Rotatable Throttle Lever Housing for Grip Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional throttle levers on vehicles like snowmobiles and ATVs can be uncomfortable to operate, especially during sharp turns, as they require drivers to change hand positions frequently, leading to fatigue and discomfort due to the need for different grip styles and prolonged hand positioning.
Innovation Solution
A throttle control module with a rotatable throttle lever housing that allows for both thumb and finger positions, featuring a pivot axis that can be adjusted to accommodate various grip styles, along with a biasing member and Hall effect position sensor for precise control and comfort, ensuring stable operation regardless of grip choice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the throttle lever is fixed in a conventional position, then the structure is simple, but the driver experiences fatigue and discomfort during sharp turns due to severe hand angles and frequent grip changes
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle lever housing is made rotatable about the handlebar to allow dynamic adjustment between thumb position and finger position. This enables the driver to change the pivot axis location from rearward of the handlebar (thumb position) to forward of the handlebar (finger position), adapting to different driving conditions and reducing fatigue during sharp turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle control module is designed to accommodate multiple grip styles (thumb grip and finger grip) through a single adjustable mechanism. The rotatable housing with differently shaped surfaces (thumb surface curved downwards and outwards, finger surface substantially flat) allows the same device to serve both thumb-operated and finger-operated throttle control functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the throttle lever housing is made rotatable to allow position adjustment, then driver comfort and grip stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle lever housing is made rotatable about the handlebar to allow dynamic adjustment between thumb position and finger position. This enables the driver to change the pivot axis location from rearward of the handlebar (thumb position) to forward of the handlebar (finger position), adapting to different driving conditions and reducing fatigue during sharp turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable housing mechanism allows the driver to self-adjust the throttle lever position according to their preference and driving conditions without requiring external assistance or complex adjustment procedures. The driver can easily rotate the housing between predetermined positions (thumb position and finger position) as needed.
3Reliability
If the pivot axis is spaced from the handlebar, then stable grip is achieved, but the throttle lever requires more space and may interfere with handlebar operations
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle lever housing is made rotatable about the handlebar to allow dynamic adjustment between thumb position and finger position. This enables the driver to change the pivot axis location from rearward of the handlebar (thumb position) to forward of the handlebar (finger position), adapting to different driving conditions and reducing fatigue during sharp turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle control module is segmented into a rotatable housing portion and a lever portion, allowing the pivot axis to be positioned at an optimal distance from the handlebar for stable grip while the rotatable housing accommodates the spatial requirements without interfering with handlebar operations.
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 a comfortable and secure grip option for drivers, reducing fatigue by allowing adjustment between thumb and finger positions, enhancing operational stability and control through precise positioning and biasing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member connected between the throttle lever and the throttle lever housing, the biasing member biasing the throttle lever towards the idle position
Implementation Method 2
Hall effect position sensor for precise control and comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a frame, and an engine and a steering assembly including a handlebar 5 connected to the frame. The laterally extending handlebar defines a handlebar axis. A throttle body, in fluid communication with the engine, has a throttle valve having open and closed positions for controlling fluid flow to the engine. A throttle control module, controlling the position of the throttle valve, comprises a housing rotatably connected to the handlebar and a lever operatively connected to the throttle valve to control its position. The lever extends 10 laterally from the housing and connects pivotably thereto. The pivot axis is perpendicular to the handlebar axis and spaced from the handlebar. The lever pivots between an idle and drive position.