Intake Control Device for Straddle-Type Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intake control devices for straddle-type vehicles face complexity in processing due to the need for precise control of actuators based on potentiometer readings, leading to challenges in maintaining the position of moving intake pipes amidst vibrations during vehicle travel.

Innovation Solution

An intake control device with a stationary intake pipe, a moving intake pipe, an actuator, and a control unit that inhibits the moving intake pipe from exceeding a set position, energizing it to maintain the set position, either connected or separated, using a stopper mechanism and intermittent energization, and adjusting based on vehicle traveling state detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the moving intake pipe is inhibited from moving beyond the set position using a stopper mechanism, then the positional stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the actuator's own driving force to maintain the intake pipe at the set position through intermittent energization, eliminating the need for external stopper mechanisms or complex positioning devices. The actuator serves dual purposes: moving the pipe and maintaining its position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit intermittently energizes the actuator to maintain the intake pipe at the set position. This periodic activation compensates for vibrations and external forces without requiring continuous power or complex mechanical retention structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If intermittent energization is used to maintain the set position, then the energy usage is optimized, but the control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy usageVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the position of the moving intake pipe and adjusts the intermittent energization of the actuator accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pipe remains at the set position with high precision while minimizing energy consumption through targeted, periodic activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static continuous positioning to dynamic intermittent positioning. The actuator is activated only when needed to counteract vibrations or maintain position, adapting its operation to real-time conditions rather than operating continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the actuator is driven with smaller driving force when the moving intake pipe is at the set position, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the responsiveness to external disturbances may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is intermittently energized with smaller driving forces when the intake pipe is at the set position. This periodic activation provides sufficient responsiveness to counteract vibrations and external disturbances while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous full-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit adjusts the driving force parameters of the actuator based on the position of the intake pipe. When at the set position, smaller intermittent forces are applied; during movement, larger forces are used. This parameter adaptation optimizes both energy efficiency and responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution simplifies the control processing of the actuator, effectively preventing positional deviation of the moving intake pipe, enhancing stability and durability by maintaining the intake pipe position despite vibrations and ensuring efficient energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

the control means drives the actuator so that the moving intake pipe in the set position is further energized in the direction of movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP1881172B1Intake control device
Publication Date: 2014.01.15 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP1881172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1881172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1881172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an intake control device for a straddle-type vehicle comprising: a stationary intake pipe contiguous to an intake port of an engine, a moving intake pipe configured to move relative to the stationary intake pipe, an actuator configured to displace the moving intake pipe, a control unit configured to control driving of the actuator, and a means to inhibit the moving intake pipe from moving beyond a set position, which is set beforehand, wherein the control unit is configured to drive the actuator so that the moving intake pipe in the set position is further energized in the direction towards the set position.