Ball-Joint Selector Assembly With Hall Sensing and Detent Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector assemblies in vehicles and mechanical systems lack precise and reliable mechanisms for defining multiple selector positions, particularly in shift-by-wire mechanisms, which limits the accuracy and feedback in controlling transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
A ball-joint selector assembly with a spherical cavity, detent cavity, and internal sensor mechanism, featuring a spheroid member with a magnet in electromagnetic communication with a Hall sensor, and pivots that maintain rotational stability, allowing for precise definition of selector positions and providing haptic feedback through a detent pin and spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional selector mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the precision and reliability in defining multiple selector positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the sensor cavity and positioning sensor inside the housing, with the spheroid member containing a magnet that interacts with the sensor. The detent cavity extends from the spherical cavity, creating a nested structure where multiple functional elements are contained within each other to achieve precise position detection without proportionally increasing overall device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position detection mechanisms with an electromagnetic sensing system. A magnet embedded in the spheroid member interacts with a Hall sensor or positioning sensor to detect selector positions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches or contacts while improving precision and reliability
2Measurement precision
If an internal sensor mechanism is added to improve position detection, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor cavity with the housing structure, integrating the positioning sensor directly into the housing rather than as a separate external component. The sensor cavity is formed within the housing to house the sensor in communication with the spherical cavity, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that reduces overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the spherical cavity for the spheroid member, provides structural support, and incorporates the sensor cavity to house the positioning sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining precise position detection capabilities
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 precise and repeatable operation of selector positions with enhanced haptic feedback, improving the accuracy and reliability of controlling mechanical assemblies like vehicle transmissions, even in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall sensor is positioned within a sensor cavity of the housing. The Hall sensor is in communication with the spherical cavity. The spheroid member includes a magnet that is in electromagnetic communication with the Hall sensor.
Implementation Method 2
A detent pin is biased toward a detent surface of the detent cavity and slidably engages the detent surface to define a plurality of selector positions of the selector.
Data Source
AI summary
A selector assembly includes a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity. A positioning sensor is positioned within a sensor cavity and is in communication with the spherical cavity. A selector operates about a center point of the spherical cavity and includes a spheroid member that slidably engages a guide surface of the housing. The spheroid member includes a magnet in electromagnetic communication with the positioning sensor. A first pivot and a second pivot include respective first and second rotational axes that each extend through the center point. A detent pin is biased toward and slidably engages a detent surface of the detent cavity to define a plurality of selector positions of the selector. Operation of the selector within the spherical cavity and along the detent surface defines the plurality of selector positions that are communicated to a controller via the magnet and the positioning sensor.