Excavator Throttle Control with Integrated Switch Panel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional excavator throttle control systems using mechanical gears are prone to gear-skipping due to fatigue, leading to poor control stability and limited intelligent control capabilities, failing to meet diverse operational needs.

Innovation Solution

An excavator throttle control device integrating a power switch and throttle knob with a main controller, ECM, electronic monitor, starting unit, and power supply relay, utilizing operational switches and a switch control unit for intelligent control, enabling flexible gear adjustments and quick throttle changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-gear mechanical throttle knob is used, then the throttle can be adjusted through multiple gears, but gear-skipping occurs due to fatigue life reduction of mechanical gears, leading to poor control stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrottle gear adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical multi-gear throttle knob with an electronic throttle control system. The electronic throttle control apparatus uses an electronic throttle position sensor to detect throttle position and a microcontroller to control throttle opening, eliminating mechanical gears entirely. This substitution resolves the gear-skipping issue by replacing the unreliable mechanical transmission system with an electronic control system that provides stable and precise throttle positioning without mechanical wear or skipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional electrical system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot meet diverse needs for intelligent operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent control capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional integrated control system where the electronic throttle control apparatus serves multiple purposes: basic throttle control, intelligent operation modes (single-hand operation, remote control), data monitoring (throttle position, engine parameters), and adaptive control based on operational conditions. The microcontroller integrates multiple control functions and the system can adapt to different operational needs through software configuration, providing universal intelligence across various excavation scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary between the operator and the excavator throttle control. The remote control transmits control signals wirelessly to the microcontroller, enabling remote operation capability. This intermediary component adds intelligent control versatility without significantly complicating the core throttle control system, as it interfaces through the existing electronic control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a mechanical gear-based throttle knob is used, then the structure is traditional and simple to manufacture, but it lacks flexible configuration according to diverse operational needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflexible configuration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic and reconfigurable electronic throttle control system where operational parameters, control modes, and response characteristics can be adjusted through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration. The microcontroller allows for programmable control logic that can adapt to different operational needs, enabling flexible configuration of throttle response curves, operational modes, and control parameters without manufacturing changes. This dynamic software-based configuration provides adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4502354B1Excavator throttle control apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 XCMG EXCAVATOR MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP4502354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4502354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4502354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention discloses an excavator throttle control device and method. The device comprises a main controller (1), an engine control module (ECM) (2), an electronic monitor (3), a starting unit (4), a power supply relay (5) and an integrated switch panel (6). The integrated switch panel (6) effectively integrates a power switch and a throttle knob, and is used to control a throttle gear through operational switches and transmit a control instruction to the main controller (1). The main controller (1) is used to determine an engine speed according to the gear control instruction sent by the integrated switch panel (6) and send the same to the ECM (2). The ECM is used to control an engine to execute a corresponding speed for a specific gear. The invention utilizes intelligent throttle control and a composite key function to achieve switching between throttle increase and decrease modes, as well as quick throttle control, enhancing the level of intelligence. The use of a resettable increase/decrease knob gear minimizes reliability issues caused by multiple gears and improves operability.