Throttle Angle Sensing With Interlocking Member Posture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing throttle operation devices in two-wheel vehicles suffer from reduced detection accuracy due to the inclination of interlocking members with respect to the rotation center axis, caused by backlash or other factors, which affects the precision of rotation angle detection.

Innovation Solution

A throttle operation device with an interference portion, such as a rib formed integrally with the interlocking member, that interferes with a facing portion to maintain the posture of the interlocking member, combined with a resistance-force applying unit and torsion coil springs to prevent inclination and ensure accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the interlocking member is allowed to rotate freely about the rotation center axis, then the ease of operation is improved, but the detection accuracy of the rotation operation angle deteriorates due to inclination caused by backlash

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation operationVSAvoidrotation operation angle detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interference portion acts as an intermediary element between the interlocking member and the case. It provides controlled interference that prevents inclination while allowing rotation, thereby mediating between the need for smooth operation and accurate detection. The interference portion translates the rotational motion into a constrained path that maintains alignment with the rotation center axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interference portion creates a constrained rotational path that maintains constant distance from the rotation center axis, effectively creating an equipotential condition for the rotation operation. This ensures that the interlocking member remains aligned with the rotation center axis throughout its rotation, preventing inclination and maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Measurement precision

If the interference portion is designed to prevent inclination, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation operation angle detection accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interference portion is merged with the interlocking member as an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate components. This integration reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the functional requirement of preventing inclination. The interference portion becomes an inherent feature of the interlocking member rather than an add-on component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interference portion is designed with specific local geometric features (such as arc-shaped protrusions or grooves) that provide the necessary constraint only where needed. This localized approach allows the majority of the interlocking member to maintain its simple rotational function, reducing overall complexity while achieving the precision goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively maintains the detection accuracy of the rotation operation angle by preventing the interlocking member from inclining with respect to the rotation center axis, ensuring reliable engine control through precise rotation angle detection.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet attached to the interlocking member and configured to rotate together with the interlocking member; a rotation angle detection unit configured to detect a rotation angle of the operation unit by detecting a magnetic change in the magnet rotating together with the interlocking member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic change detection: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an interference portion configured to interfere with a facing portion when the interlocking member is inclined with respect to the rotation center axis, to hold a posture of the interlocking member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interference: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a torsion coil spring configured to bias the operation unit and the interlocking member toward an initial position during the rotation operation of the operation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring biasing: Spring

Implementation Method 4

a resistance-force applying unit attached to the interlocking member and configured to generate friction during rotation of the interlocking member to apply a resistance force during the rotation operation of the operation unit, in which the resistance-force applying unit includes a friction material configured to press a surface of the fixing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4442984A1Throttle operation device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 ASAHI DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • EP4442984A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4442984A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4442984A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A throttle operation device has an interlocking member which rotates about a rotation center axis in conjunction with a rotation operation of an operation unit of a vehicle, a magnet which is attached to the interlocking member and rotates together with the interlocking member, a rotation angle detection unit which detects a rotation angle of the operation unit by detecting a magnetic change in the magnet rotating together with the interlocking member, a case in which the interlocking member is accommodated to be rotated, and in which the rotation angle detection unit is disposed at a predetermined position, and an interference portion which interferes with a facing portion when the interlocking member is inclined with respect to the rotation center axis, to hold a posture of the interlocking member. A driving source of the vehicle is controlled according to the rotation angle of the operation unit.