Single Point Engine Control Interface for Portable Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually started portable internal combustion engines require complex manipulation of choke, primer, and throttle controls to efficiently start, which can be frustrating for users, especially in varying conditions such as cold or warm engines, and often results in engine flooding or prolonged starting efforts.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly that integrates a dial for simultaneous choke and primer operation, allowing for a single input to manage engine starting, with a rotatable dial for choking and axial movement for priming, connected to a throttle body to control the fuel charge, simplifying the starting sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate choke, primer, and throttle controls are provided, then engine starting can be controlled, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the choke control and primer control into a single integrated control assembly that operates through one unified input mechanism. The control assembly includes a choke control with a dial that can be rotated to different positions (choke closed, choke open, primer) and pushed to actuate the primer, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control assembly serves multiple functions: it controls the choke plate position, actuates the primer pump, and manages the throttle. The dial mechanism can be rotated to different angular positions to select different modes (choke closed, choke open, primer) and pushed axially to actuate the primer, making one control element perform what previously required multiple separate controls.
2Productivity
If multiple separate controls are required for choke, primer, and throttle, then precise fuel control is achieved, but user effort and time to start engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is designed so that the user can pre-position the choke and primer in the correct sequence before pulling the recoil starter. The dial can be rotated to the choke closed position and pushed to prime the engine, then rotated to choke open, all before the actual starting action, ensuring the engine is ready for immediate successful startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly uses a dynamic dial mechanism that can be rotated to different angular positions and pushed axially to actuate different functions. This dynamic interface allows the user to quickly transition between different control states (choke closed, choke open, primer) during the starting sequence, adapting the fuel mixture and primer delivery in real-time as needed.
3Ease of operation
If complex starting sequence is required, then engine starting can be controlled, but ease of operation decreases especially for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly segments the starting sequence into distinct, identifiable positions on the dial mechanism. The dial can be rotated to specific angular positions (choke closed, choke open, primer) that correspond to specific functions, and these positions are mechanically distinct and easily distinguishable to the user, simplifying the sequence memory requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control assembly is designed to guide the user through the starting sequence through its mechanical design. The dial's physical positions and the associated mechanical linkages automatically ensure that the choke and primer are activated in the correct sequence when the user follows the intuitive dial positions, reducing the need for complex user knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for manipulating operation of an engine of a portable engine powered device includes a choke and primer control that simplifies starting of the engine. The control system includes a dial that is associated with a choke control to effectuate choking of the engine during starting of the engine. The control system includes a primer control that is configured to provide an initial fuel charge to the engine. Preferably, the control system includes a single input that effectuates both the choke and primer operations associated with starting the engine. Preferably, the dial is moveable in a rotational direction to effectuate the choking operation and is movable in a longitudinal or axial direction to effectuate the priming operation such that user interaction with only the single input effectuates the sequence of the engine starting fuel control.