Adjustable Shifter Mechanism for Customizable Driver Leverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle shifters are not adjustable to accommodate drivers with varying physical features or preferences, limiting comfort and ease of use for multiple drivers sharing the same vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally mounted gear shift lever with a removable and interchangeable design, allowing for adjustments in pivot pin position and counterweight placement to customize leverage and resistance, along with adjustable transmission linkages, enabling personalized shifting patterns and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shifter design is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot accommodate drivers with varying physical features or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter is divided into separable components: the lever assembly can be removed from the pivot frame, and the counterweight can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows different configurations to be assembled based on driver needs without redesigning the entire shifter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifter transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic adjustable design. The pivot pin position can be changed, the counterweight position can be adjusted, and the lever can be completely removed if needed. These dynamic adjustments allow the same physical structure to adapt to different drivers' requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shifter is made adjustable with multiple components, then it can accommodate different drivers, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot frame and lever assembly serve multiple functions: they provide the structural framework, enable adjustable pivot positions for different leverage ratios, support variable counterweight positioning for resistance adjustment, and allow complete lever removal for storage or customization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight can be removed from the lever when not needed, such as when a driver prefers lighter shifting effort or when the lever is stored. This selective discarding of components allows flexibility in adapting the shifter to different usage scenarios without permanently adding complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot pin position is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the leverage and resistance cannot be customized
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pivot pin positions are pre-established in the pivot frame during manufacturing, and the desired position is selected before assembly. This preliminary preparation of multiple fixed positions avoids the need for complex adjustable mechanisms while still providing customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot pin uses a simple retained position system rather than a permanently precision-machined fixed position. The pin can be easily removed and repositioned to different pre-drilled holes, allowing simple reconfiguration without expensive precision machining or complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single lever design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be removed or relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the pivot frame. The fastening mechanism specifically serves to connect these two separate parts, enabling the lever to be taken out for storage, replacement, or relocation while maintaining a secure connection during use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables comfortable and efficient gear shifting for drivers of different physiques and preferences by allowing customizable leverage and resistance, enhancing usability and adaptability for multiple drivers.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member (e.g. a spring) biases the operating member towards a neutral position
Implementation Method 2
A fastener passes at least partially though the gear shift lever and interfaces with the pivot pin such that, one position of the fastener locks the pivot pin within the gear shift lever and within the pivot frame
Data Source
AI summary
A gear shifter includes a frame and a pivot frame pivotally mounted to the frame. A gear shift lever is pivotally interfaced to the pivot frame by a pivot pin passing through a bore in the gear shift lever. The gear shift lever extends upwardly beyond the frame and a lower section of the gear shift lever extends downwardly into the frame. A fastener passes at least partially though the gear shift lever and interfaces with the pivot pin such that, one position of the fastener locks the pivot pin within the gear shift lever and within the pivot frame and, a second position of the fastener frees the pivot pin from both, therefore facilitating removal of the gear shift lever. The lower section of the gear shift lever is interfaced to a first transmission linkage and the pivot frame is interfaced to a second transmission linkage.