EV Shifter Virtual Pathways for Tactile Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles lack operator-to-vehicle physical feedback and integration of alternative modes and capabilities is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A system for switching an electric vehicle between multiple operating states using a shifter handle, actuators, and a controller that determines and controls the movement of the shifter handle in predetermined virtual pathways to switch between different vehicle operating states, including power delivery settings, boost conditions, and drive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shifter handle with actuators and controller is integrated into the electric vehicle, then operator interaction and control are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter handle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional gear selection mechanism and a controller for alternative vehicle modes (sport, economy, off-road). The actuators coupled to the shaft can detect rotational positions and translate them into multiple vehicle operating states, making a single component perform diverse control functions that would otherwise require separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the shifter handle mechanism with alternative mode control capabilities into a single integrated assembly. The shaft, actuators, and controller are merged into one system that simultaneously handles gear selection and vehicle mode switching, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifying the overall vehicle control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicle operating states are integrated into the electric vehicle, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter handle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional gear selection mechanism and a controller for alternative vehicle modes (sport, economy, off-road). The actuators coupled to the shaft can detect rotational positions and translate them into multiple vehicle operating states, making a single component perform diverse control functions that would otherwise require separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different vehicle operating states based on the rotational position of the shaft. The controller adjusts vehicle parameters (power delivery, suspension, steering) in real-time according to the selected mode, allowing the vehicle to adapt its characteristics dynamically rather than requiring separate fixed systems for each mode.
3Measurement precision
If actuators are used to control shifter handle movement in predetermined pathways, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators are coupled to the shaft and receive input from the controller based on the detected rotational position. This creates a feedback loop where the system monitors the shifter handle position and uses the actuators to maintain or adjust it within predetermined pathways, ensuring precise control while allowing for automatic correction of positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators serve as intermediary components between the controller and the shifter handle mechanism. Rather than directly controlling complex mechanical linkages, the controller uses the actuators as mediators to achieve precise positional control, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining measurement precision through the actuators' controlled movement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for switching an electric vehicle between vehicle operating states includes a base, a shifter handle, actuators, and a controller. The shifter handle includes a shaft. The actuators are coupled to the shaft. The controller is configured to determine a selected shifter operating mode from among shifter operating modes; generate, in response to the selected shifter operating mode being a first shifter operating mode, a first set of output signals to the actuators to control the actuators to permit movement of the shifter handle in a first predetermined virtual pathway; generate, in response to the selected shifter operating mode being a second shifter operating mode, a second set of output signals to the actuators to control the actuators to permit movement of the shifter handle in a second predetermined virtual pathway; and switch the electric vehicle between the vehicle operating states based on movement of the shaft.