Mechanical Park Return Feature for Shift-by-Wire Transmissions

Abstract

The selector mechanism includes a selector interface having a detent member. The artificial feel positioner defines a plurality of artificial feel positions corresponding to selectable positions of the selector interface. The plurality of artificial feel positions are connected via a screw groove extending helically along the artificial feel positioner. A motor rotatably operates the artificial feel positioner and automatically operates the detent member through the screw groove to move the detent member and the selector interface to a desired position of the detent member and the selector interface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle shifters, and more particularly to a mechanical parking return mechanism having a rotatably operable artificial feel positioner. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional vehicles, a shift-by-wire mechanism digitally operates a vehicle's transmission between multiple transmission gears. As part of the mechanism, a mechanical shifter is incorporated to allow a user to operate the shift-by-wire mechanism. In certain cases, such as a return to park function, the shift-by-wire mechanism automatically operates to place the transmission in park. A visual cue that this has been done is typically reflected on an electronic display. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the invention, a selector mechanism includes a selector interface having a detent member. An artificial feel positioner defines a plurality of artificial feel positions corresponding to selectable positions of the selector interface. The plurality of artificial feel positions are connected via a screw groove extending helically along the artificial feel positioner. A motor rotatably operates the artificial feel positioner and automatically operates the detent member through the screw groove to move the detent member and the selector interface to a desired position of the detent member and the selector interface.

[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a selector mechanism for a vehicle includes a selector interface having a positioning member. The artificial feel positioner includes a continuous screw groove defining a plurality of selectable positions of the selector interface. The continuous screw groove, in a stationary state, defines a detent relationship between the positioning member and the continuous screw groove. A corresponding rotational position of each selectable position of the plurality of selectable positions is defined relative to an axis of rotation of the selector interface. An actuator is operative to define a translational state that rotates the artificial feel positioner about the positioner axis of rotation. Operation of the actuator guides the positioning member through the continuous screw groove about the axis of rotation of the selector interface.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, a selector mechanism includes a selector interface having a detent member. The artificial feel positioner includes a continuous screw ridge. The continuous screw ridge in a quiescent state defines a plurality of artificial feel positions. The artificial feel positions correspond to selectable positions of the selector interface. The plurality of artificial feel positions are connected via a continuous screw ridge that extends helically along the artificial feel positioner to define a screw groove. A positioner actuator rotatably operates the artificial feel positioner to define a translation state. Operation of a motor translates the detent member along the continuous screw ridge and through the screw groove to translate the detent member and the selector interface about an axis of rotation of the selector interface to a desired rotational position relative to the axis of rotation.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art from study of the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 13A-13C are top perspective views of an embodiment of a selector mechanism. [Diagram 2]2 is another top perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 1 with a portion of the outer housing removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of a selector mechanism showing the selector in a drive position. [Figure 6] 6 is another side view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 5, showing the selector interface in a parked position. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is another top perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a side view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is another top perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 7 is another bottom perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of a selector mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is another side view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 16 is a top perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 15 illustrating operation of the selector mechanism between the park position and the drive position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the selector mechanism of FIG. 17 illustrating operation of the selector interface between the park and drive positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] For purposes of description herein, the terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer to the present invention as oriented in FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0009] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-14, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a mechanical parking return feature incorporated within a mechanical shifting device 12 for a shift-by-wire mechanism 14. The mechanical parking return feature 10 includes a detent member 16 extending from a mechanical selector interface 18. The detent member 16 engages an artificial feel positioner 20 to define, with visual and tactile feedback, selected positions 22 of the transmission. These selected positions 22 typically include a park position, a reverse position, a neutral position, a drive position, and various manual shift positions that correspond to positions of the shift-by-wire mechanism 14. The mechanical selector interface 18 operates one or more detent members 16, typically one detent, through the artificial feel positioner 20 to provide a visual indication of the selected positions 22 of the transmission. In this manner, the mechanical selector interface 18 can reflect the selected positions 22. Additionally, the mechanical selector interface 18 may provide electronic instructions to the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 for operating the transmission to define various gear positions 70 of the transmission. The shift-by-wire mechanism 14 also cooperates with the mechanical shifting device 12 to define a parking lock that may be activated when the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 defines the park position 30.

[0010] 1-14, the selector mechanism includes a selector interface 18 having a detent member 16. The artificial feel positioner 20 defines a plurality of artificial feel locations 40 that correspond to various selectable locations 42 of the selector interface 18. The plurality of artificial feel locations 40 are connected via a screw groove 36 that extends helically along the artificial feel positioner 20. In this manner, the screw groove 36 is a continuous groove and corresponding screw ridges 130 that extend helically along the surface of the artificial feel positioner 20. A positioner actuator 90, typically a motor, rotatably operates the artificial feel positioner 20 to automatically operate the detent member 16 through the screw groove 36 to move or otherwise translate the detent member 16 and the selector interface 18 to the desired selectable location 42 of the detent member 16 and the selector interface 18. The selector interface 18 is a rotatably operable member that rotates about a selector axis of rotation 50. The desired selectable location 42 of the plurality of artificial feel locations 40 is a predetermined rotational position 114 of the selector interface 18 relative to the selector axis of rotation 50 .

[0011] 1-14, to accommodate this translation of the detent member 16 and the selector interface 18 through rotation of the artificial feel positioner 20, the screw groove 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20 includes an outer curved profile 60 that is concentric with the selector axis of rotation 50 of the selector interface 18. Thus, as the artificial feel positioner 20 rotates about the positioner axis of rotation 34, the detent member 16 is maintained within the screw groove 36, translating about the selector axis of rotation 50. Through this concentric orientation of the curved profile 60, the detent member 16 is continuously engaged with the screw groove 36 as the selector interface 18 rotates about the selector axis of rotation 50. The positioner actuator 90 may be coupled to the artificial feel positioner 20 via a first gear train 92. The first gear train 92 may be used to redirect the rotational motion of the positioner actuator 90 into a housing 94 of the shifting device 12. The first gear train 92 may also be used as a gear reduction mechanism to modify the speed and / or mechanical advantage provided by the positioner actuator 90.

[0012] When the vehicle is stopped, in certain cases it may be necessary to automatically return the vehicle's transmission to the park position 30. In a shift-by-wire mechanism 14, this occurs electronically, and typically without engagement of the selector interface 18 of the mechanical shifting device 12. To provide visual and tactile feedback of this automatic operation of the shift-by-wire mechanism 14, the mechanical park return feature 10 utilizes an artificial feel positioner 20 to return the mechanical selector interface 18 to the park position 30. To accomplish this, the artificial feel positioner 20 includes a helical screw 32 that engages the detent member 16. The artificial feel positioner 20 rotatably operates about a positioner axis of rotation 34. As the artificial feel positioner 20 rotates, the detent member 16 slidably operates or translates within a screw groove 36, such as an Archimedes screw, and is manipulated along the screw groove 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20. As the detent member 16 moves and translates along the screw groove 36 , it also urges the mechanical selector interface 18 about the selector rotation axis 50 back to the parking position 30 .

[0013] 1-14, the detent member 16 moves about a selector axis of rotation 50 that is typically perpendicular to the positioner axis of rotation 34, so that the artificial feel positioner 20 includes an outer curved profile 60 that is concentric with the selector axis of rotation 50. The screw groove 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20 thus operates through this curved profile 60 to allow the detent member 16 to move rotatably about the selector axis of rotation 50 while simultaneously translating along the screw groove 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20. Again, the artificial feel positioner 20 rotates about the positioner axis of rotation 34, and the screw groove 36 operates to translate the detent member 16 along the curved profile 60 that is concentric with the selector axis of rotation 50.

[0014] It is contemplated that the artificial feel positioner 20 having the screw groove 36 may be utilized with a linear motion selector interface 18, with the artificial feel positioner 20 positioned along a linear axis through which the linear motion selector has moved. It is also contemplated that the artificial feel positioner 20 having the screw groove 36 may move relative to a rotational selector. In such an embodiment, the artificial feel positioner 20 is typically oriented in a generally horizontal configuration. In various aspects of the device, the curved profile 60 of the screw groove 36 is concentric with the selector rotation axis 50 of the selector interface 18.

[0015] When the artificial feel positioner 20 is in a rest state 110, the profile of the artificial feel positioner 20 facing the detent member 16 defines the various gear positions 70 of the selector interface 18. Because the artificial feel positioner 20 can rotate, the exact rotational placement of the gear positions 70 relative to the selector interface 18 and the selector rotation axis 50 may change slightly over time as the artificial feel positioner 20 rotates to return the detent member 16 to the parking position 30 or to another of the gear positions 70. Thus, various calibrations may occur periodically. These calibrations serve to define or redefine the relative rotational positions 114 and locations of the various gear positions 70 relative to the mechanical selector interface 18. These gear positions 70 maintain consistent spacing 112 or relative spacing 112 relative to one another, but the rotational positions 114 of the detent member 16 relative to the rotation axis and each gear position 70 may change over time. Calibration of the selector interface 18 can be used to compensate for these slight variations in positioning the various gear positions 70.

[0016] In various aspects of the device, the gear positions 70 can include consistent spacing 112 through the use of an artificial feel positioner 20 having screw grooves 36 and screw ridges 130 with consistent widths. It is also contemplated that the artificial feel positioner 20 can have variable or irregular threads. This can produce screw grooves 36 and screw ridges 130 with variable distances between the gear positions 70. In this embodiment, operation of the artificial feel positioner 20 can modify the rotational positions 114 of the gear positions 70 about the selector rotation axis 50 without significantly modifying the relative spacing 112 of the gear positions 70 with respect to one another.

[0017] It is also contemplated that after the artificial feel positioner 20 has rotated to return the detent member 16 to the parking position 30, the artificial feel positioner 20 may be returned to a consistent home position 120 such that the gear position 70 may maintain a consistent spacing 112 and a consistent rotational position 114 relative to the selector rotation axis 50 of the selector interface 18. The home position 120 may also serve to reset the relative rotational angle or arrangement of the multiple artificial feel positions 40 of the artificial feel positioner 20 relative to the selector rotation axis 50 of the selector interface 18.

[0018] Additionally, when the artificial feel positioner 20 returns the detent member 16 and the selector interface 18 is in the parking position 30 , the parking lock mechanism 102 can engage the selector interface 18 to secure it in the parking position 30 .

[0019] The artificial feel positioner 20 can be operated through a dedicated positioner actuator 90 that moves the artificial feel positioner 20 about the positioner axis of rotation 34. As the artificial feel positioner 20 rotates, the screw grooves 36 guide and translate the detent member 16 about the selector axis of rotation 50. In this manner, the screw grooves 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20 automatically return the detent member 16 to the parking position 30, home position 120, or other desired rotational position 114 relative to the selector axis of rotation 50. The positioner actuator 90 and artificial feel positioner 20 can also include various positioning sensors that monitor when the detent member 16 reaches the parking position 30, home position 120, or other desired rotational position 114. Thus, when the detent member 16 slides over the continuous screw ridges 130 that define the screw groove 36, the positioner actuator 90 continues to operate until the detent member 16 reaches the park position 30, the home position 120, or other desired rotational position 114. If the park position 30 cannot be reached due to an obstacle blocking the mechanical selector interface 18, a signal or other alert may be activated, for example. It should be understood that the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 returns the transmission to the park gear regardless of whether the mechanical selector interface 18 operates to the park position 30. The park return feature 10 described herein is typically used to provide a visual indication that the transmission has automatically returned to the park gear.

[0020] In certain aspects of the device, the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 may include a lock actuator 100 that operates the parking lock mechanism 102 to maintain the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 and the mechanical selector interface 18 in the park position 30 or other rotational position 114. It is contemplated that the lock actuator 100 may be in the form of a solenoid, motor, or other actuator capable of actuating the parking lock mechanism 102. It is also contemplated that the parking lock mechanism 102 may be a separate assembly that cooperates with the artificial feel positioner 20. It is also contemplated that the lock actuator 100 may be incorporated into the parking lock mechanism 102. In such an embodiment, the positioner actuator 90 and the lock actuator 100 may be a single actuator. In such an example, the lock actuator 100 may also be used to manipulate the artificial feel positioner 20 about the positioner axis of rotation 34 while operating the parking lock mechanism 102. In such an embodiment, when the automatic parking return feature 10 is utilized, the lock actuator 100 can be used to bias the parking lock lever 104 toward the parking lock position 106. At the same time, this lock actuator 100 can be used to operate the artificial feel positioner 20 about the positioner axis of rotation 34 to operate the detent member 16 through the screw groove 36, and about the selector axis of rotation 50 to return the detent member 16 and the mechanical selector interface 18 to the parking position 30. In such an embodiment of the device, the parking lock mechanism 102 and the artificial feel positioner 20 can be operated by a common motor, solenoid, or other similar actuator for operating each of the parking lock mechanism 102 and the artificial feel positioner 20. The parking lock mechanism 102 can also include a second gear train 118 that transfers the rotational or axial motion of the lock actuator 100 within the housing 94. The second gear train 118 may also be used to modify the speed and / or mechanical advantage of the lock actuator 100.

[0021] 15-18, the parking lock mechanism 102 may be operated through the use of a solenoid that operates in a generally linear configuration. Through this configuration, a parking lock lever 104 operates through the actuation of the solenoid to engage and disengage a portion of the selector interface 18.

[0022] 1-18, according to various embodiments of the device, the artificial feel positioner 20 can be oriented in a variety of configurations relative to the selector interface 18 and the detent member 16 incorporated within the selector interface 18. These various configurations can be based on the size and dimensional constraints of the particular selector mechanism and the components contained therein. Thus, the artificial feel positioner 20 can be oriented in a horizontal configuration, a vertical configuration, or other angular configuration that allows for engagement between the detent member 16 of the selector interface 18 and the screw groove 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20.

[0023] It is contemplated that in certain aspects of the device, rotational operation of the artificial feel positioner 20 may be utilized with a wire-operated shifting mechanism. In such embodiments, rotation of the feel positioner may be used to manipulate the detent member 16 toward the park position 30. This manipulation of the detent member 16 not only moves the mechanical selector interface 18, but also operates a shifting mechanism coupled with the transmission to return the transmission to the park position 30 or another gear position 70. In such embodiments, various locking or securing mechanisms are included within the detent member 16 to prevent the detent member 16 from slipping out of the gear position 70 of the threaded groove 36 as the detent member 16 moves through the threaded groove 36 of the artificial feel positioner 20. Additionally, since the selector interface 18 is connected with wires to mechanically operate the transmission, the positioner actuator 90 for operating the feel positioner is typically a higher powered motor, not only to operate the detent member 16 to the park position 30, but also to mechanically operate the wires of the transmission to operate the transmission to the park position 30.

[0024] Typically, an artificial feel positioner 20 having a screw groove 36 is utilized within the shift-by-wire mechanism 14. Thus, engagement of the screw groove 36 with the detent member 16 is engaged to operate the detent member 16 to the park position 30. Thus, the screw groove 36 only needs to overcome gravity and any damping or haptic related features of the selector interface 18 to return the detent member 16 to the park position 30. Thus, a lower powered motor can be utilized to operate the artificial feel positioner 20 and the screw groove 36. As discussed herein, a lower powered motor can also be used to operate the artificial feel positioner 20 to any of the gear positions 70. Such a function can be implemented in an automatic parallel parking function for a vehicle.

[0025] In the exemplary case of an automated parallel parking function, the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 may be automatically operated between a drive gear position and a reverse gear position 70. During these automated operations of the shift-by-wire mechanism 14, the artificial feel positioner 20 may be operated to reflect these operations through the position of the selector interface 18. Finally, after the automated parallel parking function is completed, the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 engages the park position 30 and the selector interface 18 reflects this operation. As discussed herein, operation of the artificial feel positioner 20 operates the selector interface 18 between various gear positions 70. In certain cases, operation of the selector interface 18 by the automatic feel positioner 20 may be used to select a particular gear position 70, such as a drive, neutral, and reverse gear position 70. The park position 30 is typically engaged by the shift-by-wire mechanism 14 and the operation of the selector interface 18 reflects this change.

[0026] Referring again to FIGS. 1-18, the selector mechanism may be positioned within a vehicle (not shown). Typically, the selector mechanism is associated with a gear selector or gear shifter to select various gears or to reflect the selection of various gears associated with a transmission. The selector interface 18 includes a positioning member, typically in the form of a detent member 16. The artificial feel positioner 20 includes a continuous threaded groove 36 that defines a plurality of selectable positions 42 of the selector interface 18. The continuous threaded groove 36 in a rest state 110 defines a detent relationship between the detent member 16 and the continuous threaded groove 36. The continuous threaded groove 36 in a rest state 110 defines a corresponding rotational position 114 of each selectable position 42 of the plurality of selectable positions 42 relative to a selector axis of rotation 50 of the selector interface 18. As discussed above, the rotational position 114 of the artificial feel positioner 20 may vary the relative position of the plurality of selectable positions 42 relative to the selector axis of rotation 50. The positioner actuator 90 operates to define a translation state 140 in which the artificial feel positioner 20 rotates about the positioner axis of rotation 34. The operation of the positioner actuator 90 guides the detent member 16 about the selector axis of rotation 50 through the continuous screw groove 36. As discussed above, the positioner actuator 90 is typically a motor, such as a stepper motor, that rotatably operates the artificial feel positioner 20 about the positioner axis of rotation 34. The motor may be in the form of a bi-directional motor that can operate the artificial feel positioner 20 in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. It is contemplated that in certain aspects of the device, the positioner actuator 90 may be a uni-directional motor that is configured to operate only the artificial feel positioner 20 and then operate the detent member 16 toward the parking position 30. Rotation of the detent member 16 and selector interface 18 away from the parking position 30 may be accomplished through movement of the detent member 16 of the selector interface 18 through the selectable positions 42 of the artificial feel positioner 20 in the rest state 110 .

[0027] 1-18, the artificial feel positioner 20 includes a continuous ridge that defines a continuous screw groove 36. The continuous ridge in the rest state 110 separates the plurality of selectable locations 42 to define a consistent spacing 112 of the plurality of selectable locations 42. As the detent member 16 moves between the plurality of selectable locations 42, the detent member 16 flexes as it engages the continuous screw ridge 130 to move between the plurality of selectable locations 42 in the rest state 110. When the artificial feel positioner 20 is in the translation state 140, the continuous screw ridge 130 guides a positioning member, typically in the form of a detent member 16, through the continuous screw groove 36 to a desired one of the plurality of selectable locations 42.

[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 1-18, the selector mechanism includes a selector interface 18 having a detent member 16. The artificial feel positioner 20 includes a continuous screw ridge 130. The continuous screw ridge 130 in a quiescent state 110 defines a plurality of artificial feel locations 40 and consistent spacing 112 therebetween. The artificial feel locations 40 of the continuous screw ridge 130 correspond to selectable locations 42 of the selector interface 18. The plurality of artificial feel locations 40 are connected via the continuous screw ridge 130 that extends helically along the artificial feel positioner 20 to define a screw groove 36. The positioner actuator 90 rotationally operates the artificial feel positioner 20 to define a translational state 140. Operation of the positioner actuator 90 translates the detent member 16 along the continuous screw ridge 130 and through the screw groove 36 to translate the detent member 16 and the selector interface 18 about the selector rotation axis 50 of the selector interface 18 to a desired rotational position 114 relative to the selector rotation axis 50.

[0029] In accordance with various aspects of the apparatus, as illustrated in Figures 1-18, the selector mechanism may optionally include a locking mechanism coupled to the selector interface 18. The locking mechanism includes a lock actuator 100 that selectively locks the selector interface 18 in a predetermined rotational position 114 relative to the selector rotation axis 50. The locking mechanism is typically in the form of a parking lock mechanism 102 having a parking lock lever 104. The parking lock lever 104 is operable to engage a portion of the selector interface 18 to lock the selector interface 18 in the predetermined rotational position 114. Typically, this predetermined rotational position 114 will be the parking position 30 of the selector interface 18.

[0030] It is understood that changes and modifications can be made to the structure described above without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Claims

1. A selector mechanism comprising: a selector interface having a detent member; a positioner defining a plurality of positions corresponding to selectable positions of the selector interface and providing visual and tactile feedback, the plurality of positions being connected via a screw groove extending helically along the positioner; a motor for rotatably operating the positioner to automatically operate the detent member through the screw groove to move the detent member and the selector interface to a desired position of the detent member and the selector interface; A selector mechanism, wherein the selector interface is a rotatably movable member that rotates about an axis of rotation, and the desired position is a predetermined rotational position of the selector interface relative to the axis of rotation.

2. The selector mechanism of claim 1 , wherein said detent member continuously engages said screw groove as said selector interface rotates about said axis of rotation.

3. The selector mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the selector interface is part of a vehicle gear selector.

4. The selector mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the selector interface is coupled to a shift-by-wire mechanism.

5. The selector mechanism of claim 3 , wherein rotation of the positioner guides the detent member through the screw groove to rotate the detent member and the selector interface to a parked position.

6. The selector mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the screw groove is an Archimedes screw concentric with an axis of rotation of the positioner.

7. The selector mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the selector interface includes a locking mechanism for selectively fixing the selector interface in a predetermined rotational position relative to the axis of rotation.

8. A selector mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the plurality of positions defines a home position, the home position operative to reset an angle of rotation of the plurality of positions relative to the axis of rotation of the selector interface.

9. A selector mechanism for a vehicle, comprising: a selector interface having a positioning member; a positioner providing visual and tactile feedback having a continuous thread defining a plurality of selectable positions of the selector interface, the continuous thread in a quiescent state defining a detent relationship between the positioning member and the continuous thread defining a corresponding rotational position of each selectable position of the plurality of selectable positions relative to an axis of rotation of the selector interface; an actuator operative to define a translational state for rotating the positioner about a positioner axis of rotation, the actuator operation guiding the positioning member through the continuous screw groove about the axis of rotation of the selector interface to a desired one of the plurality of selectable positions; A selector mechanism, wherein the selector interface is a rotatably movable member that rotates about an axis of rotation, and the desired position is a predetermined rotational position of the selector interface relative to the axis of rotation.

10. The selector mechanism of claim 9, wherein the actuator is a motor.

11. 10. The selector mechanism of claim 9, wherein said positioner includes a continuous ridge defining said continuous thread groove, said continuous ridge in said quiescent state separating said plurality of selectable positions to define a consistent spacing of said plurality of selectable positions.

12. The selector mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the positioning member is a detent that flexes as the selector interface engages the continuous ridge and moves between the plurality of selectable positions when the positioner is in the rest state.

13. The selector mechanism of claim 11 , wherein said continuous ridge in said translated state guides said positioning member through said continuous screw groove to a desired one of said plurality of selectable positions.

14. The selector mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the continuous screw groove is an Archimedes screw concentric with an axis of rotation of the selector interface.

15. 10. The selector mechanism of claim 9, wherein a tactile location of one of the plurality of selectable locations defines a home location, the home location operative to reset the corresponding rotational location of the plurality of selectable locations relative to the axis of rotation of the selector interface.

16. The selector mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the selector interface is part of a gear selector of the vehicle.

17. The selector mechanism of claim 9 , wherein the selector interface is coupled to a shift-by-wire mechanism.

18. The selector mechanism of claim 17, wherein the shift-by-wire mechanism includes a parking lock, engagement of the parking lock actuating a motor to rotate the positioner about a positioner axis of rotation.

19. The selector mechanism of claim 16 , wherein rotation of the positioner guides the positioning member through the continuous screw groove to rotate the detent and the selector interface to a parked position.

20. A selector mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein the positioning member continuously engages the continuous screw groove as the selector interface rotates about the axis of rotation.

21. A selector mechanism comprising: a selector interface having a detent member; a positioner providing visual and tactile feedback having a continuous screw ridge, the continuous screw ridge in a resting state defining a plurality of positions, the positions corresponding to selectable positions of the selector interface, the plurality of positions being connected via the continuous screw ridge extending helically along the positioner to define a screw groove; a positioner actuator for rotatably operating the positioner to define a translation state, wherein operation of a motor translates the detent member along the continuous screw ridge and through the screw groove to translate the detent member and the selector interface about an axis of rotation of the selector interface to a desired rotational position relative to the axis of rotation; A selector mechanism, wherein the selector interface is a rotatably operable member that rotates about an axis of rotation, and the desired rotational position is a predetermined rotational position of the selector interface relative to the axis of rotation.

22. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the selector interface, the locking mechanism including a lock actuator selectively locking the selector interface in a predetermined rotational position relative to the axis of rotation.

23. The selector mechanism of claim 22, wherein the predetermined rotational position and the desired rotational position define a home position of the selector interface.

24. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , wherein the positioner actuator is a motor.

25. The selector mechanism of claim 22, wherein the lock actuator is one of a motor and a solenoid.

26. 22. The selector mechanism of claim 21, wherein said continuous screw ridges in said stationary state separate said selectable positions.

27. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , wherein the detent member flexes as the selector interface translates between the selectable positions when the positioner is in the rest state.

28. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , wherein one of the plurality of positions defines a home position, the home position operative to reset a corresponding angle of rotation of each of the plurality of positions relative to the axis of rotation of the selector interface.

29. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , wherein the detent member continuously engages the screw groove as the selector interface rotates about the axis of rotation.

30. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , wherein the selector interface is part of a vehicle gear selector.

31. The selector mechanism of claim 21 , wherein the selector interface is coupled to a shift-by-wire mechanism.

32. The selector mechanism of claim 31 , wherein the shift-by-wire mechanism includes a parking lock, engagement of the parking lock actuating the motor to rotate the positioner about a positioner axis of rotation.

33. The selector mechanism of claim 30, wherein rotation of the positioner guides the detent member through the screw groove to rotate the detent member and the selector interface to a parked position.

34. A selector mechanism according to any one of claims 21 to 33, wherein the screw groove is an Archimedes screw concentric with the axis of rotation of the selector interface.

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