Auto Return Rotary Shifter Using Solenoid and Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary shifters lack an efficient and reliable mechanism for automatically returning to the Park position upon driver exit, often requiring manual intervention and relying on complex motor or solenoid arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A rotary shifter design incorporating a solenoid that selectively locks and controls the rotation of an outer toothed end stopper relative to a plunger housing, combined with a torsional spring and PCB board with sensors, which automatically resets the shifter to the Park position upon detection of driver exit conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex motor or solenoid arrangement is used for automatic return to Park, then the reliability of automatic return is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the automatic return function from complex motor/solenoid arrangements and implements it through a simplified mechanism using a return spring and a single solenoid that only needs to release the parking lock, not actively drive the shifter. The solenoid merely disengages the locking mechanism, allowing the spring to passively return the shifter to Park position.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active motor or solenoid to drive the shifter back to Park position, the patent inverts the approach by using a passive return spring that naturally wants to return the shifter to Park, and a solenoid that only needs to release the lock. This reverses the conventional approach of active driving to passive spring-driven return with electromagnetic locking.
2Reliability
If multiple motors or solenoids are used for automatic return, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of automatic return and implements it with minimal components: a return spring for the actual movement and a single solenoid for locking/unlocking. This eliminates the need for multiple motors or solenoids that would be required in conventional approaches, significantly simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single solenoid performs multiple functions: it locks the parking position, enables the return mechanism, and can be controlled by various sensors (door sensor, ignition sensor, gear position sensor) making it a universal solution for different vehicle configurations and sensor types.
3Device complexity
If manual intervention is required for return to Park, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service automatic return to Park position through sensor detection. When the sensor detects that the driver has exited the vehicle (via door sensor, ignition sensor, or gear position sensor), the solenoid automatically releases the parking lock and the return spring automatically moves the shifter back to Park position without requiring any manual intervention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from various sensors (door sensor, ignition sensor, gear position sensor) to automatically trigger the return mechanism. The sensor input provides feedback about driver exit conditions, and this feedback automatically activates the solenoid and return spring mechanism to move the shifter back to Park position.
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
This design ensures reliable and automatic return to the Park position without manual intervention, simplifying the mechanism and enhancing user safety by eliminating the need for multiple motors or solenoids, thus providing a more robust and user-friendly shifting experience.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid for selectively locking and controlling rotation of an outer toothed end stopper relative to a plunger housing
Implementation Method 2
a torsional spring biasing each of an end stopper abutment and an inside rim surface location of the housing
Implementation Method 3
a pair of steel balls biased by coil springs integrated into extending portions of the housing
Implementation Method 4
the vertical travel of the magnet holder in a direction toward the sensor to confirm resetting of the Park position
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary shifter having a housing with a bezel cover. An auto return to park mechanism is provided and includes a knob supported upon the bezel cover. A rotary disk stopper is secured to the knob and seated within the housing, a spring rotationally biasing the end stopper relative to the housing. A solenoid is supported within the housing and engages the stopper in a first condition limiting the knob to manual rotary shifting between Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive gear shift positions. A PCB board is integrated into the housing and communicable with at least one external sensor associated with a driver exit condition. Upon a triggering of the exit condition with the shifter in other than a Park position, the solenoid is energized to disengage the end stopper in a second release condition permitting the spring to reset the stopper and knob to the Park position.