Segmented Throttle Restrictor for Marine Engine Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional throttle devices for marine engines face issues with throttle resolution and peak engine power perception due to the use of restrictor plates, which can be easily removed by users, leading to inconsistent airflow and perceived engine performance, especially in lower horsepower engines with larger throttle bodies.
Innovation Solution
A throttle device with a restrictor device configured as a spherical segment or airfoil shape, positioned adjacent to the throttle plate, that restricts airflow through the throttle body, maintaining throttle resolution and peak engine power by varying airflow restriction based on throttle position, and is designed to be more secure against user removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a restrictor plate is used to reduce peak airflow in lower horsepower engines, then peak engine power is reduced, but throttle resolution deteriorates and the device can be easily removed by users
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor device is segmented into a first portion and a second portion separated by a gap. The first portion is attached to the throttle plate while the second portion is attached to the throttle body. This segmentation prevents the restrictor from being easily removed as a single piece while maintaining the airflow restriction function. The gap between portions allows the device to flex with throttle plate movement while maintaining restrictive function.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor device is nested within the throttle body structure, with the first portion integrated with the movable throttle plate and the second portion integrated with the stationary throttle body. This nesting arrangement ensures the restrictor remains securely positioned throughout the throttle range while maintaining consistent airflow restriction.
2Power
If a restrictor plate is used to limit airflow, then peak power is reduced, but the device can be easily removed by users leading to inconsistent performance
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor device is divided into two portions that are separated by a gap, with each portion attached to different components (throttle plate and throttle body). This segmentation makes the device more difficult to remove as a complete unit while maintaining the airflow restriction function. The multi-attachment design increases user effort required for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor device merges the movable first portion with the throttle plate and the stationary second portion with the throttle body, creating an integrated system that functions throughout the entire throttle range. This merging ensures consistent performance while making removal more difficult as it would require disassembling multiple attachment points.
3Power
If a restrictor plate is used to reduce airflow, then peak power is limited, but throttle resolution is lost especially at low throttle positions
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor device is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with the first portion moving with the throttle plate and the second portion remaining stationary. The gap between portions allows the device to adapt its configuration throughout the throttle range, maintaining effective airflow restriction at all throttle positions including low throttle positions where resolution is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor device provides different airflow restriction characteristics at different locations and throttle positions. The gap between portions allows for varied flow patterns depending on throttle opening, maintaining precise control and resolution throughout the entire operating range rather than having uniform restriction.
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 solution provides consistent engine speed variation across the entire throttle range, maintaining throttle resolution and improving operator responsiveness, while preventing unauthorized removal of the restrictor device, thus enhancing marine engine performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A restrictor device located is adjacent to the throttle plate. The restrictor device restricts the airflow through the through-bore when the throttle plate is moved out of the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A throttle device is for a marine engine. The throttle device has a throttle body with a through-bore for conveying air for combustion in the marine engine. A throttle plate is movable into and between a closed position in which the throttle plate prevents airflow through the through-bore and an open position in which the throttle plate allows the airflow through the through-bore. A restrictor device located is adjacent to the throttle plate. The restrictor device restricts the airflow through the through-bore when the throttle plate is moved out of the closed position.