Throttle Grip Variable Resistance Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing throttle grip devices cause discomfort during initial rotation due to high spring load and lack of rotational resistance feedback, leading to an unpleasant operating experience for drivers.

Innovation Solution

A throttle grip device with a resistance mechanism that generates a smaller resistance force during initial rotation and increases it as the rotation angle exceeds a predetermined angle, using a sliding member and biasing means with varying compression dimensions and a pressing spring to reduce initial rotation load and enhance operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a friction plate is provided to apply friction force opposite to rotation direction, then rotational resistance feedback is obtained, but a relatively large spring load is generated immediately after initial rotation causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational resistance feedbackVSAvoidspring load during initial rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the friction coefficient parameter dynamically by using an inclined surface that transitions from a shallow inclination (low friction) in the initial rotation range to a steeper inclination (high friction) in the subsequent rotation range. This allows the frictional resistance to adapt to the operational stage, providing low resistance during initial rotation to avoid discomfort and high resistance during normal operation to provide feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the resistance characteristic dynamic by designing the friction plate with an inclined surface whose effective inclination changes with rotation angle. The sliding member moves along this inclined surface, causing the frictional force to vary dynamically from small in the initial range to large in the normal operation range, thereby adapting the system behavior to different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If operation cable with inner tube and outer tube is used, then rotating operation can be transmitted to engine side, but sliding resistance is caused during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation transmissionVSAvoidsliding resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional operation cable mechanical transmission system with an electronic sensing system. A sensor detects the rotation angle of the throttle grip and transmits electrical signals to the engine control unit, which then controls the engine accordingly. This substitution eliminates the mechanical sliding resistance of the operation cable while maintaining reliable operation transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If return spring is provided for returning throttle grip to initial position, then reset function is achieved, but only force to return is transmitted causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset functionVSAvoidoperational comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the return spring function with a friction plate mechanism into a single integrated component. The friction plate serves dual purposes: providing controlled frictional resistance during rotation and working in conjunction with the return spring to provide both reset force and operational feedback, thereby eliminating the need for separate components and improving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces discomfort during initial rotation by minimizing the resistance force, improving operability and providing a smoother rotational experience by adjusting the resistance force based on the rotation angle.

Implementation Method 1

biasing means that presses the sliding member towards the sliding surface by elastic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a friction force in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the throttle grip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3498582B1Throttle grip device
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ASAHI DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • EP3498582B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3498582B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3498582B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A throttle grip device includes: a throttle grip (G) that is rotatable by a driver; an interlocking member that can be rotated in conjunction with the throttle grip (G); rotation angle detecting means that can detect a rotation angle of the throttle grip (G) by detecting a rotation angle of the interlocking member; and resistance means that can generate rotation load by generating a resistance force during rotation of the throttle grip (G). The throttle grip device can control an engine of a vehicle in accordance with the rotation angle of the throttle grip (G) detected by the rotation angle detecting means. The resistance means is configured such that a resistance force generated in an initial range in which the throttle grip is rotated by a predetermined angle from an initial position can be different from a resistance force generated in a range in which the rotation angle of the throttle grip is larger than the predetermined angle.