Hand Throttle Control with Position Sensor for Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems for handicapped individuals are not fully effective in providing a reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-efficient solution for controlling acceleration and braking, despite various attempts in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A hand throttle control system that includes a control tube with a pivot mechanism linking the accelerator and brake pedals, a position sensor, and a signal control module, which generates variable signals for electronic control module input to manage vehicle speed and direction, utilizing a concentric spring system for redundancy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control system with multiple actuators and redundant electronics is used to enable handicapped individuals to control the vehicle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical linkages and complex electronic redundancy from the control system. It retains only the essential components needed for safe operation: a simple hand control, a position sensor, and a microprocessor that interfaces directly with the vehicle's existing electronic control module, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for handicapped individuals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with an electronic sensing and control system. Instead of using mechanical actuators and linkages to transmit control signals, the invention uses a position sensor to detect hand control position and a microprocessor to convert this into electronic signals that directly control the vehicle's throttle and brake systems, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If error detection algorithms and redundant components are incorporated into the control system to ensure accurate operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the position sensor that continuously monitors the hand control position and provides this information to the microprocessor. The microprocessor then converts this position data into appropriate electronic control signals for the vehicle's throttle and brake systems, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures reliable and accurate operation without requiring complex redundant hardware.
3Device complexity
If a simple mechanical system like a direct linkage between hand control and pedals is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for handicapped individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control interface that can accommodate various types of handicaps through the hand control design. The hand control can be configured with different positions, angles, and actuation mechanisms to suit different users' physical capabilities, while the electronic sensing system universally translates these diverse input methods into standardized electronic control signals that work with the vehicle's existing control systems.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and actuators are used to provide comprehensive control feedback, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information increases due to complex signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical signal transmission systems with electronic sensing and digital signal processing. The position sensor provides precise measurement of hand control position, and the microprocessor efficiently converts this analog position data into digital control signals that are transmitted to the vehicle's electronic control module, minimizing information loss through the use of standardized electronic communication protocols.
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 reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective control of vehicle acceleration and braking, ensuring safety with redundant spring systems and efficient calibration, reducing the risk of unintentional acceleration and improving compatibility with modern electronic vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a concentric spring system for redundancy and safety
Implementation Method 2
A first spring engages the control tube and the control arm for rotatably displacing the control arm relative to the control tube
Implementation Method 3
A position sensor is coupled to the control tube. The control arm engages the position sensor for producing a variable signal output from the position sensor during rotation of the control arm relative to the control tube
Implementation Method 4
A control tube pivot pivotably couples the support tube with the control tube for defining an angular displacement of the control tube relative to the support tube
Implementation Method 5
A first spring engages the control tube and the control arm for rotatably displacing the control arm relative to the control tube and causing the second rotational displacement and the decrease in velocity of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerating and braking device is disclosed for a vehicle. The accelerating and braking device includes a support tube pivotably coupled adjacent to the steering column. A brake tube links the control tube with the brake pedal for activating and deactivating the brake pedal. A position sensor is coupled to the control tube. A control engaging the position sensor for producing a variable signal output from the position sensor during rotation of the control. The position sensor electrically coupled to the electronic control module. A first rotational displacement of the position sensor causing an increase in velocity of the vehicle. A second rotational displacement of the position sensor causing a decrease in velocity of the vehicle. A first spring and a second spring engaging the control for causing the second rotational displacement and the decrease in velocity of the vehicle.