Dual Magnet 2D Sensor for Shifter Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift detection systems for motor vehicles with automatic transmissions are costly due to the use of 3D Hall-effect sensors or multiple magnets and magnetic sensors, which are necessary for precise detection of the shifter lever position.
Innovation Solution
A 2D magnetic sensor system utilizing a dual magnet with a first and second magnet pair, where the pole pairs are offset, is used to detect the position of the shifter lever, reducing costs while maintaining precision through a cylindrical dual magnet configuration and a 2D Hall effect or anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 3D Hall-effect sensor is used to detect the shifter lever position, then the detection precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two magnetic sensors (first and second magnetic sensors) into a single integrated sensor unit that detects positions along two different axes simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the total component count and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to precisely detect shifter lever position in multiple dimensions, thereby lowering manufacturing costs without sacrificing detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnets and magnetic sensors at different locations are used, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor unit that simultaneously detects position along two axes. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and their associated mounting, wiring, and calibration requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy across multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated magnetic sensor unit performs multiple detection functions simultaneously - it detects both the first axis position (for P, R, N, D positions) and the second axis position (for M, M+, M- positions) using a single sensor component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each axis, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single dual magnet is used at the pivot point, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to detect multiple positions must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic sensors with different sensitivity characteristics oriented along different axes. The first magnetic sensor is configured to detect magnetic field variations along the first axis with high sensitivity, while the second magnetic sensor detects variations along the second axis. This local optimization of sensor properties at different orientations enables precise detection of multiple positions using a single dual magnet configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting position along a single axis to detecting position along two perpendicular axes simultaneously by introducing a second magnetic sensor oriented differently. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish between multiple positions (P, R, N, D along one axis and M, M+, M- along the other) using a single dual magnet and integrated sensor unit, maintaining detection precision while reducing component count.
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 system accurately and precisely detects the shifter lever position, reducing material and component costs by using a dual magnet and 2D sensor, enabling effective detection of both rotational and translational movements for various transmission modes.
Implementation Method 1
The 2D magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor or a giant magneto-resistive sensor
Implementation Method 2
a dual magnet is coupled to the shifter lever at the pivot point and disposed proximate the 2D magnetic sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A device for detecting the position of a shifter lever in a motor vehicle includes a 2D magnetic sensor and a dual magnet. The shifter lever is rotatably movable around a pivot axis and translationally moveable in a direction generally perpendicular to the pivot axis. The dual magnet coupled to the shifter lever at the pivot point and disposed proximate the 2D magnetic sensor. The dual magnet has a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet has a first pole pair and the second magnet has a second pole pair. The first pole pair is offset from the second pole pair.