Ball-Joint Selector Assembly With Detent Positions and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector assemblies for vehicles lack a robust and reliable mechanism to define multiple selector positions, particularly in mechanical systems, leading to inconsistent user interface feedback and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
A selector assembly incorporating a housing with a spherical cavity and detent cavity, featuring a spheroid member and pivots that allow for selective and alternative rotation, along with a detent pin for engaging the detent surface to define multiple selector positions, providing rotational stability and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional selector mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of defining multiple selector positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spheroid member operating within a spherical cavity to create a ball-joint selector mechanism. The spherical geometry enables smooth multi-directional rotation while maintaining stable detent positions through the interaction between the spheroid and guide surfaces, thereby achieving reliable position definition without overly complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the spheroid member for rotation, the detent pin for position locking, the detent spring for providing restoring force, and the guide surfaces for defining motion paths. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall reliability while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a simple selector mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of selector positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detent spring is pre-loaded to provide a restoring force that cushions the selector's movement between detent positions. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the selector smoothly transitions between positions while maintaining stable engagement at each detent, preventing position drift without requiring excessive manual force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent pin acts as an intermediary element between the spheroid member and the detent cavity. It mediates the interaction by engaging with the detent surface to lock positions while allowing the spheroid to rotate freely between positions, thus providing stability without impeding ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detent positions are added, then the adaptability of the selector is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-axis rotary selector to a ball-joint selector with multi-directional rotation capability. This dimensional change allows the creation of multiple detent positions in three-dimensional space rather than along a single circular path, enabling greater adaptability while distributing the precision requirements across multiple independent detent features rather than requiring extreme precision along one continuous path.
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
The solution enables precise and repeatable selection of positions with haptic feedback, enhancing user interface reliability and stability, suitable for applications like shift-by-wire mechanisms in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
A selector slidably operates within the selector cavity and about a center point of the spherical cavity. The selector includes a spheroid member that is contained within the spherical cavity and slidably engages a guide surface
Data Source
AI summary
A selector assembly includes a housing having a spherical cavity and a detent cavity that form a continuous selector cavity. A selector slidably operates within the selector cavity and about a center point of the spherical cavity. The selector includes a spheroid member that is contained within the spherical cavity and slidably engages a guide surface that defines the spherical cavity. A first pivot includes a first rotational axis that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. A second pivot includes a second rotational axis that extends through the center point of the spherical cavity. 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.