Column-Mounted Shifter Synchronization via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing column-mounted shifters for automatic transmissions in vehicles often become out of synchronization with the transmission modes due to driver error or unintended shifts, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly when drivers forget to shift into PARK mode.
Innovation Solution
A column-mounted shifter system with a lever and shaft assembly that includes a sensor to detect the position and an actuator to automatically pivot the lever to the correct mode, such as from DRIVE to PARK, when conditions like vehicle door opening or zero speed are met, ensuring synchronization with the transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic transmission modes are used to improve driving efficiency, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but synchronization between shifter position and transmission mode deteriorates due to driver error
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the transmission mode via a sensor and compares it with the shifter position. When a mismatch is detected (e.g., transmission in DRIVE but shifter in PARK), the system generates a feedback signal to the actuator arrangement, which automatically corrects the shifter position to match the transmission mode, ensuring reliable synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and corrects synchronization errors without requiring driver intervention. The actuator arrangement self-corrects the shifter position based on sensor feedback, making the system self-service capable and eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the driver.
2Device complexity
If manual shifter operation is used to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but safety deteriorates due to unintended shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical shifter operation with an electromechanical system. An actuator arrangement (electromagnetic or electric motor-driven) substitutes for manual mechanical manipulation, enabling automatic correction of shifter position while maintaining mechanical simplicity in the core shifting mechanism.
3Reliability
If automatic correction features are added to prevent synchronization errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator arrangement serves multiple functions: it can move the shifter between different positions (PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE) and automatically correct synchronization errors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate correction mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A column-mounted shifter for a transmission includes a housing adapted to mount on a steering column and a shaft supported for rotation within the housing. A lever is operably coupled to the shaft and extends radially therefrom. The lever is pivotal between a series of positions corresponding to a series of modes of the transmission. Rotation of the lever causes rotation of the shaft within the housing. A sensor is configured to sense rotation of the shaft and output a signal indicative of the position of the lever. An actuator arrangement is connectable with the shaft and is configured to rotate the lever from one of the positions to another of the positions.