Description:Complete Specification:
The following specification describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Reference: The present invention comprises an improvement in, or a modification of, the invention claimed in the specification of the main patent application 202241025110 dated 29 April 2022.

Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to a Mechanical Throttle Body for a vehicle and method thereof.

Background of the invention:
[0002] Some of the premium motorcycles sold currently have the convenience feature of cruise control. The cruise control allows the user to set the desired vehicle speed via buttons that are available on the handle bar of the vehicle. Once the desired vehicle speed is set, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) opens the throttle to set the desired airflow to maintain the speed. This feature is available only for vehicles with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) systems. With mechanical throttle body systems, cruise control cannot be achieved, because the rider has the control over how much throttle flap is open. The cost associated with the electronic throttle system makes it difficult to be offered to the low cost motorcycles.

[0003] In ETC systems, based on rider demand, Engine Management System (EMS) control unit actuates the throttle flap/valve. The electronic control over throttle helps in achieving precise control over airflow in turn allowing EMS to manage the engine for better performance and fuel economy. Thus, permitting features like traction control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), cruise control (CC) etc., with relative ease. With ETC, full range of CC functionalities can be realized such as holding the vehicle at set speed, increment/ decrement speed in steps, adaptive CC and more. Thus, CC exists predominantly in premium segment two wheelers, four wheelers with ETC systems.

[0004] In case of a Mechanical Throttle control Body (MTB) system, as rider controls the throttle flap/valve, achieving precision and accuracy in airflow as that of ETC is impossible. So, an additional device is needed during CC, to hold the throttle flap open, thus allowing rider to rest his hand on throttle grip rather than holding it. Hence, only limited features of CC can be realized such as holding the vehicle at set speed and to certain extent increment/ decrement speed in steps. This limited function will only be attractive to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) and end customers when the design is simple with minimal modification on existing Throttle Body Assembly (TBA). Also, the additional system cost should be justified/affordable.

[0005] A patent literature US4643038 discloses an electric motor servo for cruise control. A pair of coupling elements connected between an electric stepper motor and an engine throttle are selectively engaged and disengaged by a lever mechanism which effects a relative movement between the coupling elements in response to a. mechanical input from a solenoid actuator. The lever mechanism includes integral elements for calibrating the relative movement between the coupling elements for a given mechanical input from the solenoid actuator so as to compensate for manufacturing and assembly tolerances of the various components.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:
[0006] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawing,
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a Mechanical Throttle Body (MTB) for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for operating the MTB of the vehicle, according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:
[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a Mechanical Throttle Body (MTB) for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The MTB 102 comprises an intake bore 106 comprising a throttle valve 114. A throttle shaft 104 on which the throttle valve 114 is positioned. The throttle shaft 104 extends through and outside of the intake bore 106. The throttle shaft 104 is biased through a return spring 116. The MTB 102 also comprises a throttle lever 108 (or throttle plate) connected to an end of the throttle shaft 104 outside the intake bore 106, characterized in that, an electromagnet 110 mounted in proximity to the throttle lever 108 or in sliding surface contact with the throttle lever 108. The electromagnet 110 is operatively controllable to hold the throttle lever 108 in one of a desired positions. The electromagnet 110 is a solenoid which is energized and de-energized based on the requirement and a supply of current through a battery in the vehicle 100. The throttle lever 108 is held at one of the desired positions by magnetic force generated upon activation of the electromagnet 110 and to effect cruise control functionality. The throttle lever 108 is held with just the magnetic force of attraction with or without any contact therebetween. The position corresponds to the press of a switch or button at a current speed of the vehicle 100. For example, if the vehicle 100 is travelling at a speed of 50kmph, and if the switch is pressed, then the cruise control functionality is activated or enabled at the set speed of 50kmph.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnet 110 is operated by a controller 120. The controller 120 is an Engine Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100 or a supplementary control unit interfaced with the ECU either directly or over Controller Area Network (CAN). The controller 120 configured to detect values of trigger parameter comprising vehicle speed, clutch status, throttle position and gear position before operating the electromagnet 110. The trigger parameters are checked as entry condition for enabling the cruise control functionality. The controller 120 comprises but not limited to a memory element 122 such as Random Access Memory (RAM) and/or Read Only Memory (ROM), Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and a Digital-to-Analog Convertor (DAC), clocks, timers and at least one processor (capable of implementing machine learning) connected with each other and to other components through communication bus channels. The memory element 122 is pre-stored with logics or instructions or programs or applications or modules and threshold values, reference values and conditions which is/are accessed by the processor as per the defined routines. The internal components of the controller 120 are not explained for being state of the art, and the same must not be understood in a limiting manner. The controller 120 may also comprise communication units to communicate with the cloud server through wireless or wired means such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, serial networks, and the like.

[0011] According to the present invention, the controller 120 is implementable for vehicle 100 comprising two-wheelers, three-wheelers such as auto-rickshaws, a four wheeler such as cars, and multi-wheel vehicles 100 and other vehicles 100 which uses MTB 102. The controller 120 is provided to operate the MTB 102.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 120 is provided for the MTB 102 in the vehicle 100. The controller 120 configured to detect and compare values of trigger parameters against respective threshold. The trigger parameters are checked to ensure that the cruise control functionality is enabled in right operating conditions of the vehicle 100 and is not limited to the parameters or the manner mentioned here. The controller 120 operatively controls the electromagnet 110 based on the values of the trigger parameters and upon press of the button. The button is either dedicated for the activation of the cruise control functionality or a gesture indicated through combination of inputs from clutch lever and brake lever. The electromagnet 110 positioned to operate on the throttle lever 108 of the MTB 102, and hold the throttle lever 108 of the MTB 102 at/to a desired position using magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 110 to enable the cruise control functionality. The trigger parameters comprises but not limited to vehicle speed, gear position, throttle position and clutch status. The values of trigger parameters are obtained from respective sensors such as vehicle speed sensor 118, throttle position sensor 124, gear position sensor 126, a clutch switch and other sensors known in the art. The controller 120 enables the cruise control functionality by holding the throttle lever 108 at the desired position by the magnetic force of attraction.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 allows speed adjustment when the cruise control functionality is active. To enable speed adjustment, the controller 120 is configured to detect a threshold change in throttle position during the active state of the cruise control functionality. The controller 120 then reduces the magnetic force to allow adjustment of the throttle position to the desired position. The controller 120 then increase the magnetic force to reinstate the cruise control functionality at the adjusted throttle position. The threshold change is detected using signals from a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). The threshold change comprises at least one of an angle of rotation or a rate of change of angle rotation of the grip or the throttle valve 114 or throttle shaft.

[0014] According to the present invention, a working of the MTB 102 and the controller 120 is explained. When a rider twists the accelerator/throttle grip, a cable 112 and spring 116 mechanism opens the throttle valve 114. The cable 112 is wound or coiled around or tethered to the throttle lever 108. The throttle cable 112 is connected to the throttle lever 108 which is fixed to the throttle shaft 104. When the throttle cable 112 is pulled, the throttle lever 108 rotates which opens the throttle valve 114. The spring 116 helps in the return movement of the throttle lever 108. The controller 120 operates the electromagnet 110 to enable cruise control function on request by the rider by press of a switch/button in a handlebar of the vehicle 100. The throttle lever 108 is held at a position by the magnetic attraction force of the electromagnet 110.

[0015] When the following conditions of the trigger parameters are met, the rider can enable the cruise control functionality using the button/switch as described earlier. The current vehicle speed is taken as the cruise control set speed. The conditions comprises vehicle speed is above a threshold speed, the currently engaged gear is above a threshold gear position, no errors exist in the Engine Control Unit, the throttle valve 114 is above a threshold position (based on the gear position) and clutch is not held. When the rider presses the button the controller 120 checks if all the conditions are met and then operates the electromagnet 110 to enable cruise control functionality.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 100 is provided with MTB which enables the cruise control functionality.

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for operating the MTB of the vehicle, according to the present invention. The method comprises plurality of steps, of which a step 202 comprises operatively controlling the electromagnet 110 based on the rider input. The electromagnet 110 is positioned to operate on the throttle lever 108 of the MTB 102. A step 204 comprises holding the throttle valve 114 of the MTB 102 to the desired position based on the magnetic force of the electromagnet 110. The steps 202 through 204 are performed by the controller 120 and after/before the button/switch is pressed by the rider. A step 200 may be performed, hence showed in dotted box, before step 202 which comprises detecting and comparing values of trigger parameters against respective threshold. According to the method, the trigger parameter comprises but not limited to vehicle speed, gear position, throttle position and clutch status. The trigger parameters are checked to ensure right enablement of cruise control functionality. The holding of the throttle lever 108 of the MTB 102 at the desired position is performed to effect the cruise control functionality.

[0018] According to the present invention, the method allows adjusting of set speed of the cruise control functionality. The method for adjusting the set speed of the cruise control functionality comprises plurality of steps, of which a step 206 comprises detecting the threshold change in throttle position during the active state of the cruise control functionality. A step 208 comprises reducing the magnetic force to allow adjustment of the throttle position to the desired position. A step 210 comprises increasing the magnetic force of the electromagnet 110 to reinstate the cruise control functionality at the adjusted throttle position.

[0019] According to the present invention, once the cruise control functionality is activated, the controller 120 powers the electromagnet 110 via battery (either dedicated or vehicle battery). The electromagnet 110 is selected in a manner that once powered, the electromagnet 110 is able to overcome the forces that tend to close the throttle valve 114 such as that exerted by the return spring 116 on the throttle cable 112. Thus, the throttle valve 114 remains open at the position cruise control functionality was turned ON by the rider. Thus, the rider can let go off the throttle grip on the handlebar and instead can choose to just rest his hand on the handle.

[0020] According to the method, a working of adjusting the set speed of the cruise control functionality is explained. If the rider wants to slightly increase the speed (say +/- 10 kmph), the same is achieved by following below steps. In the active state of the cruise control functionality, the rider starts twisting the throttle grip in the desired direction (forward or reverse). The rider firmly holds the throttle grip and twists it slowly. At first, the rider finds it difficult to twist the throttle grip as electromagnet 110 is trying to hold the throttle lever 108 in the set desired position. The slow twisting of the throttle grip, which is detected by the throttle position sensor, lets the controller 120 detect that the rider wants to change the speed while still being on the active state of the cruise control functionality (mode). One of the manner to detect rider intention is but not limited to change in throttle position. The controller 120 upon realizing the rider’s intention, reduces the force on throttle cable 112 to an extent just enough to overcome force exerted by the return spring 116 and thus making it easier for the rider to reach the desired new speed. Once the rider has reached the desired speed, the rider holds the throttle grip at that position for at least a stipulated time which is calibratable. Once this threshold stipulated time is crossed, the controller 110 realizes the new position with which rider wants to cruise and starts exerting full force back on the throttle lever 116. The cruise control functionality is now activated again, and the rider can now rest his/her hand on the throttle grip as before. In case the rider wants to slightly decrease the speed (say +/- 10 kmph), the above process is repeated by slipping the throttle lever 108 through controlling the electromagnet 110 using Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signals.

[0021] According to the present invention, a new MTB 102 and method for cruise control with mechanical throttle is disclosed. The low cost vehicles 100 with MTB 102 are enabled with cruise control functionality without increasing the overall cost of the vehicle 100. The present invention makes it possible for MTB 102 to enable the cruise control i.e., hold the vehicle at a set speed, by using the concept of electromagnet 110. The Engine Management System (EMS) controller controlled electromagnet 110 mounted anywhere, for instance on the throttle flap or on the handlebar till the throttle valve 114 on the MTB 102. The electromagnet 110 is usable to apply the required magnetic force to hold the throttle cable 112 in its position when cruise control functionality is activated. Thus, there is no need to modify the existing design making it affordable and easy to implement. The electromagnet 110 is mountable either on the external surface of the throttle bore or to a body part of the vehicle 100 such as chassis with or without brackets. The other placement of the electromagnet is shown in the dotted box. The electromagnet 100 is either in direct contact with the throttle lever 108, or the throttle lever 108 is kept within the magnetic force range of the electromagnet 100. The magnetic force applied by the electromagnet 110 is a direct function of current passing through the coils. Thus, the force applied by the electromagnet 110 is controlled by regulating the current as per need which is done by the controller 120 or an additional external circuitry. The disabling of cruise control functionality does not require any button to be pressed even in case of ETC systems, and the same is implemented in the MTB 102 as per the present invention.

[0022] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A Mechanical Throttle Body (MTB) (102) for a vehicle (100), said MTB (102) comprises:
an intake bore (106) comprising a throttle valve (114),
a throttle shaft (104) on which said throttle valve (114) is positioned, said throttle shaft (104) extends through and outside of said intake bore (106), said throttle shaft (104) is biased through a return spring (116); and
a throttle lever (108) connected to an end of throttle shaft (104), characterized in that
an electromagnet (110) mounted in proximity to said throttle lever (108), said electromagnet (110) operatively controllable to hold said throttle lever (108) in one of a desired positions.

2. The MTB (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said throttle lever (108) is held at said desired position by magnetic force generated upon activation of said electromagnet (110).

3. The MTB (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said throttle lever (108) is held at one of said desired positions to effect cruise control functionality.

4. The MTB (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electromagnetic actuator (110) is operated by a controller (120), wherein said controller (120) is an Engine Control Unit (ECU) of said vehicle (100) or a supplementary control unit interfaced with said ECU.

5. A controller (120) for a Mechanical Throttle Body (MTB) (102) of a vehicle (100), characterized in that, said controller (120) configured to,
operatively control an electromagnet (110) based on a rider input, said electromagnet (110) positioned to operate on a throttle lever (108) of said MTB (102), and
hold a throttle lever (108) of said MTB (102) at a desired position using magnetic force generated by said electromagnet (110) to enable a cruise control functionality.

6. The controller (120) as claimed in claim 5 allows speed adjustment when said cruise control functionality is active, for which said controller (120) configured to
detect a threshold change in throttle position during an active state of said cruise control functionality,
reduce said magnetic force to allow adjustment of said throttle position to a desired position, and
increase said magnetic force to reinstate said cruise control functionality at said adjusted throttle position.

7. The controller (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said threshold change is detected using signals from a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), wherein said threshold change comprises at least one of an angle of rotation or a rate of change of angle rotation.

8. A method for controlling a Mechanical Throttle Body (MTB) (102) of a vehicle (100), characterized by, said method comprising the steps of:
operatively controlling an electromagnet (110) based on rider input, said electromagnet (110) positioned to operate on a throttle lever (108) of said MTB (102), and
holding said throttle lever (108) of said MTB (102) at a desired position based on magnetic force of said electromagnet (110) and effect a cruise control functionality.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8 allows adjusting of set speed of said cruise control functionality, wherein method for adjusting set speed of said cruise control functionality comprises the steps of,
detecting a threshold change in throttle position during an active state of said cruise control functionality,
reducing said magnetic force to allow adjustment of said throttle position to a desired position, and
increasing said magnetic force to reinstate said cruise control functionality at said adjusted throttle position.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said threshold change is detected using signals from a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), wherein said threshold change comprises at least one of an angle of rotation or a rate of change of angle rotation.