Throttle Sensor Step Portion for Compact Handlebar Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing throttle opening detecting apparatuses for saddle riding vehicles face challenges in configuring a compact switch group and throttle opening sensor on a handlebar while minimizing the impact of external forces, such as magnetic forces, and ensuring operability within limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a throttle opening sensor fixed to the handlebar with a sensor case in the handle cover, where switches are positioned to face the sensor case, and a step portion on the sensor case is formed behind the throttle pipe, allowing for an arcuate space arrangement, a set plate with divided parts to secure the handlebar, and components like the circuit board and magnet are placed to reduce external force influence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the switch group and throttle opening sensor are mounted on the handlebar, then the rider can operate the switches while driving, but the available space for mounting is limited and the configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverider operabilityVSAvoidmounting configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switch group and throttle opening sensor into a single integrated mounting structure on the handlebar. The sensor case and switch group share the same mounting space, with the step portion providing a common reference surface for both components, thereby simplifying the overall mounting configuration while maintaining rider accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The step portion extends in the width direction of the handlebar, creating a multi-dimensional mounting surface. This allows the switch group and sensor to be arranged in different spatial dimensions (front-rear and width directions), effectively utilizing the limited handlebar space and reducing mounting complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the switch group is disposed close to the throttle pipe for compact arrangement, then space is saved, but the switch group may be affected by magnetic forces from the throttle pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmagnetic force interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The step portion provides different local mounting zones with different spatial relationships to the throttle pipe. By strategically positioning switches on specific portions of the step structure, the design creates local mounting areas that are spatially separated from magnetic sources while maintaining overall compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The step portion acts as an intermediary structure between the throttle pipe and the switch group. It provides a mounting surface that is offset from the throttle pipe, creating spatial separation and reducing magnetic interference while still allowing compact integration of the switch group near the throttle assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the sensor case is made compact to fit limited space, then space efficiency improves, but the sensor may be more susceptible to external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor case volumeVSAvoidsensor stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor case is constructed as a composite structure combining multiple components (case body, step portion, mounting brackets) that work together to provide both compactness and structural strength. The integrated design distributes external forces across multiple structural elements, maintaining reliability while minimizing overall volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3546329B1Throttle opening detecting apparatus for saddle riding vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3546329B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3546329B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3546329B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] It is an object of the present invention to provide a throttle opening detecting apparatus for a saddle riding vehicle in which a throttle opening sensor and a switch group mounted to a handlebar are configured in a compact manner and the opening sensor is hardly affected by an external force such as a magnetic force. [Solving Means] In a throttle opening detecting apparatus for a saddle riding vehicle which includes a handle cover 1, a handle switch group (61, 62, 63), and a handlebar 2, and in which a throttle opening sensor 4 fixed to the handlebar 2 and configured to detect a displacement of a rotor 43 in a sensor case 41 is included in the handle cover 1, at least one switch of the handle switch group (61, 62, 63) is disposed at a position facing the sensor case 41 in the handle cover 1, and the sensor case 41 has a step portion 41a formed on a side surface thereof on a side opposite to a throttle pipe 5 rotated integrally with the rotor 43.