Electromechanical Interface Torque Control for Shift-by-Wire Detents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical interface devices in machines like motor vehicles lack sufficient tactile feedback, especially in shift-by-wire systems, leading to a diminished user experience, and require additional mechanical parts and redesigns for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical interface system that includes a selector connected to a motor and a controller, which applies an operating torque based on the selector's position and provides a detent torque to mimic mechanical feedback, using a spring damper model to generate a feeling of mechanical detents, allowing for customizable torque profiles and short detent periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms are used to provide tactile feedback, then the operator receives proper mechanical feel, but the device complexity increases and requires additional mechanical parts for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback mechanisms (springs, detents, cam profiles) with an electromechanical system using a motor to apply controlled torque to the selector. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical parts while providing equivalent or superior tactile feedback through electronically controlled torque profiles that can be adjusted for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variable torque profiles controlled by a processor to provide different tactile feedback characteristics for different selector positions and configurations. By changing the torque parameter dynamically based on selector position and configuration, the system achieves adaptability without requiring physical redesign or additional mechanical parts for different configurations.
2Device complexity
If electromechanical feedback mechanisms are used to reduce mechanical parts, then the device complexity decreases, but the tactile feedback quality diminishes especially during quick operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic torque control where the motor applies varying torque levels based on the selector's position, speed, and acceleration. The system detects quick operations and adjusts the torque profile in real-time to provide appropriate tactile feedback, maintaining quality feedback even during rapid selector movements without requiring additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses position sensors and processors to continuously monitor selector position and movement characteristics, then applies appropriate torque feedback through the motor. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that tactile feedback quality is maintained by dynamically adjusting the electromechanical response to match the operator's actions and the desired mechanical feel.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical feedback mechanisms are customized for different gear configurations, then the tactile feedback accuracy improves, but the manufacturing complexity and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electromechanical feedback system that can accommodate multiple gear configurations (park, neutral, reverse, drive, manual, etc.) through software-controlled torque profiles. A single motor and controller assembly can be programmed to provide appropriate tactile feedback for any configuration, eliminating the need for custom mechanical mechanisms for each gear arrangement and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise operating position indication.
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 provides enhanced tactile feedback to operators by mimicking mechanical detents, improving the user experience across various configurations without the need for additional mechanical parts or redesigns, ensuring accurate gear selection in shift-by-wire systems.
Implementation Method 1
a selector (12) connected to a motor (16), the motor (16) in electronic communication with a controller (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an electromechanical interface includes commanding, by a controller, a motor to provide an operating torque on a selector, wherein the operating torque is based on a position of the selector relative to first and second positions, and commanding, by the controller, the motor to provide a detent torque on the selector at approximately the first position and at approximately the second position, wherein the detent torque is only applied over a first time period.