Manual Throttle Signal Adjustment to Eliminate ETC Power Lag

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic throttle control (ETC) systems often override driver decisions, leading to undesirable power lag or a 'flat spot' in the acceleration curve of vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A throttle control system comprising a control module, wiring harness, and signal adjuster that processes input signals from the throttle pedal and sends modified signals to the throttle body, bypassing the factory ECU to enhance throttle responsiveness and acceleration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional throttle control system with multiple separate components (throttle control unit, idle speed control unit, manual operation detecting device, electronic throttle control unit) is used, then the system can perform various throttle control functions, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple connection parts and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the throttle control unit, idle speed control unit, manual operation detecting device, and electronic throttle control unit into a single integrated throttle control unit. This merging eliminates multiple connection parts and components, reducing device complexity while maintaining all necessary throttle control functions through integrated circuitry and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated throttle control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls throttle valve opening based on accelerator pedal position, manages idle speed through the idle control valve, detects manual operation of the accelerator pedal switch, and provides electronic throttle control. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional throttle control system with multiple separate components is used, then various control functions can be implemented, but the reliability decreases due to multiple connection parts and potential failure points

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple separate control units into a single integrated throttle control unit, the patent eliminates multiple connection parts and interfaces that could potentially fail. The integration reduces the number of connection points and components, thereby improving overall system reliability while maintaining all necessary control functions through unified control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a throttle control system with complex multiple components is used, then comprehensive control capabilities are achieved, but the system becomes less maintainable and more difficult to diagnose

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple control functions into a single throttle control unit simplifies the overall system architecture, making it easier to diagnose and maintain. Instead of troubleshooting multiple separate components and their connections, technicians can focus on a single integrated unit with unified control logic, improving ease of repair and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3870822B1Throttle control system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06
  • EP3870822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870822B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3870822B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A throttle control system and methods are disclosed that provide a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle control system processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle control system includes a control module, a wiring harness, and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. A control dial coupled with the rheostat facilitates hand operation of the rheostat.