EV Shift Lever With MT Detent Pattern and Magnetic Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a shift lever device for electric vehicles that replicates the experience of operating a manual transmission (MT) shift lever, which is sought after by motor sports enthusiasts familiar with engine-powered vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A shift lever device for electric vehicles featuring a retainer with a spherical bearing, a lever body that swings in both shift and select directions, and a position sensor unit with a detent plate and magnet system to mimic the MT shift pattern, allowing the electric motor to be controlled based on detected positions, and incorporating shift and select bellcranks with detent pins for position holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rotary electric switch is used to control the electric motor, then the vehicle can be operated without a transmission gearbox, but the nostalgic feeling of operating an MT shift lever is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a replica of the MT shift lever structure with a detent plate having multiple detent ridges corresponding to different gear positions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th gears and R position). The lever body physically engages with these detent ridges to provide authentic MT shifting feedback and positioning, while internally connecting to electronic control components through bellcranks and position sensors to control the electric motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transmission gearbox system with an electric motor control system. The mechanical MT shift lever structure is retained for user interaction, but the mechanical power transmission path is substituted with electronic control signals detected by position sensors and processed by control units to control the electric motor's operation modes.
2Ease of operation
If a shift lever device with MT pattern is introduced, then the nostalgic feeling is restored, but the device structure becomes more complex compared to simple rotary switches
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever device is divided into distinct functional modules: the lever body for user input, the bellcrank mechanism for motion conversion, the position sensor unit for detection, and the control unit for processing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining the overall MT shift lever experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellcrank acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lever body and the position sensor. It converts the lever's swinging motion into linear displacement of the slider, which then moves the magnet relative to the sensor board. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate position detection while maintaining the authentic MT shift lever operation feel.
3Measurement precision
If position detection accuracy is improved, then precise motor control is achieved, but the sensor unit structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensor system. The magnet attached to the slider interacts with the sensor IC on the sensor board through magnetic field detection, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact or complex optical systems while achieving high position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor board integrates multiple functions: it supports the sensor IC for magnet detection, provides structural support for the slider movement, and serves as a mounting platform for the position detection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall sensor unit structure.
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 device provides the feeling of operating an MT shift lever by allowing precise control and position holding, closely replicating the experience of manual transmission shifting in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer (10) in which a spherical bearing (12) is disposed; a lever body (11) that is able to swing in a shift direction and a select direction about a ball shaft held in the spherical bearing (12)
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor unit (14) that is placed at a lower portion of the retainer (10)... a sensor board (16) that is placed on a bottom surface of the case (15) and configured to detect a position of the magnet (18)
Implementation Method 3
a shift detent pin (34) that is provided on a tip end of the shift bellcrank (30)... come into contact with a shift detent ridge (35) fixed to the retainer (10) to hold a position in the shift direction
Implementation Method 4
a select detent pin (45) that is provided on a tip end of the select bellcrank (40)... come into contact with a select detent ridge (46) fixed to the retainer (10) to hold a position in the select direction
Data Source
AI summary
A shift lever device for an electric vehicle that provides the feeling of operating an MT shift lever. The device includes a retainer with a spherical bearing, a lever body that can swing in a shift direction and a select direction about a ball held in the spherical bearing, and a position sensor unit placed at a lower portion of the retainer. The position sensor unit includes a slider that can slide in a case in the select direction, a magnet that can slide on the slider in the shift direction, a sensor board placed on a bottom of the case and configured to detect a position of the magnet, and a detent plate with an MT shift pattern on a top surface of the case. The magnet is engaged with a lower end of the lever body that penetrates the detent plate and extends into the case.