Throttle Grip Device Integrated Spring Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional throttle grip devices face challenges in assembly workability and stability due to the separate assembly of interlocking members and return springs, leading to increased width dimensions and potential instability in rotation angle detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A throttle grip device design that integrates the interlocking member and return spring, utilizing a holding member with a guide and locking portion to securely position and lock the return spring, reducing the width dimension and enhancing assembly workability while ensuring stable rotation and accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the interlocking member and return spring are assembled separately to a case, then the assembly process allows individual component adjustment, but the width dimension required for assembly becomes large and assembly workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly workabilityVSAvoidwidth dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the return spring and interlocking member into a single assembled unit. The return spring is positioned within a groove of the interlocking member and secured by a retaining ring, creating a compact integrated structure that reduces the overall width dimension while improving assembly workability. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly of these components to the case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If the return spring is disposed at a position adjacent to the interlocking member, then the urging force can be applied effectively, but the width dimension required for assembly becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurging forceVSAvoidwidth dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is nested within a groove of the interlocking member, with the retaining ring securing the spring inside this groove structure. This nested arrangement allows the return spring to be positioned adjacent to the interlocking member for effective urging force application while containing the assembly within a compact width dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If the positioning of the interlocking member is difficult due to case structure or component layout, then the rotation becomes unstable and detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidpositioning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking member features a self-positioning structure with a protrusion that fits into a corresponding recess in the case. This self-positioning mechanism automatically ensures correct radial positioning of the interlocking member during assembly, eliminating the need for complex external positioning fixtures or procedures. The magnet attached to the interlocking member also self-aligns with the magnetic sensor, ensuring accurate detection without complex positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If the interlocking member rotates unstably in the radial direction, then the rotation angle detection accuracy by the magnetic sensor is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle detection accuracyVSAvoidrotation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking member's protrusion fitting into the case's recess provides automatic radial positioning that stabilizes rotation. The magnet attached to the interlocking member self-aligns with the magnetic sensor during rotation, ensuring accurate detection of rotation angle without requiring external stabilization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 integrated design improves assembly efficiency, reduces the width dimension required for assembly, and stabilizes the rotation of the interlocking member, maintaining operability and enhancing detection accuracy of the throttle grip's rotation angle.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring configured by a torsion coil spring which urges the throttle grip and the interlocking member in a rotation direction toward initial positions when the throttle grip is rotationally operated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a magnet is attached to an interlocking member working with a throttle grip, and a magnetic change of the magnet is detected by a magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3690217B1Throttle grip device
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 ASAHI DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • EP3690217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690217B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3690217B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A throttle grip device includes: an interlocking member capable of rotating with an rotational operation of a throttle grip; a rotation angle detecting unit capable of detecting a rotation angle of the throttle grip by detecting a rotation angle of the interlocking member; and a return spring configured by a torsion coil spring which has one end locked to the interlocking member and urges the throttle grip and the interlocking member in a rotation direction toward initial positions when the throttle grip is rotationally operated. An engine can be controlled according to the rotation angle of the throttle grip detected by the rotation angle detecting unit, and the throttle grip device comprises a holding member which rotatably holds the interlocking member while positioning the interlocking member and holds the other end of the return spring while locking the other end of the return spring.