Electronic Shifter Mismatch Correction via Automatic Position Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic shifters often fail to match the vehicle's actual transmission gear, particularly when the driver attempts gear changes that the vehicle is programmed to prevent, leading to potential unintended conditions or transmission damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that detect mismatches between the electronic shifter position and the vehicle's actual transmission gear, utilizing an automatic position correction mode (APCM) to lock the shifting mechanism, allow manual adjustment if necessary, and initiate automatic correction when appropriate, ensuring the e-shifter returns to a normal operating mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vehicle is programmed to prevent certain gear changes (e.g., preventing reverse from drive at high speed), then transmission safety is improved, but the electronic shifter position will not match the actual transmission gear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission safetyVSAvoidgear position information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors and compares the electronic shifter position with the actual transmission gear state, detecting mismatches between the selected gear and the actual engaged gear. This feedback mechanism triggers correction protocols to realign the displayed position with the actual gear state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively prevents gear mismatches by implementing correction mechanisms before the mismatched state can cause problems. When a mismatch is detected, the system automatically initiates correction sequences to realign the shifter position with the actual gear state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the electronic shifter allows free manipulation without restrictions, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended gear changes or transmission damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshifter manipulation freedomVSAvoidunintended gear changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies pre-programmed restrictions that prevent certain gear changes under specific conditions (e.g., preventing reverse engagement from drive at high speeds). These preventive measures are implemented before the harmful action can occur, blocking unsafe gear transitions while allowing normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors gear selection attempts and compares them against safety criteria, providing feedback that blocks unsafe gear changes while permitting valid ones. This feedback loop ensures operational safety without unnecessarily restricting legitimate driver intentions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the electronic shifter implements multi-position stable settings, then driver's ability to determine selected gear is improved, but the complexity of detecting and correcting mismatches increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear selection visibilityVSAvoidmismatch detection and correction system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring that compares the stable multi-position shifter settings with the actual transmission gear state. This feedback mechanism detects mismatches and triggers automatic correction sequences, managing the complexity through systematic monitoring and correction protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-correction of mismatched positions through automatic correction sequences. When a mismatch is detected, the system autonomously initiates correction protocols to realign the shifter position with the actual gear state, reducing the need for external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2917610B1Method of addressing and correcting mismatches between e-shift position and actual transmission gear
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 FCA US LLC
  • EP2917610B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2917610B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2917610B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and apparatus for detecting and correcting mismatches between an electronic shifter position and a vehicle's actual transmission gear. The method and system implement a correction scheme that may initially set a period for manual correction, if possible, then initiate automatic correction if correction is required.