Abstract: A personal watercraft, driving control system, and method for controlling the watercraft. The watercraft includes a jet powered propulsion system; a steering system including a handle; and the driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to the steering system for applying torque to the steering system; at least one sensor positioned adjacent the steering system; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine whether user torque is being applied to the steering system; and responsive to determining that the user torque is not being applied: determine a steering angle; determine a target angle for returning the steering system to a center position; compare the steering angle to the target angle; determine a centering torque; and operate the electrically actuated device to apply the centering torque to the steering, with the centering torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A throttle assembly (26) for a vehicle (20) having a handlebar (22) with a grip (36) extending along a grip axis (GA). A housing (42) is adapted for attachment to the handlebar (22) adjacent to the grip (36) and defines a housing axis (UA) adapted to be substantially parallel to the grip axis (GA). A link (48) is slidably supported by the housing (42) between a first link end (48A) and a second link end (48B). A thumb trigger (44) is coupled to the first link end (48A) and moves with the link (48) between first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B). A track mechanism (50) operatively attached to the housing (42) and to the second link end (48B) of the link (48) guides the link (48) along a curvilinear path (54A) such that movement of the thumb trigger (44) to the second trigger position (44B) slides the thumb trigger (44) away from the housing (42) with the thumb trigger (44) traversing the housing axis (UA) during at least a portion of the movement between the first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a personal watercraft. An electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system of the personal watercraft and applies torque to the steering system. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent the steering system and generates operational data of the personal watercraft. At least one controller is coupled to the electrically actuated device and the at least one sensor, and is configured to determine a first torque to apply to the steering system based on the operational data responsive to a second torque being applied to the steering system. The at least one controller is further configured to operate the electrically actuated device to apply the first torque to the steering system for providing enhanced steering control of the personal watercraft, with the first torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a personal watercraft. An electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system of the personal watercraft and applies torque to the steering system. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent the steering system and generates operational data of the personal watercraft. At least one controller is coupled to the electrically actuated device and the at least one sensor, and is configured to determine a first torque to apply to the steering system based on the operational data responsive to a second torque being applied to the steering system. The at least one controller is further configured to operate the electrically actuated device to apply the first torque to the steering system for providing enhanced steering control of the personal watercraft, with the first torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A throttle assembly (26) for a vehicle (20) having a handlebar (22) with a grip (36) extending along a grip axis (GA). A housing (42) is adapted for attachment to the handlebar (22) adjacent to the grip (36) and defines a housing axis (UA) adapted to be substantially parallel to the grip axis (GA). A link (48) is slidably supported by the housing (42) between a first link end (48A) and a second link end (48B). A thumb trigger (44) is coupled to the first link end (48A) and moves with the link (48) between first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B). A track mechanism (50) operatively attached to the housing (42) and to the second link end (48B) of the link (48) guides the link (48) along a curvilinear path (54A) such that movement of the thumb trigger (44) to the second trigger position (44B) slides the thumb trigger (44) away from the housing (42) with the thumb trigger (44) traversing the housing axis (UA) during at least a portion of the movement between the first and second trigger positions (44A, 44B).

Abstract: The driving pulley has a fully clutched mode of operation where a drivebelt and a driveshaft are coupled together in a torque transmitting engagement and also has an unclutched mode of operation where there is substantially no torque transmitting engagement between the drive belt and the driveshaft. The driving pulley comprises at least one transitional clutch spring that is in a first position when the driving pulley is in the unclutched mode of operation and that is in a second position when the driving pulley is in the fully clutched mode of operation. The at least one transitional clutch spring remains substantially in its second position regardless of the relative axial distance between the sheaves when the driving pulley is in the fully clutched mode of operation. A method of operating a driving pulley is also disclosed. The proposed concept provides a smoother engagement during the transition from the unclutched mode to the fully clutched mode.

Abstract: The driving pulley has a fully clutched mode of operation where a drivebelt and a driveshaft are coupled together in a torque transmitting engagement and also has an unclutched mode of operation where there is substantially no torque transmitting engagement between the drive belt and the driveshaft. The driving pulley comprises at least one transitional clutch spring that is in a first position when the driving pulley is in the unclutched mode of operation and that is in a second position when the driving pulley is in the fully clutched mode of operation. The at least one transitional clutch spring remains substantially in its second position regardless of the relative axial distance between the sheaves when the driving pulley is in the fully clutched mode of operation. A method of operating a driving pulley is also disclosed. The proposed concept provides a smoother engagement during the transition from the unclutched mode to the fully clutched mode.

Abstract: An electronically controlled CVT driving pulley comprising a pair of opposed sheaves adapted to rotate about a driving pulley rotation axis is hereby provided, one of the sheaves including an axial protrusion including a series of teeth cooperating with an axial bearing mechanism providing a relative axial displacement between the opposed sheaves and to transmit a torque between the opposed sheaves. A kit and a method for transmitting a torque between two opposed sheaves of an electronically controlled CVT is also provided.