Other

Williams Controls, Inc.

Charles A Hering

David A Schaller

An integrated throttle position validation sensor includes electrically independent throttle position and position validation components responsive to a single mechanical input applied to a protective sensor housing. By suitable mounting to the throttle control device, the mechanical input corresponds to accelerator pedal position. Within the sensor housing a potentiometer moves with the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle position signal is generated. Also, within the housing a separate validation switch responsive to the mechanical input provides an independent representation of throttle control device position in the form of, for example, a bi-state validation signal. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control position and position validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing which requires no calibration. The integrated sensor is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.

Integrated throttle position sensor with independent position validation

An integrated throttle control and idle validation sensor includes mechanically coupled but electrically independent throttle control and idle validation components. A single mechanical input to the protective sensor housing corresponds to an accelerator pedal position and causes selective coupling of a supply voltage to one of an idle validation conductor and a throttle validation conductor for interpretation by an electronic control system. The throttle control system within the sensor housing comprises a potentiometer adapted for movement corresponding to the mechanical input whereby a variable voltage throttle control signal may be delivered to the electronic fuel control system. The sensor integrates previous separate throttle control and idle validation functions into a single environmentally secure housing and requires no calibration. The disclosed throttle system is more reliable and less costly than previously available separate throttle control and idle validation functions.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

Charles A Hering