IP Library Granted Patent US 12,209,543
Granted Patent B2
US 12,209,543 · App. 18/243,388 · Granted Jan 28, 2025

Throttle controlled intake system

Inventors: Gilbert Heck (Nuveo, CA); Steve Williams (Cherry Valley, CA)
Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
F02D41/0002B60R16/0207B60R16/0231F02D9/08F02D11/105F02D41/2412F02M35/0204F02M35/024F02M35/10144F02M35/10249F02D2200/0404F02D2200/602
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,209,543
App. No.
18/243,388
Granted
Jan 28, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A throttle-controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle-controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle-controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.

Claims (29)

1. A throttle-controlled intake system for an engine of a vehicle, the system comprising:

a control module in communication with an intake system for interpreting signals and communicating with a throttle body of the vehicle;

a throttle pedal connector for connecting to a throttle pedal of the vehicle;

a throttle position sensor connector for connecting to the throttle pedal connector of the vehicle; and

a wiring harness electrically coupling the control module with a throttle pedal and the throttle body wherein the wiring harness includes a controller socket configured to be coupled with a signal adjuster to enable manual adjustment of throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control module is integrated into an air intake system.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the air intake system comprises an aircharger air intake system.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein air intake system comprises at least one air filter for entrapping particulates flowing within an airstream into the engine and an intake tube for conducting the airstream from the air filter to an air intake of the engine.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control module includes a rigid enclosure and an input socket.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the input socket is configured to receive a signal connector comprising the wiring harness.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein, the input socket is configured to facilitate coupling the control module with a throttle pedal and a throttle body of the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the input socket is configured to facilitate coupling the control module with the electronic control unit of the vehicle.

9. The system of claim 5 , wherein the rigid enclosure is configured to withstand an environment encountered within an engine compartment of the vehicle.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors include a throttle position sensor and a throttle pedal.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control module comprises one or more microprocessors that are configured to process input signals received from the throttle pedal and signals received from the throttle position sensor.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control module is configured to send a signal directly to a throttle body so as to create an increase in throttle responsiveness and acceleration.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control module is configured to generate the signal by evaluating throttle pedal positions against throttle position sensor readings.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the control module has a fixed programming whereby the throttle pedal positions are evaluated in view of the throttle position sensor readings.

15. A method for a throttle-controlled intake system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising:

configuring a control module to interpret signals and communicate with a throttle body of the vehicle;

configuring a throttle pedal connector for connecting to a throttle pedal of the vehicle;

configuring a throttle position sensor connector for connecting to the throttle pedal connector of the vehicle;

providing a signal adjuster configured to enable manual adjustment of throttle responsiveness of the vehicle, the signal adjuster comprising a cable that extends from a controller connector to a rheostat wherein the controller connector is configured to be plugged into a controller socket comprising the wiring harness wherein the rheostat is configured to enable manual adjustment of a throttle signal being communicated to the throttle body; and

configuring a wiring harness for communicating signals among one or more sensors and the control module.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein configuring the wiring harness includes incorporating the throttle pedal connector and the throttle position sensor connector into the wiring harness.

17. The method of claim 15 , wherein configuring the control module includes configuring the control module to process input signals received from the throttle pedal and signals received from the throttle position sensor.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein configuring the control module includes configuring the control module to send a signal directly to the throttle body so as to create an increase in throttle responsiveness and acceleration.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein configuring the control module includes configuring the control module to generate the signal by evaluating throttle pedal positions against throttle position sensor readings.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein configuring the control module includes providing the control module with a fixed programming whereby the throttle pedal positions are evaluated in view of the throttle position sensor readings.

Assignments (2)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT – SUPPLEMENT NO. 1 Recorded Oct 25, 2024
From: K & N ENGINEERING, INC.
To: ANKURA TRUST COMPANY, LLC
Reel/Frame 069268/0013 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 24, 2024
From: K & N ENGINEERING, INC.
To: FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 071008/0165 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation 17529175 · Nov 17, 2021
Continuation 16937423 · Jul 23, 2020
Provisional Application 62878242 · Jul 24, 2019
Related Publication 20230417200A1 · Dec 28, 2023
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