Claims:We Claim:
1. A device (100) for controlling speed of a vehicle (102), the device (100) comprising:
a stopper member (1) movably supported on a throttle body (2), wherein the stopper member (1) is operable between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) on the throttle body (2), and
an actuator (4) coupled to the stopper member (1), wherein the actuator (4) is configured to displace the stopper member (1) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) to selectively restrict movement of a throttle lever (3) based on a signal from an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (102) to control the speed of the vehicle (102).

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper member (1) at the first position (FP) allows movement of the throttle lever (3) based on actuation force applied on a pedal by a user.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper member (1) at the second position (SP) abuts a portion of the throttle lever (3) to restrict the further movement of the throttle lever (3).

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a mounting bracket (5) fixed to the throttle body (2) wherein, the mounting bracket (5) receives the stopper member (1).

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to operate the actuator (4) to displace the stopper member (1) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) based on speed of the vehicle (102).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the stopper member (1) is operated to the second position (SP) when the speed of the vehicle (102) exceeds a predefined speed.

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (4) is at least one of a rotary actuator and a linear actuator.

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper member (1) is a rod coupled to the actuator (4).

9. A system for controlling speed of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a throttle body (2) configured with a throttle lever (3), wherein the throttle lever (3) operates a valve member (7) of the throttle body (2) to control air flow into an engine (11) of the vehicle (102);
a device (100) for controlling speed of the vehicle (102) comprising:
a stopper member (1) movably supported on the throttle body (2), wherein the stopper member (1) is operable between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) on the throttle body (2);
an actuator (4) coupled to the stopper member (1), wherein the actuator (4) is configured to displace the stopper member (1) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) to selectively restrict movement of the throttle lever (3); and
an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (102) configured to:
receive speed of the vehicle (102) from an at least one sensor (6);
compare speed of the vehicle (102) with a predefined speed;
operate the actuator (4) for displacing the stopper member (1) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) to selectively restrict movement of the throttle lever (3) to control speed of the vehicle (102).

10. The system as claimed in claim 9, comprises of a vehicle cluster unit to display the speed of the vehicle (102) determined by the at least one sensor (6).

11. A method for controlling speed of a vehicle (102), the method comprising:
detecting, by an electronic control unit (ECU), speed of the vehicle (102);
comparing, by the ECU, the speed of the vehicle with a predefined speed, and
operating, by the ECU, an actuator (4) connected to a stopper member (1), wherein the stopper member (1) is displaced from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP) to restrict movement of a throttle lever (3) of a throttle body (2).

12. A vehicle comprising a system for controlling speed as claimed in claim 10.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to an automobile. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device for controlling speed of the vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the device comprising a stopper member and an actuator to control the speed of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In recent times the requirement for limiting the speed of the vehicle has become a key factor in the automotive sector. Limiting the speed of the vehicle may be done to satisfy number of requirements including government rules and regulations, road safety, improving fuel economy, abiding local state laws etc,. Conventionally limiting the speed of the vehicle is achieved by using speed limiting devices or speed restricting devices. The speed restricting devices are mainly classified into two types, internal type and retrofitted/external type. The internal type of speed restrictors makes use of modifications to an already existing electronic control unit (ECU) to restrict the speed of the vehicle. Presently, speed of the vehicle in most of the vehicles may be controlled by controlling the operation of the throttle body. In majority of the vehicles, mechanically actuated throttle bodies [i.e. through actuation of accelerator cable] are used to supply air into the engine of the vehicle. Hence, most of the speed limiting devices are configured to the mechanical throttle bodies. However, retrofitted/external type speed of speed restrictors require additional components or devices to be fitted to the throttle bodies for limiting the vehicle speed. These, retrofittable speed restrictors are bulky and consume lots of space. Along with space restrictions, extensive modifications may need to be carried out to the fuel injection system to control speed of the vehicle.

Conventionally, speed restrictors installed in the vehicles having mechanical throttle body, use fuel cut method. This method works by cutting the fuel supply fed into the engine. This method though widely practiced in restricting speed of the vehicle, this method may not be desirable as it may result in a number of drawbacks. Few such drawbacks include hunting of the engine, power loss, higher emissions, damage to the catalyst and the like. Further, the conventional systems which do not use the fuel cut process use an alternative method wherein, a stopper such as a wedge is provided in space between the accelerator pedal and the floor of the vehicle to limit the maximum travel of the accelerator pedal. However, this stopper limits movement of the accelerator pedal in all conditions, i.e. even when the vehicle is at a low speed and climbing an incline with not enough torque to climb the incline. Moreover, if the accelerator pedal is operated with force, then there may be chance that the accelerator pedal might bend or break damaging the vehicle. Moreover, in this type of speed restricting setup, the torque or power values are restricted in all the gears and in no gear the driver will get wider range of torque.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an assembly, method and an apparatus as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of apparatus as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for controlling speed of a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises of a stopper member that is movably supported on a throttle body, wherein the stopper member is operable between a first position and a second position on the throttle body. An actuator coupled to the stopper member, wherein the actuator is configured to displace the stopper member between the first position and the second position. This displacement of the stopper member selectively restricts movement of a throttle lever based on a signal from an electronic control unit of the vehicle to control the speed of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the stopper member at the first position allows movement of the throttle lever based on actuation force applied on a pedal by a user.

In an embodiment, the stopper member at the second position abuts a portion of the throttle lever to restrict the further movement of the throttle lever.

In an embodiment, a mounting bracket fixed to the throttle body wherein, the mounting bracket receives the stopper member.

In an embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to operate the actuator to displace the stopper member between the first position and the second position based on speed of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the stopper member is operated to the second position when the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined speed.

In an embodiment, the actuator is at least one of a rotary actuator and a linear actuator.

In an embodiment, the stopper member is a rod coupled to the actuator.

In another exemplary embodiment, a system for controlling speed of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises of a throttle body configured with a throttle lever, wherein the throttle lever operates a valve member of the throttle body to control air flow into an engine of the vehicle. A device for controlling speed of the vehicle comprising, a stopper member movably supported on the throttle body, wherein the stopper member is operable between a first position and a second position. An actuator coupled to the stopper member, wherein the actuator is configured to displace the stopper member between the first position and the second position to selectively restrict movement of the throttle lever. an electronic control unit of the vehicle is configured to, receive speed of the vehicle from the at least one sensor and compare speed of the vehicle with a predefined speed. The electronic control unit operates the actuator for displacing the stopper member between the first position and the second position to selectively restrict the movement of the throttle lever to control speed of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, a vehicle cluster unit is configured within the vehicle to display the speed of the vehicle determined by the at least one sensor.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling speed of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises of detecting by an electronic control unit, speed of the vehicle. Further, comparing by an electronic control unit, the speed of the vehicle with a predefined speed. The method also includes operating by an electronic control unit an actuator connected to a stopper member, wherein the stopper member is displaced from a first position to a second position to restrict movement of a throttle lever of a throttle body.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figures 1a, 1b and 1c illustrates schematic views from different orientations of a throttle body, equipped with a device for controlling speed of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates schematic view for a system for controlling speed of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling speed of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates in general relate to a device for controlling speed of a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the device and a system for restricting speed of the vehicle within the predefined limit to meet the regulatory requirements. The device of the present disclosure may be employed in any type of vehicle ranging from a passenger vehicle to the commercial vehicle to regulate the speed as per the requirement.

Accordingly, the device may include a stopper member which is connected to a throttle body of an engine in the vehicle, wherein the throttle body comprises of a throttle lever. The device is configured to restrict further movement of the throttle lever even when it is pushed by the accelerator pedal, when the vehicle reaches a predefined speed. An electronic control unit of the vehicle is configured to operate the device. The electronic control unit detects the speed of the vehicle and compares it with a predefined speed. When the speed of the vehicle reaches the predefined limit, the electronic control unit actuates the device. The device includes an actuator which displaces the stopper member from a first position to a second position. At the second position the stopper member abuts a portion of the throttle lever and restricts further movement of the throttle lever. In the second position of the stopper member, as the throttle lever is stationary and is not allowed to displace further, the air flowing into the engine form the throttle body may be restricted. Hence, the speed of the vehicle can be maintained at the required speed.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

Figures 1a, 1b and 1c are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure illustrating schematic views of a device (100) configured on a throttle body (2). The throttle body (2) comprises of a barrel (9) through which air flows into an intake manifold (10) of the engine (11) [illustrated in Figure 2]. A valve member (7) is positioned inside the barrel (9) of the throttle body (2). The valve member (7) is configured to regulate the flow of air fed into the intake manifold (10). The valve member (7) is connected to a throttle lever (3), wherein the throttle lever (3) is biased by a spring (8) on the throttle body (2). The spring (8) is used to bias the throttle lever (3) to a predefined position based on the actuation of an accelerator pedal (not shown in figures). The throttle lever (3) is configured to operate the valve member (7) based on the requirement for driving the vehicle (102), such as acceleration, speed and the like. Hence, by operating the throttle lever (3) it is possible to open and close the valve member (7) based on requirement and thereby controlling the amount of air that is fed into the engine (11).

In an embodiment, the device (100) comprises a stopper member (1) which is movable fixed to the throttle body (2). The stopper member (1) is connected to an actuator (4) at one end and the other end of the stopper member (1) is displaced towards and away from the throttle lever (3) upon actuation of the actuator (4). The stopper member (1) is configured with the throttle body (2) by mounting the stopper member (1) on a mounting bracket (5), wherein the mounting bracket (5) is fixed to the throttle body (2). Further, the mounting bracket (5) is defined with a cavity (not shown in figures) to accommodate the stopper member (1). In an embodiment, the cavity defined in the throttle body (2) allows movement of the stopper member (1). The actuator (4) that is connected at one end of the stopper member (1) is configured to displace the stopper member (1) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). The stopper member (1) at the first position (FP) with its free end is located away from the throttle lever (3). In other words, the stopper member (1) does not restrict or come in contact with the throttle lever (3). Sufficient space is provided between the stopper member (1) and the throttle lever (3) for movement of the throttle lever (3) based on the movement of the acceleration pedal. At the second position (SP), the stopper member (1) is displaced towards the throttle lever (3), wherein the stopper member (1) abuts against the throttle lever (3).

Further, the device (100) is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) [herein also referred to as ECU] of the vehicle (102). The ECU operates the engine (11) based on the requirement or operating parameters of the vehicle. The electronic control unit (ECU) receives speed of the vehicle from an at least one sensor (6) configured in the vehicle (102). Based on the speed of the vehicle (102), the operating parameters is selectively controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU). Further, in order to restrict speed of the vehicle (102), the electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to refer to a predefined speed stored in a memory unit (not shown in figures) associated with the ECU. Upon reaching the predefined speed by the vehicle (102), the electronic control unit (ECU) operates the device (100) for controlling speed of the vehicle (102). The electronic control unit (ECU), upon comparing the vehicle speed with the predefined speed, transmits operational signal to the actuator (4). The actuator (4) then displaces the stopper member (1) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). The stopper member (1) at the second position (SP) abuts against the throttle lever (3) thereby restricting the movement of the throttle lever (3). This results in controlling or restricting further movement of the valve member (7) inside the barrel (9) of the throttle body (2). Therefore, the amount of air entering the engine (11) is restricted, thereby restricting the speed of the vehicle (102).

In an embodiment, as the vehicle (102) speed reduces below the predefined speed, the electronic control unit (ECU) transmits yet another operational signal to the actuator (4) for retracting the stopper member (1) abutting the throttle lever (3).This results in the stopper member (1) displacing back to the first position (FP) from the second position (SP) and thereby not restricting movement of the throttle lever (3) as disclosed in figure 1.

In an embodiment, the movement of the throttle lever (3) is performed by actuating a throttle cable (not shown in figures) that is connected to the throttle lever and the accelerator pedal. A cable bracket (12) fixed to the throttle body (2) and is configured to support the throttle cable coming from the accelerator pedal and aligns the throttle cable with the throttle lever (3). When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the throttle cable may be pulled. As the throttle cable is connected to the throttle lever (3), it displaces the throttle lever (3) in a rotational motion. This rotational motion of the throttle lever (3) results in opening of the valve member (7) to regulate the air flow into the engine (11) of the vehicle (102). As the force is eased on the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal returns to its original position due to the biasing force of the spring (8) provisioned on the throttle lever (3). In an embodiment, the device (100) is positioned adjacent to the throttle lever (3) wherein the speed of the vehicle (102) can be controlled by restricting the movement of the throttle lever (3).

Figure 2 illustrates a system employed with a device (100) for controlling a speed of the vehicle. As shown in Figure. 2, an intake manifold (10) of the engine (11) is connected with the throttle body (2) that regulates air fed into the engine (11). Further, the throttle body (2) is connected to an air filter (14) through the intake hose (13) to receive clean air which is required for clean combustion of the fuel. The throttle body (2) is configured with the device (100) for controlling the speed of the vehicle (102). The vehicle (102) also comprises of the at least one sensor (6) that is connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle (102) to detect speed of the vehicle (102). The at least one sensor (6) sends data signals to the electronic control unit (ECU) comprising the speed of the vehicle (102). In an embodiment, the at least one sensor (6) detects speed of the vehicle (102) and displays the speed of the vehicle (102) in a vehicle cluster unit to a user. The vehicle cluster unit may be configured within a dashboard (not shown in figures) of the vehicle (102).

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting the flow of operations involved in controlling the speed of the vehicle (102). As illustrated in Figure. 3, the method comprises one or more blocks illustrating a method of controlling the speed of the vehicle. The method may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions. Generally, computer-executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 201, the speed of the vehicle (102) when the vehicle is in ON condition is determined by the at least one sensor (6). The electronic control unit (ECU) then receives the speed of the vehicle (102) from the at least one sensor (6), and the predetermined speed from a memory unit at block 202 and 203. The electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to compare speed received from the at least one sensor (6) with the predefined speed, at block 203a. If the speed of the vehicle (102) is lesser than the predefined speed the electronic control unit (ECU) does not take any action, at block 203b. However, if the speed of the vehicle (102) is equal to or more than the predefined speed, the electronic control unit (ECU) sends signals to the device (100) to control the speed of the vehicle (102). The device (100) receives the signals and actuates the actuator (4), wherein the actuator (4) displaces a stopper member (1). The stopper member (1) is displaced from the first position (FP) to a second position (SP). At the second position (SP) the stopper member (1) abuts against the throttle lever (3) and restricts its movement as disclosed in blocks 204, 205 and 206. Therefore, the speed of the vehicle (102) is controlled and the speed is maintained at or below the predetermined speed.

In an embodiment, the throttle body (2) is a mechanical throttle body.

In an embodiment, the device (100) may be designed to be configured to an existing throttle body (2) of the vehicle (102).

In an embodiment, the stopper member (1) may be at least one of a rod, a shank, a threaded member coupled to the actuator (4).

In an embodiment, the actuator (4) may be a throttle restrictor unit which restricts movement of the throttle lever (3) based on the inputs given by the electronic control unit (ECU).

In an embodiment, the actuator (4) in operation may displace the stopper member (1) in at least one of a rotary motion and a linear motion to displace the stopper member between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

In an embodiment, the actuator (4) may be at least one of electronic actuator, a hydraulic actuator and a pneumatic actuator.

In an embodiment, the vehicle cluster unit is at least one of a speedometer, a tachometer or any other device which displays the speed of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the valve member (7) is one of butterfly valve, ball valve, gate valve and disc valve.

In some embodiments, the device (100) controls the speed of the vehicle (102) without causing hunting of the engine (11), power loss, higher emissions and damage to the catalyst.

In some embodiments, the device (100) does not restrict the torque and power of the engine (11) before the predefined speed is reached.

In some embodiments, the ECU may be a centralised control unit or a dedicated control unit that is used for controlling speed of the vehicle. The control unit may be a processor which may include at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system-generated business processes. The processor may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc.

Equivalents:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Device
102 Vehicle
1 Stopper member
2 Throttle body
FP First position
SP Second position
3 Throttle lever
4 Actuator
5 Mounting bracket
ECU Electronic control unit
6 At least one sensor
7 Valve member
8 Spring
9 barrel
10 Intake manifold
11 Engine
12 Cable bracket
13 Intake hose
14 Air filter