Continuously Adjustable Vehicle Shifter Height Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual transmission shifters with fixed lengths are not ergonomically suitable for operators of varying statures and may require tools for adjustment, limiting usability and durability, especially during demanding driving activities.
Innovation Solution
A continuously adjustable shifter with a height adjustment mechanism that allows the shift shaft to be adjusted in real-time without tools, maintaining a consistent shifter angle and accommodating different operator preferences and driving styles, using a shaft adjustment affordance that can be operated manually or with an electric motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed length shifter is used, then the shifter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is not ergonomically suitable for operators of varying statures and may require tools for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter shaft is made adjustable in height through a dynamic mechanism that allows it to be repositioned along the shifter body. This enables the shifter to adapt to different operator statures and preferences, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can change configuration based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The height of the shifter shaft relative to the shifter body is made variable through an adjustment mechanism. This parameter change allows operators to modify the shifter geometry to suit their ergonomic requirements, converting a fixed parameter design into one with adjustable parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length shifter is used, then the shifter geometry is stable, but it may feature too long or too short of a throw for the operator's driving style
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter shaft height is made dynamically adjustable, allowing operators to modify the throw length according to their driving style. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability while maintaining geometric stability during actual shifting operations, as the adjustment is made before use rather than during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifter shaft height is adjusted in advance before the operator begins driving, allowing them to optimize the throw length for their specific driving style. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the shifter geometry is stable and reliable during operation while being adapted to the operator's preferences beforehand.
3Ease of operation
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then the shifter can be adjusted to different positions, but it requires tools and cannot be adjusted during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user without requiring external tools. The operator can manually adjust the shifter shaft height by interacting with the mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional adjustment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical adjustment system that requires tools is replaced with a simplified mechanism that can be operated manually or through an electric motor. This substitution reduces the complexity of the adjustment process while maintaining the ability to change shifter shaft height.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the shifter shaft height is adjusted, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but the adjustment mechanism adds complexity to the shifter assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the shifter body in such a way that it serves multiple functions: it provides height adjustment capability while also forming part of the overall shifter structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable shifter for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable shifter comprises a body, a shift shaft mounted within the body, and a height adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of the shift shaft relative to the body in a continuously adjustable manner throughout an operating height range of the shift shaft.