Gated Shifter Mechanism for Driving Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automobile driving simulator input devices only allow sequential gear shifting, failing to simulate realistic 'gated' shifting where a driver can directly shift between non-adjacent gears, limiting the realism in driving simulations and games.
Innovation Solution
A transmission-gear-selection device with a shifter knob and shaft mechanism that enables non-sequential, 'gated' shifting through six or more forward gears, using a gimbal mechanism with sensors to provide precise gear selection and conversion to sequential shifting for compatibility with legacy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequential shifting mode is used, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but realism of gate shifting simulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter mechanism dynamically switches between sequential shifting mode and gate shifting mode based on operational requirements. The system can adapt its shifting behavior in real-time, allowing operators to choose between realistic gate shifting for simulation accuracy and sequential shifting for compatibility with legacy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission gear selection device incorporates dual functionality: it can operate as a traditional sequential shifter for legacy system compatibility and as a gate shifter for realistic simulation. This multi-functionality is achieved through a configurable control system that recognizes both sequential commands (up/down one gear at a time) and gate commands (direct gear selection), making the device universally applicable to both old and new simulation requirements.
2Reliability
If gate shifting capability is added, then realism of driving simulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sequential shifting mechanism and gate shifting mechanism into a single integrated shifter assembly. The control system combines both shifting logic pathways, allowing the device to handle both sequential commands (incremental gear changes) and gate commands (direct gear selection) through a unified structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifter device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple shifting modes through a single mechanism. The control system can interpret both sequential shifting inputs (up/down signals for adjacent gear changes) and gate shifting inputs (direct gear position commands), eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each shifting type and thus avoiding excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission-gear-selection device includes knob means; shaft means coupled to the knob means; and shift means coupled to the shaft means and configured to shift gears for a driving simulator and/or driving game as the knob means and shaft means are manipulated by a user, wherein the knob means and shaft means are configured to be manipulated for gated shifting. Gated shifting includes the simulation of a transmission of a vehicle that is simulated by the driving simulator and/or the driving game.