Manually Operable Lever Device for Engine Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operable lever devices for regulating vehicle engine speed require separate devices for speed limitation and referencing, leading to distracted operation and lack of intuitive control.
Innovation Solution
A single manually operable lever device with three pivotable elements integrates speed regulation, reference value setting, and maximum value setting, using stop elements and differing friction torques to ensure intuitive operation without needing to focus on multiple controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate speed limiting devices or speed reference devices are arranged independently from the throttle lever, then the engine speed control functions are achieved, but the driver becomes distracted and must focus attention on multiple separate controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the throttle lever, speed limiting device, and speed reference device into a single integrated lever assembly. The first lever element controls engine speed, the second lever element sets the reference speed, and the third lever element sets the maximum speed. All three functions are merged into one physical assembly that the driver operates with a single hand, eliminating the need to switch attention between separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lever assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first lever element acts as the throttle control, the second lever element functions as the speed reference setter, and the third lever element serves as the speed limiter. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require three separate controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for speed control, reference setting, and maximum value setting, then all necessary functions are provided, but the device complexity increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three functionally independent devices (throttle lever, speed reference device, and speed limiting device) into a single integrated lever assembly. This structural consolidation reduces the total number of components, simplifies the overall device architecture, and lowers manufacturing costs while preserving all necessary control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly is designed as a universal control unit where the first, second, and third lever elements collectively provide speed control, reference setting, and maximum value setting functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the first lever element can pivot freely without limits, then the driver has full control range, but the engine speed cannot be prevented from exceeding maximum safe values
Solution Approach 1:
The third lever element is positioned to preemptively block the first lever element before it can pivot beyond the maximum safe engine speed position. This preliminary mechanical constraint prevents the harmful action (excessive engine speed) from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting to it after it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The third lever element acts as an intermediary mechanical barrier between the driver's input on the first lever element and the engine speed control system. It mediates the control action by physically preventing the first lever element from moving into positions that would cause unsafe engine speeds.
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 intuitive and cost-effective operation of vehicle engine speed control by allowing all necessary functions to be performed with a single lever device, reducing driver distraction and simplifying the control process.
Implementation Method 1
Each of which can be deflected from a basic position by overcoming a static friction torque and can be rotated about the first axis of rotation by overcoming a sliding friction torque
Implementation Method 2
a first stop element is provided at a second end of the third lever element, by means of which a first counter-stop element arranged at a second end of the first lever element can interact
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a manually operated lever device for controlling a value of an engine speed of a vehicle, comprising a first, a second and a third lever element, each of which is arranged to pivot about a common first axis of rotation by means of a first end, wherein the value of the engine speed can be changed by pivoting the first lever element about the first axis of rotation, a reference position for the first lever element can be set by pivoting the second lever element about the first axis of rotation, and a maximum position for the first and/or the second lever element can be set by pivoting the third lever element about the first axis of rotation.