Contactless Throttle Position Sensing via Hall Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle throttle control systems face issues with contact erosion and poor calibration retention due to environmental sensitivity and mechanical wear, particularly when using potentiometers for sensing throttle positions.
Innovation Solution
A contactless vehicle power control system that utilizes a magnetic member with a magnetic field and a Hall effect sensor to sense the throttle position without physical contact, featuring a locking mechanism for calibration and a biasing assembly for precise control of propulsion and regenerative braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a potentiometer is used for throttle position sensing, then the throttle control can be implemented, but contact erosion and mechanical wear occur leading to poor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based potentiometer sensing system with a magnetic field-based Hall effect sensor system. The throttle position is detected through changes in magnetic field orientation caused by a rotating magnet, eliminating all mechanical contact between the sensing device and throttle components. This substitution resolves the contact erosion and wear problems while maintaining accurate throttle position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the throttle position and the sensing device. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the rotating magnet modulates the magnetic field orientation, which the Hall effect sensor detects to determine throttle position. This intermediary approach eliminates harmful mechanical contact while enabling continuous position sensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical amplification is used to map throttle position, then the sensing range can be adjusted, but mechanical connections wear and calibration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical amplification mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing approach. The Hall effect sensor detects magnetic field orientation changes directly proportional to throttle rotation, providing a wide sensing range without mechanical linkages. This eliminates wear in mechanical connections and maintains calibration integrity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field orientation parameters as the throttle rotates. The magnet's rotation systematically changes the magnetic field direction, which the Hall effect sensor detects to determine throttle position. This parameter-based approach provides adaptable sensing range without mechanical wear or calibration loss.
3Reliability
If a contactless sensor system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a magnetic field as an intermediary that naturally couples the rotating magnet and stationary Hall effect sensor without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional components. The magnetic field inherently provides the sensing function, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining contactless operation and high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall effect sensor serves multiple functions: detecting magnetic field orientation, determining throttle position, and providing calibration reference points. The magnet both drives the throttle mechanism and generates the magnetic field for sensing. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving reliable contactless 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
The system provides improved reliability and stability by eliminating contact-based wear and environmental sensitivity, allowing for accurate and durable control of vehicle power based on throttle position.
Implementation Method 1
A change of the signal of the digital Hall IC from a high value to a low value releases a control in which power supplied to a motor of the vehicle is changed corresponding to the output of the linear Hall IC
Implementation Method 2
a permanent magnet is moveable relative to a digital Hall IC and a linear Hall IC
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle power control that includes a throttle mounting portion (69) and a throttle (30) that is movably mounted to the throttle mounting portion (69) and configured for manipulation and operation by a rider. The power control also includes a sensor (35) in contactless association with at least one of the throttle (30) and throttle mounting portion (69). The sensor (35) is configured for sensing a position of the throttle (30) with respect to the mounting portion (69), in the contactless association, and generating a signal based on the sensed position for controlling motive power of a vehicle.