefined speed 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
Effectively transforms a continuously adjustable speed engine into a two-speed engine by preventing intermediate speed adjustments, allowing easy and quick locking into minimum and maximum speed positions, adaptable to various engine designs with minimal modification.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member which generates a biasing force; the biasing member is an elastic member which may impart the biasing force on the detent element
Implementation Method 2
the biasing force can be generated by a biasing member in the form of a magnetic element configured to force the control lever into one of the first or second positions
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine comprising a control lever movably associated to a support element, which may be the engine casing or a portion thereof. The control lever is moveable at least between a first position, in which the engine is at a first rotation regime, and a second position, in which the engine is at a second rotation time. A selective locking mechanism is provided that prohibits the control lever from being stably positioned at any (and all) intermediate positions between the first and second positions. In one embodiment, a biasing force generated by the device automatically forces the control lever into one of the first or second positions when the control lever is located in any of the intermediate positions and an actuation force is ceased.