CA2036740A1 - Remote control device for small internal combustion engines - Google Patents
Remote control device for small internal combustion enginesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2036740A1 CA2036740A1 CA 2036740 CA2036740A CA2036740A1 CA 2036740 A1 CA2036740 A1 CA 2036740A1 CA 2036740 CA2036740 CA 2036740 CA 2036740 A CA2036740 A CA 2036740A CA 2036740 A1 CA2036740 A1 CA 2036740A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- starter
- vehicle
- output
- ignition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- Control Of Vehicle Engines Or Engines For Specific Uses (AREA)
- Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure The invention is a device for remotely controlling the operation of small internal combustion engines in a plurality of vehicles such as go-carts. The device allows a go-cart track operator to start, stop or throttle down the engines of the vehicles on the track in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention.
The operator controls a transmitter which can be operated to signal receivers in each vehicle which in turn generate pulses to activate relays for starting, stopping or throttling down the engines.
The operator controls a transmitter which can be operated to signal receivers in each vehicle which in turn generate pulses to activate relays for starting, stopping or throttling down the engines.
Description
~t~
The invention is directed to a device for remotely idling, halting and initiating the operation of an internal combustion engine. In particular, the invention is directed to a device constructed of readily available low cost components which may be easily installed and maintained in association with small, i.e. two stroke or four stroke, internal combustion engines. The invention is particularly suited to use in the supervisory control of a plurality of amusement vehicles, such as go-carts, bumper boats and the like~
Devices for remotely initiating and halting the operation of an engine are known for installation in passenger vehicles. In order to properly start an en~ine of a passenger vehicle, throttle or choke controls are required to vary the air and fuel requirements between the initial starting stages of operation and the later idling stages. One such device is described in U.S.
Patent No. ~,~46,~60 to Tholl et al. The Tholl device utilizes an oil pressure sensor to provide the engine feedback data required to shut off the starter motor and to control a solenoid which activates the throttle.
Likewise, in U.S. Patent NQ . 3, 657, 720 to Avdenko et al.
remote and on-board transceivers are used to activate a start-stop pulse generator which initiates a sequence of 25 events to start the engine if it is stopped or to stop the engine if it i5 running. The complexity of such conventional devices is necessitated by the design of passenger vehicle engines, and their complexity results in a relatively high purchase price. Installatian of such devices is also a complex procedure requiring electrical connection to the ignition and starter circuits, mechanical connection to the throttle controls, and installation and calibration of sensing means.
Use of such known devices in association with small engines of simpler design is uneconomical and wasteful s~ 7 l~ ~
since the cost of the device relative to the enyine's cost is high, and the device must be modified to disable components not utilized in starting such simpler engines.
In addition, the rapid diagnosis of malfunctions occurring in such devices is difficult for those unskilled in electrical maintenance. If a single component of such prior device fails, it is generally not practical to repair the device, due to its integrated construction, so the entire deviGa is replaced. The average mechanic does not have the level of diagnostic skill required, nor the equipment necessary to carry out repairs upon the circuit boards of such devices.
Prior devices do not provide means for the supervising operator of amusement vehicles, such as go-carts or bumper boats, to disable the vehicles whendangerous operating circumstances arise. For example, when an accident occurs on a go~cart track, the supervising operator has no conventional means to control the operation of the vehicles and must rely upon the skills of the drivers to observe and react to the occurrence themselves or to observe and react to the supervising operator's signals.
The present invention addresses the above disadvantages associated with prior devices for remote engine operation. The invenkion may be constructed of components which are readily available and easily maintained by relatively unskilled users. The invention is of simple design and of low cost so that use in association with small, simple engines is economically feasible.
Accordingly, the invention provides a device for remotely switching off the ignition circuits of small internal combustion engines of a plurality of vehicles to substantially simultaneously halt the operation of the r~
engine of each vehicle, comprising a radio transmitter capable of emitting an ignition control signal, and a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver being capable of receiving said ignition control signal and generating an associated output ignition control pulse in response to said ignition control signal. A plurality of relay switch means, each for interrupting the current in the ignition circuit of each vehicle engine is provided, each relay switch means being connected in series in an ignition circuit and being connected in series with a pair of output leads of a receiver means to interrupt the ignition circuit in response to an output ignition control pulse.
The invention also provides a device for remotely switching on the starter circuits of small internal combustion engines of a plurality o~ vehicles to substantially simultaneously initiate the operation of the engine of each vehicle, comprising a radio transmitter capable o~ emitting a starter control signal, and a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each said vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver being capable of receiving said starter control signal and generating an associated output starter control pulse in response to said starter control signal. A plurality of relay switch means each for completing the starter circuit of each vehicle engine is provided, each relay switch means being connected in series with a starter circuit and being connected in series with a pair of output leads of a receiver means to complete the starter circuit in response to an output starter control pulse.
The invention includes a device for remotely operating the throttles of small internal combustion 2~1~3~7'~ ~
engines of a plurality of vehicles to override the driver's throttle control in each vehicle and to cause each vehicle engine to run at idle, comprising a radio transmitter capable of emitting a throttle control signal, and a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver being capable of receiving the control signal and generating an associated output throttle control pulse in response to said control signal. A plurality of actuators, one for each vehicle engine, each actuator being connected in series with a pair of output leads of the receiver and being connected to the driver's throttle control for the engine so that the actuator operates to override the throttle contro:L in response to an output pulse from the receiver, causin~
each engine to run at idle~
The design of the device in accordance with the invention lends itself to application in association with simple engines such as four stroke engines commonly used to drive go-carts. The drivers of go-carts are often young and inexperienced. In the operation of a recreational go-cart tracX when an accident occurs or the track is obstructed by a stalled vehicle~ the drivers of all go-carts are endangered since it is often difficult for drivers to see ahead to such accidents or obstructions. A supervising operator, however, may observe a dangerous situation from his vantage point but be unable to adequately warn the drivers or otherwise exercise effective control over the vehicles. The subject device may be installed in each go-cart vehicle to enable the supervising operator to immediately halt the operation of all go~cart engines or to throttle them down to idle with a single transmitter emitting a control signal.
Upon removal of the obstruction from the go-cart track, each go-cart simultaneously may be remotely started or the throttle override may be cancelled by the supervising operator using the transmitter.
BRIEF DESCRIP'rIOlt~ OF' THE DR~WINGS
In order that the invention may be readily understood, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment o the invention showing remotely controllad relay switching means for interrupting the ignition circuit and for completing the starter circuit of a small internal combustion engine.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing remotaly controlled servo drives and switching means as an alternative to the relay switching means shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing remotely controlled throttle override means for a small internal combustion engine.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a go-cart track in operation showing an application of the invention.
Referring to Figure 1, a device is shown for remotely switching off the ignition circuit 7 of a small internal combustion engine to halt its operation. A
radio transmitter 1 emits an ignition control signal toward a radio receiver means 2 separate from the transmitter 1 at a receiving distance. The radio receiver means 2 receives the ignition control signal and generates an output ignition control pulse in response to 2 ~
the ignition control signal.
A relay switch 3 for interrupting the current in the ignition circuit 7 is provided. The relay switch 3 has a hinged switch arm 5 which is normally biasecl to a closed position and is connected between ground and the ignition circuit 7. The relay switch 3 also has an electromagnetic actuating coil 6 which is connected in series with a first pair of output leads 4 of the receiver 2. When the receiver 2 generates an ignition pulse in response to a transmitter signal, the coil 6 is energized creating a magnetic field which draws the hinged switch arm 5 toward the coil 6 thereby interrupting the i~nition circuit 7. When the ignition pulse ceases, the hinged switch arm 5 returns under its bias to its initial position completing the ignition circuit 7.
Likewise, the device may be operated for remotely switching on the starter circuit 13 of a small internal combustion engine to initiate its operation. The radio transmitter 1 emits a starter control signal of a frequency different from the ignition control signal which is received by the radio receiver 2~ The receiver 2 generates an output starter pulse in response to the starter control signal.
A relay switch 9 is connected in series with the starter circuit 13 and has a hinged switch arm 11 which is normally biased in an open position. The relay switch 9 has an electromagnetic actuating coil 12 which is connected in series to a second pair of output leads 10 of the receiver 2. When the receiver 2 generates a starter pulse, the coil 12 is energized to generate a magnetic field which draws the second hinged switch arm 11 toward the second coil 12, thereby completing the starter circuit 13. When the starter pulse ceases, the 2 ~
hinged switch arm 11 returns under its bias to its initial position interrupting the starter circuit 13.
First and second electronic switches 21 and 22 may be connected respectively between the relay switches 3 and 9 and the receiver 2 to eliminate transients.
Referring to Figure 2, a second embodiment is illustrated which differs from the first em~odiment described above in that the relay switches 3 and 9 and electronic switches 21 and 22 are replaced by servo drives 23 and 26 and associated switches 25 and 28.
A relay servo drive 23 is conne~ted in series with a first pair of output leads 4 of the receiver 2. The servo drive 23 has an armature 24 which is conne~ted to the switch 25 and moves in response to the ignition pulse from the receiver 2 in the direction indicated by arrow A. The switch 25 is connected in series in the ignition circuit 7, and upon interruption of the ignition circuit 7 by actuation of the servo drive 23, the operation of the vehicle~s engine is halted since firing of the spark plugs is disabled.
When the servo drive 23 is not activated by an ignition pulse, the armature 24 coacts with the switch 25 ~o complete the ignition circuit 7 as illustrated in Figure 2. For example, a self centering servo drive or a spring loaded servo drive may be utilized to perform this function.
A relay servo drive 26 is connected in series with a second pair of output leads 10 of the receiver 2. The servo drive 26 has an armature 27 whish is connected to the switch 28 and moves in response to the starter pulse from the receiver 2 in the direction of arro~ B. The switch 28 is connected in series in the starter circuit ! ~ ~ 7 ~ ~
13, and upon completion of the starter circuit 13 by activati.on of the servo drive 26, the operation of the vehicle's engine is initiated.
When the servo drive 26 is not activated by a starter pulse, the armature 27 coacts with the switch 28 to interrupt the starter circuit 13 as iliustrated in Figure 2.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiver means 2 may be powered by the vehicle's battery 8, or by a dedicated receiver battery or by the vehicle's generator (not shown). A power switch 1~ may be included i.n the power circuit of the receiver 2 for completing and interrupting the flow of power current to the receiver 2.
Advantageously, the device may include a dedicated receiver battery having output leads connected in a power circuit with the input power leads 15 of the receiver means 2. A receiver housing lG may house the receiver 2, the relay switches 3 and 9 (Fig. l); or the servo drives 23 and 28, and the switches 25 and 28 (Fig. 2). The receiver antenna 19 may project through the receiver housing 16. The receiver housing 16 protects the moving elements of the device from deleterious liquids or particulate depositions and provides a convenient means to mount the components for installation in the vehicle.
Advantageously, the device may include a transmitter battery 17 connected in series with the transmitter 1. A
transmitter housing 18 may house the transmitter 1 and transmitter battery 17 in order to protect them from weather and other damage. The transmitter antenna 20 may project through the transmitter housing 18.
Referring to Figure 3, a further preferr2d embodiment of the invention provides a throttle override r~
for a small internal combustion engine. The throttle 31 of a small engine, such as the two s~roke type engine commonly used to power a go-cart, is operated by a foot pedal for the driver which is connected through a spring loaded cable harness 33 to a governor arm 35. The governor arm 35 is in turn connected by a control rod 36 to the throttle 31 so that movement of the governor arm 35 causes the throttle 31 to open or close. The spring 37 connected between the accelerator pedal ca~le 33 and the governor arm 35 serves to bias the throttle 31 to its idle setting.
This embodiment of the invention provides a transmitter 1 and receiver 2 as described with a servo drive 41 or equivalent means connected to output leads 43 of the receiver 2. The servo drive 41 has an arm 45 which is connected to the governor arm 35 by a rod 4~.
The servo drive 41 is designed to be capable of moving the governor arm 35 against the force provided by the spring 37, thereby deactivating the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and closing the throttle 31 to its idle position.
As with the previously described embodiments, the device shown in Fig. 3 allows an operator to remotely control a go-cart engine by sending a signal from the transmitter 1 which is picked up by the receiver 2 causing the generation of a control pulse from the receiver 2 to the servo drive 41. The arm 45 of the servo drive 41 moves in response to the control pulse to cause the governor arm 35 to move to a throttled down position. The system can be designed to cause the servo drive 41 to throttle down the engine to idle, or the transmitter can be equipped with a joy stick control which enables the operator a range of control over the throt-tle 31 settings. By switching o~f the signal from the transmitter 1, the servo drive 41 is deactivated ~6~
~ 10 allowing the driver to regain control over the throttle 31.
From Fig~ 4, it will be appreciated that any or all of the systems embodying the invention are particularly useful in the operation of a recreational go-cart track.
A track operator 51 can oversee the operation of go-carts 53 on the track 54, and can utilize the transmitter 1 to exercise various types of control, as described, over the go-cart engines, each equipped with a receiver 2 and accessories in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
The device may be constructed of components which are easily obtained at low cost from a variety o~ sources such as hobby shops, electronics outlets and mail order catalogues since they are often used in associat:ion with inexpensive remote control toys. Such components are easily removed and replaced during maintenance. The proper operation of the relay switches and the servo drives may be visually verified during diagnosis of system malfunctions. For example, a properly functioning relay switch, or servo drive and switching means, indicates that the malfunction in the ignition or starter operation is caused by a fault in the vehicle's ignition or starter circuit. The relay switch or switching means may be manually operated to check the operation of the ignition and starter circuits to verify that a malfunction of the device has occurred. Therefore, in a relatively short period of time the source of a malfunction may be determined by unskilled users, and a malfunctioning component may be easily replaced at low cost without requiring special diagnostic equipment or tools.
From the foregoing description of the invention, it will be understood that a device in accordance with the 7 ~ ~
invention may include separate means to switch the ignition circuit only, means to switch the star-ter circuit only, means to override the throttle only or any of these in combination. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the invention, and the skilled person will appreciate that the scope of the invention includes variants and equivalents of the devices herein described.
The invention is directed to a device for remotely idling, halting and initiating the operation of an internal combustion engine. In particular, the invention is directed to a device constructed of readily available low cost components which may be easily installed and maintained in association with small, i.e. two stroke or four stroke, internal combustion engines. The invention is particularly suited to use in the supervisory control of a plurality of amusement vehicles, such as go-carts, bumper boats and the like~
Devices for remotely initiating and halting the operation of an engine are known for installation in passenger vehicles. In order to properly start an en~ine of a passenger vehicle, throttle or choke controls are required to vary the air and fuel requirements between the initial starting stages of operation and the later idling stages. One such device is described in U.S.
Patent No. ~,~46,~60 to Tholl et al. The Tholl device utilizes an oil pressure sensor to provide the engine feedback data required to shut off the starter motor and to control a solenoid which activates the throttle.
Likewise, in U.S. Patent NQ . 3, 657, 720 to Avdenko et al.
remote and on-board transceivers are used to activate a start-stop pulse generator which initiates a sequence of 25 events to start the engine if it is stopped or to stop the engine if it i5 running. The complexity of such conventional devices is necessitated by the design of passenger vehicle engines, and their complexity results in a relatively high purchase price. Installatian of such devices is also a complex procedure requiring electrical connection to the ignition and starter circuits, mechanical connection to the throttle controls, and installation and calibration of sensing means.
Use of such known devices in association with small engines of simpler design is uneconomical and wasteful s~ 7 l~ ~
since the cost of the device relative to the enyine's cost is high, and the device must be modified to disable components not utilized in starting such simpler engines.
In addition, the rapid diagnosis of malfunctions occurring in such devices is difficult for those unskilled in electrical maintenance. If a single component of such prior device fails, it is generally not practical to repair the device, due to its integrated construction, so the entire deviGa is replaced. The average mechanic does not have the level of diagnostic skill required, nor the equipment necessary to carry out repairs upon the circuit boards of such devices.
Prior devices do not provide means for the supervising operator of amusement vehicles, such as go-carts or bumper boats, to disable the vehicles whendangerous operating circumstances arise. For example, when an accident occurs on a go~cart track, the supervising operator has no conventional means to control the operation of the vehicles and must rely upon the skills of the drivers to observe and react to the occurrence themselves or to observe and react to the supervising operator's signals.
The present invention addresses the above disadvantages associated with prior devices for remote engine operation. The invenkion may be constructed of components which are readily available and easily maintained by relatively unskilled users. The invention is of simple design and of low cost so that use in association with small, simple engines is economically feasible.
Accordingly, the invention provides a device for remotely switching off the ignition circuits of small internal combustion engines of a plurality of vehicles to substantially simultaneously halt the operation of the r~
engine of each vehicle, comprising a radio transmitter capable of emitting an ignition control signal, and a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver being capable of receiving said ignition control signal and generating an associated output ignition control pulse in response to said ignition control signal. A plurality of relay switch means, each for interrupting the current in the ignition circuit of each vehicle engine is provided, each relay switch means being connected in series in an ignition circuit and being connected in series with a pair of output leads of a receiver means to interrupt the ignition circuit in response to an output ignition control pulse.
The invention also provides a device for remotely switching on the starter circuits of small internal combustion engines of a plurality o~ vehicles to substantially simultaneously initiate the operation of the engine of each vehicle, comprising a radio transmitter capable o~ emitting a starter control signal, and a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each said vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver being capable of receiving said starter control signal and generating an associated output starter control pulse in response to said starter control signal. A plurality of relay switch means each for completing the starter circuit of each vehicle engine is provided, each relay switch means being connected in series with a starter circuit and being connected in series with a pair of output leads of a receiver means to complete the starter circuit in response to an output starter control pulse.
The invention includes a device for remotely operating the throttles of small internal combustion 2~1~3~7'~ ~
engines of a plurality of vehicles to override the driver's throttle control in each vehicle and to cause each vehicle engine to run at idle, comprising a radio transmitter capable of emitting a throttle control signal, and a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver being capable of receiving the control signal and generating an associated output throttle control pulse in response to said control signal. A plurality of actuators, one for each vehicle engine, each actuator being connected in series with a pair of output leads of the receiver and being connected to the driver's throttle control for the engine so that the actuator operates to override the throttle contro:L in response to an output pulse from the receiver, causin~
each engine to run at idle~
The design of the device in accordance with the invention lends itself to application in association with simple engines such as four stroke engines commonly used to drive go-carts. The drivers of go-carts are often young and inexperienced. In the operation of a recreational go-cart tracX when an accident occurs or the track is obstructed by a stalled vehicle~ the drivers of all go-carts are endangered since it is often difficult for drivers to see ahead to such accidents or obstructions. A supervising operator, however, may observe a dangerous situation from his vantage point but be unable to adequately warn the drivers or otherwise exercise effective control over the vehicles. The subject device may be installed in each go-cart vehicle to enable the supervising operator to immediately halt the operation of all go~cart engines or to throttle them down to idle with a single transmitter emitting a control signal.
Upon removal of the obstruction from the go-cart track, each go-cart simultaneously may be remotely started or the throttle override may be cancelled by the supervising operator using the transmitter.
BRIEF DESCRIP'rIOlt~ OF' THE DR~WINGS
In order that the invention may be readily understood, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment o the invention showing remotely controllad relay switching means for interrupting the ignition circuit and for completing the starter circuit of a small internal combustion engine.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing remotaly controlled servo drives and switching means as an alternative to the relay switching means shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention showing remotely controlled throttle override means for a small internal combustion engine.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a go-cart track in operation showing an application of the invention.
Referring to Figure 1, a device is shown for remotely switching off the ignition circuit 7 of a small internal combustion engine to halt its operation. A
radio transmitter 1 emits an ignition control signal toward a radio receiver means 2 separate from the transmitter 1 at a receiving distance. The radio receiver means 2 receives the ignition control signal and generates an output ignition control pulse in response to 2 ~
the ignition control signal.
A relay switch 3 for interrupting the current in the ignition circuit 7 is provided. The relay switch 3 has a hinged switch arm 5 which is normally biasecl to a closed position and is connected between ground and the ignition circuit 7. The relay switch 3 also has an electromagnetic actuating coil 6 which is connected in series with a first pair of output leads 4 of the receiver 2. When the receiver 2 generates an ignition pulse in response to a transmitter signal, the coil 6 is energized creating a magnetic field which draws the hinged switch arm 5 toward the coil 6 thereby interrupting the i~nition circuit 7. When the ignition pulse ceases, the hinged switch arm 5 returns under its bias to its initial position completing the ignition circuit 7.
Likewise, the device may be operated for remotely switching on the starter circuit 13 of a small internal combustion engine to initiate its operation. The radio transmitter 1 emits a starter control signal of a frequency different from the ignition control signal which is received by the radio receiver 2~ The receiver 2 generates an output starter pulse in response to the starter control signal.
A relay switch 9 is connected in series with the starter circuit 13 and has a hinged switch arm 11 which is normally biased in an open position. The relay switch 9 has an electromagnetic actuating coil 12 which is connected in series to a second pair of output leads 10 of the receiver 2. When the receiver 2 generates a starter pulse, the coil 12 is energized to generate a magnetic field which draws the second hinged switch arm 11 toward the second coil 12, thereby completing the starter circuit 13. When the starter pulse ceases, the 2 ~
hinged switch arm 11 returns under its bias to its initial position interrupting the starter circuit 13.
First and second electronic switches 21 and 22 may be connected respectively between the relay switches 3 and 9 and the receiver 2 to eliminate transients.
Referring to Figure 2, a second embodiment is illustrated which differs from the first em~odiment described above in that the relay switches 3 and 9 and electronic switches 21 and 22 are replaced by servo drives 23 and 26 and associated switches 25 and 28.
A relay servo drive 23 is conne~ted in series with a first pair of output leads 4 of the receiver 2. The servo drive 23 has an armature 24 which is conne~ted to the switch 25 and moves in response to the ignition pulse from the receiver 2 in the direction indicated by arrow A. The switch 25 is connected in series in the ignition circuit 7, and upon interruption of the ignition circuit 7 by actuation of the servo drive 23, the operation of the vehicle~s engine is halted since firing of the spark plugs is disabled.
When the servo drive 23 is not activated by an ignition pulse, the armature 24 coacts with the switch 25 ~o complete the ignition circuit 7 as illustrated in Figure 2. For example, a self centering servo drive or a spring loaded servo drive may be utilized to perform this function.
A relay servo drive 26 is connected in series with a second pair of output leads 10 of the receiver 2. The servo drive 26 has an armature 27 whish is connected to the switch 28 and moves in response to the starter pulse from the receiver 2 in the direction of arro~ B. The switch 28 is connected in series in the starter circuit ! ~ ~ 7 ~ ~
13, and upon completion of the starter circuit 13 by activati.on of the servo drive 26, the operation of the vehicle's engine is initiated.
When the servo drive 26 is not activated by a starter pulse, the armature 27 coacts with the switch 28 to interrupt the starter circuit 13 as iliustrated in Figure 2.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiver means 2 may be powered by the vehicle's battery 8, or by a dedicated receiver battery or by the vehicle's generator (not shown). A power switch 1~ may be included i.n the power circuit of the receiver 2 for completing and interrupting the flow of power current to the receiver 2.
Advantageously, the device may include a dedicated receiver battery having output leads connected in a power circuit with the input power leads 15 of the receiver means 2. A receiver housing lG may house the receiver 2, the relay switches 3 and 9 (Fig. l); or the servo drives 23 and 28, and the switches 25 and 28 (Fig. 2). The receiver antenna 19 may project through the receiver housing 16. The receiver housing 16 protects the moving elements of the device from deleterious liquids or particulate depositions and provides a convenient means to mount the components for installation in the vehicle.
Advantageously, the device may include a transmitter battery 17 connected in series with the transmitter 1. A
transmitter housing 18 may house the transmitter 1 and transmitter battery 17 in order to protect them from weather and other damage. The transmitter antenna 20 may project through the transmitter housing 18.
Referring to Figure 3, a further preferr2d embodiment of the invention provides a throttle override r~
for a small internal combustion engine. The throttle 31 of a small engine, such as the two s~roke type engine commonly used to power a go-cart, is operated by a foot pedal for the driver which is connected through a spring loaded cable harness 33 to a governor arm 35. The governor arm 35 is in turn connected by a control rod 36 to the throttle 31 so that movement of the governor arm 35 causes the throttle 31 to open or close. The spring 37 connected between the accelerator pedal ca~le 33 and the governor arm 35 serves to bias the throttle 31 to its idle setting.
This embodiment of the invention provides a transmitter 1 and receiver 2 as described with a servo drive 41 or equivalent means connected to output leads 43 of the receiver 2. The servo drive 41 has an arm 45 which is connected to the governor arm 35 by a rod 4~.
The servo drive 41 is designed to be capable of moving the governor arm 35 against the force provided by the spring 37, thereby deactivating the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and closing the throttle 31 to its idle position.
As with the previously described embodiments, the device shown in Fig. 3 allows an operator to remotely control a go-cart engine by sending a signal from the transmitter 1 which is picked up by the receiver 2 causing the generation of a control pulse from the receiver 2 to the servo drive 41. The arm 45 of the servo drive 41 moves in response to the control pulse to cause the governor arm 35 to move to a throttled down position. The system can be designed to cause the servo drive 41 to throttle down the engine to idle, or the transmitter can be equipped with a joy stick control which enables the operator a range of control over the throt-tle 31 settings. By switching o~f the signal from the transmitter 1, the servo drive 41 is deactivated ~6~
~ 10 allowing the driver to regain control over the throttle 31.
From Fig~ 4, it will be appreciated that any or all of the systems embodying the invention are particularly useful in the operation of a recreational go-cart track.
A track operator 51 can oversee the operation of go-carts 53 on the track 54, and can utilize the transmitter 1 to exercise various types of control, as described, over the go-cart engines, each equipped with a receiver 2 and accessories in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.
The device may be constructed of components which are easily obtained at low cost from a variety o~ sources such as hobby shops, electronics outlets and mail order catalogues since they are often used in associat:ion with inexpensive remote control toys. Such components are easily removed and replaced during maintenance. The proper operation of the relay switches and the servo drives may be visually verified during diagnosis of system malfunctions. For example, a properly functioning relay switch, or servo drive and switching means, indicates that the malfunction in the ignition or starter operation is caused by a fault in the vehicle's ignition or starter circuit. The relay switch or switching means may be manually operated to check the operation of the ignition and starter circuits to verify that a malfunction of the device has occurred. Therefore, in a relatively short period of time the source of a malfunction may be determined by unskilled users, and a malfunctioning component may be easily replaced at low cost without requiring special diagnostic equipment or tools.
From the foregoing description of the invention, it will be understood that a device in accordance with the 7 ~ ~
invention may include separate means to switch the ignition circuit only, means to switch the star-ter circuit only, means to override the throttle only or any of these in combination. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative of preferred embodiments of the invention, and the skilled person will appreciate that the scope of the invention includes variants and equivalents of the devices herein described.
Claims (14)
1. A device for remotely switching off the ignition circuits of small internal combustion engines of a plurality of vehicles to substantially simultaneously halt the operation of the engine of each vehicle, comprising:
a radio transmitter capable of emitting an ignition control signal;
a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver means being capable of receiving the ignition control signal and generating an associated output ignition control pulse in response to said ignition control signal; and a plurality of relay switch means, each for interrupting the current in the ignition circuit of each vehicle engine, each relay switch means being connected in series with a pair of output leads of a said receiver means to interrupt the ignition circuit in response to an output ignition control pulse.
a radio transmitter capable of emitting an ignition control signal;
a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver means being capable of receiving the ignition control signal and generating an associated output ignition control pulse in response to said ignition control signal; and a plurality of relay switch means, each for interrupting the current in the ignition circuit of each vehicle engine, each relay switch means being connected in series with a pair of output leads of a said receiver means to interrupt the ignition circuit in response to an output ignition control pulse.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay switch means is an electromagnetic actuating coil which coacts with a hinged switch arm having means biasing it normally in the switch closed position, the coil being energized by the output ignition control pulse to create a magnetic field in the coil causing the switch arm to move toward the coil, thereby opening the switch.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay switch means is a servo drive having an armature connected to a hinged switch arm, the armature being biased when inactivated to maintain the switch arm in the switch closed position, the servo drive being activated by an output ignition control pulse to move the armature so that the switch arm assumes a switch open position.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engines are four stroke engines.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicles are go-carts.
6. A device for remotely switching on the starter circuits of small internal combustion engines of a plurality of vehicles to substantially simultaneously initiate the operation of the engine of each vehicle, comprising:
a radio transmitter capable of emitting a starter control signal;
a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver means being capable of receiving the starter control signal and generating an associated output starter control pulse in response to said starter control signal;
a plurality of relay switch means, each for completing the starter circuit of each vehicle engine, each relay switch means being connected in series with a starter circuit and a pair of output leads of a said receiver means to complete the starter circuit in response to an output starter control pulse.
a radio transmitter capable of emitting a starter control signal;
a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter at a signal receiving distance, each receiver means being capable of receiving the starter control signal and generating an associated output starter control pulse in response to said starter control signal;
a plurality of relay switch means, each for completing the starter circuit of each vehicle engine, each relay switch means being connected in series with a starter circuit and a pair of output leads of a said receiver means to complete the starter circuit in response to an output starter control pulse.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the relay switch means is an electromagnetic actuating coil which coacts with a hinged switch arm having means biasing it normally in the switch open position, the coil being energized by the output starter control pulse to create a magnetic field in the coil causing the switch arm to move toward the coil, thereby closing the switch.
8. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the relay switch means is a servo drive having an armature connected to a hinged switch arm, the armature being biased when inactivated to maintain the switch arm in the switch open position, the servo drive being activated by an output starter control pulse to move the armature so that the switch arm assumes a switch closed position.
9. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the engines are four stroke engines.
10. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vehicles are go-carts.
11. A device for remotely operating the throttles of small internal combustion engines of a plurality of vehicles to override the driver's throttle control in each vehicle and to cause each vehicle engine to run at idle, comprising:
a radio transmitter capable of emitting a throttle control signal;
a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter means at a signal receiving distance, each receiver means being capable of receiving the throttle control signal and generating an associated output throttle control pulse in response to said throttle control signal;
a plurality of actuators, one for each vehicle, each actuator being connected in series with a pair of output leads of the receiver means and being connected to the driver's throttle control for the engine so that the actuator operates to override the driver's throttle control in response to an output throttle control pulse from the receiver means, causing each engine to run at idle.
a radio transmitter capable of emitting a throttle control signal;
a plurality of radio receiver means, one within each vehicle separate from the transmitter means at a signal receiving distance, each receiver means being capable of receiving the throttle control signal and generating an associated output throttle control pulse in response to said throttle control signal;
a plurality of actuators, one for each vehicle, each actuator being connected in series with a pair of output leads of the receiver means and being connected to the driver's throttle control for the engine so that the actuator operates to override the driver's throttle control in response to an output throttle control pulse from the receiver means, causing each engine to run at idle.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein each engine throttle is controlled by a governor arm which coacts with the throttle and a spring loaded foot pedal cable operable by a driver, and the actuator is a servo drive having an arm connected to the governor arm to act in opposition to the spring force of the foot pedal cable.
13. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the engines are four stroke engines.
14. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the vehicles are go-carts.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US49676790A | 1990-03-21 | 1990-03-21 | |
| US07/496,767 | 1990-03-21 | ||
| US65177591A | 1991-02-07 | 1991-02-07 | |
| US07/651,775 | 1991-02-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2036740A1 true CA2036740A1 (en) | 1991-09-22 |
Family
ID=27052269
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2036740 Abandoned CA2036740A1 (en) | 1990-03-21 | 1991-02-20 | Remote control device for small internal combustion engines |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2036740A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2046117A2 (en) * | 1992-05-27 | 1994-01-16 | Creaciones E Investigaciones E | Control systems for recreation water vehicles |
| US5673017A (en) * | 1993-09-02 | 1997-09-30 | Astroflex Inc. | Remote vehicle starting system |
-
1991
- 1991-02-20 CA CA 2036740 patent/CA2036740A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2046117A2 (en) * | 1992-05-27 | 1994-01-16 | Creaciones E Investigaciones E | Control systems for recreation water vehicles |
| US5673017A (en) * | 1993-09-02 | 1997-09-30 | Astroflex Inc. | Remote vehicle starting system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |