Aftermarket Speed Limiter Using Throttle Signal Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed limiter systems require modification of the engine control unit and do not account for customized speed limits on non-typical road segments, failing to prevent excessive speeding without driver intervention and optimizing fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A speed limiter system that includes a user identification device, navigation device, speed limit database, user database, and a speed controller device that connects to the engine control unit and throttle position sensor to dynamically adjust the maximum speed based on real-time road segment data and user-specific parameters, preventing excessive speeding without modifying the engine control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine control unit is modified to implement speed limiting, then the speed control function is integrated into the vehicle's core control system, but the system complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The speed limiting function is segmented from the engine control unit and implemented as a separate aftermarket device that interfaces with the vehicle's existing systems. This division allows the core ECU to remain unchanged while the speed limiting functionality is provided by an independent module, reducing complexity and modification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary device is introduced between the driver's input and the engine control unit. This intermediary monitors vehicle speed, compares it against stored speed limits, and selectively blocks or modifies throttle control signals to enforce speed limits without requiring direct modification of the ECU's internal architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard road maps are used for speed limiting, then the navigation system works with typical roads, but non-typical road segments without posted speed limits cannot be properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by allowing users to pre-program speed limits for non-typical road segments before traveling on those roads. Users can manually input speed limit information for routes not covered by standard databases, ensuring speed limiting functionality is available across all road segments including those without posted limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality standards to different road segments by allowing customized speed limit parameters for specific locations. Non-typical road segments can have user-defined speed limits assigned to them, creating localized speed control rules that adapt to the specific characteristics of each road segment rather than applying a uniform approach.
3Ease of operation
If the speed limiter allows driver intervention, then the driver can override the system when needed, but excessive speeding may occur without proper prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor vehicle speed and compare it against enforced limits. When the vehicle approaches or exceeds the speed limit, the system provides feedback through warnings and progressively restricts throttle control. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable enforcement while maintaining operational ease through gradual intervention rather than abrupt overrides.
Data Source
AI summary
A speed limiter method and system that automatically limits the maximum speed of a motor vehicle based on the segment of the road the vehicle is travelling on and on the user or driver of the vehicle, by modifying an actual throttle sensor signal from the throttle position sensor of the vehicle transmitted to the engine control unit.