Auxiliary Paddle Shifter for Multi-Function Gear Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paddle shifters in vehicles often require inefficient multiple actions for gear changes, limiting driver control and enjoyment, especially when needing to step through multiple gears.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a paddle shifter system with a primary paddle shifter and an auxiliary paddle shifter, each having multiple functions and positions, allowing for single or multiple gear shifts based on pull or push actions, with the auxiliary paddle shifter enabling optimal gear changes by providing additional shifting capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional paddle shifters with single function per paddle are used, then device complexity is reduced, but gear shifting efficiency and driver control are worsened due to multiple distinct actions required for multiple gear changes
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary paddle shifter is designed to perform multiple gear shifting functions (e.g., skipping one gear, skipping two gears) beyond the traditional single gear shift function. This multi-functionality allows the driver to achieve multiple gear changes in a single action, improving gear shifting efficiency without requiring multiple separate paddles for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple gear shifting functions into a single auxiliary paddle shifter component. By integrating skip-one-gear, skip-two-gears, and potentially other functions into one physical paddle, the system merges what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into a unified interface, reducing the number of distinct actions needed while maintaining functional complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct paddle shifters are added to provide multiple gear shifting functions, then gear shifting versatility is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to increased number of controls
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary paddle shifter serves multiple gear shifting purposes through different actuation modes or positions, allowing a single control element to provide versatility in gear selection. This approach maintains adaptability across different driving scenarios while presenting a simpler interface to the driver compared to multiple separate paddles.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary paddle shifter can be segmented into different functional zones or actuation levels (e.g., light pull for skip-one-gear, firm pull for skip-two-gears), allowing multiple functions to be accessed from a single physical component. This segmentation enables versatile gear control without requiring multiple distinct physical controls.
3Loss of time
If single action gear skipping is enabled, then time for gear changes is reduced, but reliability is worsened due to potential for unintended gear shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as tactile feedback, visual indicators, or electronic confirmation) to verify the driver's intent before executing gear skip functions. This feedback loop ensures that unintended gear shifts are prevented while still allowing rapid gear changes when properly initiated, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary checks or confirmation steps before executing gear skip actions that could result in unintended shifts. By anticipating potential errors and applying counter-measures (such as requiring deliberate actuation force or providing a confirmation prompt), the system prevents reliability issues while preserving the time-saving benefits of gear skipping.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system may include at least one primary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and/or the steering column. The system also includes at least one auxiliary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel, the steering column and/or the at least one primary paddle shifter. The primary paddle shifter may engage a primary function, such as one sequential gear shift up or down and the auxiliary paddle shifter may engage a secondary function, such as an optimal gear shift up or down.