Throttle Lever Friction Mechanism for Better Vehicle Operability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throttle operating devices for vehicles lack sufficient resistance force during rotational operations of the throttle lever, leading to poor operability and a strange operation feel compared to direct transmission to the engine via an operation wire.
Innovation Solution
A throttle operating device that includes a fixing member, a throttle lever, a detection sensor, and a resistance force applying unit, which generates friction during rotational operations of the throttle lever to improve operability, with the resistance force applying unit composed of a resin member urged by a coil spring and sliding on a metal sliding member, and a detection sensor that detects the rotational operation angle to control the vehicle's drive source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a return spring is used to provide urging force during throttle lever rotation, then the throttle lever can return to initial position, but the resistance force during operation is small resulting in poor operability
Solution Approach 1:
A resistance force applying unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the throttle lever and the detection sensor. This unit includes a resin member with a sliding portion that contacts a metal sliding member, creating friction-based resistance force during throttle lever rotation while allowing the lever to return to its initial position via the return spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance force is adjusted by changing the material properties and geometric parameters of the sliding components. The resin member's sliding portion is designed with specific surface characteristics and contact area with the metal sliding member to generate appropriate friction-based resistance force that improves operability without preventing lever movement.
2Ease of operation
If friction is generated to apply resistance force during rotational operation, then operability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance force applying unit generates friction only during the rotational operation of the throttle lever, providing resistance only when needed for improved operation feel. The return spring continues to provide the urging force for returning the lever to its initial position, so the friction-based resistance is applied partially only during the forward rotation phase.
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 device enhances the operability of the throttle lever by providing a resistance force similar to direct transmission, improving the operation feel and allowing accurate detection of the rotational angle for precise engine control.
Implementation Method 1
a resistance force applying unit which generates friction during a rotational operation of the throttle lever to apply a resistance force
Implementation Method 2
a resistance force applying unit configured to generate friction during a rotational operation of the throttle lever to apply a resistance force
Data Source
AI summary
A throttle operating device includes: a fixing member which is fixed to a vicinity of a grip formed at a tip of a handlebar of a vehicle; a throttle lever which is attached by extending from the fixing member and configured to be pivoted while the grip is gripped; a detection sensor configured to detect a rotational operation angle of the throttle lever; and a resistance force applying unit configured to generate friction during a rotational operation of the throttle lever to apply a resistance force. A drive source of a vehicle is controlled based on the rotational operation angle of the throttle lever detected by the detection sensor.