Go-Kart Throttle Stop Control for Remote Engine Power Limiting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack a simple, efficient, and cost-effective method to remotely control the power of thermal karts, making it difficult to implement speed bonuses and penalties, which are easily achievable with electric karts, thereby limiting the fun and engaging aspects of karting experiences without increasing costs or compromising safety and driving sensations.

Innovation Solution

A thermal kart system using a cable accelerator connecting a pedal and an operating lever that controls the air inlet flap, with a movable stop and a compensation spring to maintain consistent pedal movement and adjust engine power based on control signals, allowing for remote control of maximum speed and power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic power control with ECU and input sensors is implemented to remotely control thermal kart power, then power adjustability and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower adjustabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power control function from the complex electronic ECU system and relocates it to a simple mechanical stop on the accelerator pedal. The stop physically limits the pedal's travel range, thereby controlling maximum power without requiring sensors, processors, or complex wiring. This mechanical extraction resolves the contradiction by achieving power adjustability while eliminating electronic complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive electronic control components with a simple, inexpensive mechanical stop that can be easily manufactured and installed. The stop is a basic mechanical element that limits pedal travel, providing power control at minimal cost compared to ECU systems with redundant sensors and safety mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If electronic power control systems with redundant safety mechanisms are implemented, then safety during acceleration is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety during accelerationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical stop system is self-regulating and inherently safe without requiring additional safety mechanisms. The stop physically prevents the accelerator pedal from exceeding a predetermined position, automatically limiting power output. This passive mechanical constraint provides reliable safety during acceleration without the need for active electronic monitoring, sensors, or redundant control systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the accelerator pedal range of movement is blocked by a movable stop, then maximum power is reduced for safety, but driver control and driving sensations are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum power limitationVSAvoiddriver control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable stop that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions along the accelerator pedal's travel range. This allows the maximum power limitation to be flexible rather than fixed - the stop can be repositioned to accommodate different driving conditions, vehicle configurations, or safety requirements while maintaining full driver control within the permitted range. The dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by preserving driver agency while enforcing power limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simple and effective remote control of thermal kart power, maintaining safety and driving sensations while reducing production costs, allowing for varied power levels without blocking the accelerator pedal, ensuring consistent deceleration and acceleration experiences.

Implementation Method 1

a compensating spring acting in tension to lengthen progressively when said operating lever is in contact with said movable stop and the driver continues to press said accelerator pedal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4285011B1Go-kart with internal combustion engine with adjustable power
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SODIKART
  • EP4285011B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4285011B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4285011B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a go-kart with an internal combustion engine implementing an accelerator cable (1) connecting an accelerator pedal (A) and an operating lever (4) rotating an air intake flap (5) controlling the quantity of air entering the engine, and control means (10) receiving at least one control signal transmitted by a remote transmitter (E). According to the invention, this go-kart comprises a movable stop (9) acting on the operating lever (4) in such a way as to modify its range of movement and, consequently, a maximum opening level of the air intake flap (5), the movement of the movable stop (9) depending on the control signal.