Electronic Shift Lever With Rotational Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shift systems, such as lever-type and button-type systems, lack stimulation for drivers, leading to low marketability and high error rates due to single manipulation-based gear-changing operations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shift system that utilizes a shift lever with a lever magnet, first and second actuators, and a printed circuit board to detect position changes and output signals for gear selection, incorporating rotating and forward buttons to improve control and prevent erroneous manipulations, with a step motor and solenoid for resistance control and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple button-type or lever-type electronic shift system is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but driver engagement decreases and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever is designed to perform dynamic movements including rotation around a rotation axis and forward movement along a longitudinal axis. The lever can rotate between multiple rotational positions (first, second, third rotational positions) and move between retracted and extended positions, creating a more engaging and reliable gear-changing operation compared to static button systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds rotational dimension to the traditional linear shift lever operation. The lever can rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, adding a new dimensional aspect to the gear selection process. This rotational movement provides tactile feedback and driver engagement while maintaining operational reliability
2Reliability
If a shift lever with rotation and forward movement is implemented, then driver engagement and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with electromagnetic actuators. A first actuator (rotational actuator) controls the rotation of the shift lever around its rotation axis, and a second actuator (linear actuator) controls the forward movement along the longitudinal axis. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic actuators reduces overall mechanical complexity while enabling sophisticated movement patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The shift lever serves as an intermediary between the driver's input and the transmission control system. The lever's position (rotational and linear) is detected by sensors and converted into electrical signals that control the transmission. This intermediary mechanism translates simple driver gestures into precise control commands, improving reliability without requiring complex direct mechanical connections
3Measurement precision
If hydraulic pressure control with solenoid and electric motor is used, then gear-changing precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators operate periodically rather than continuously. The rotational actuator activates only when gear selection requires rotation, and the linear actuator activates only when forward movement is needed. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous hydraulic pressure maintenance, while still achieving precise gear position control through timed actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses magnetic field detection (changes in magnetic flux) to detect the position of the lever magnet without requiring continuous power input. The PCB detects shift positions by monitoring changes in magnetic flux as the lever magnet moves, providing precise position detection with minimal energy consumption compared to active sensing systems
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
Enhances driver engagement and reduces error rates by providing a more intuitive and reliable gear-changing experience through controlled rotation and forward movement of the shift lever, improving marketability and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the PCB may be configured to detect shift positions in response to changes in a position of the lever magnet
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid or an electric motor operates in response to an electric signal instructed by the TCU
Data Source
AI summary
A button-type electronic shift system is provided. The electronic shift system executes a gear-changing operation to a target shift position by the rotation and the forward movement of a shift lever.