Gear Position Detection Using Rotation Angle and Neutral Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of gear positions in a multi-position transmission increases, existing gear position detecting devices face challenges in maintaining detection accuracy due to variations in output voltage and complexity in switch structures.
Innovation Solution
A gear position detecting device utilizing a rotation angle sensor with a dead zone and a position sensor to differentiate between gear positions, where the rotation angle sensor's output voltage increases or decreases linearly, and the position sensor detects specific turn positions without overlapping the dead zone, allowing for accurate gear position determination without sensor complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of gear positions is increased, then the transmission functionality is improved, but the detection accuracy is reduced due to reduced intervals between gear positions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection range of the rotation angle sensor is divided into multiple distinct regions, each corresponding to a specific gear position. By segmenting the continuous rotation range into discrete detectable zones with clear boundaries, the system can accurately identify each gear position even when the intervals between them are reduced, thus maintaining detection accuracy while supporting increased gear positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of gear positions is increased, then the transmission functionality is improved, but the switch structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary switch structure with a rotation angle sensor that detects gear positions through electrical signals based on rotational angle. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple contact points and mechanical switching components, thereby reducing structural complexity while enabling support for increased gear positions through software-based position identification.
3Measurement precision
If a rotary switch is used to detect gear positions, then the detection capability is improved, but the switch structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary switch with a rotation angle sensor that uses electrical signal processing to detect gear positions. This substitution maintains detection capability while eliminating the complex mechanical contact structure, achieving a more reliable and maintainable system.
4Device complexity
If a volume sensor is used to detect gear positions, then the structure is simplified, but the detection accuracy is reduced due to output voltage variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the output signals from the rotation angle sensor and compares them against expected values for each gear position. This feedback loop enables real-time correction and verification, ensuring high detection accuracy while maintaining the simple sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from output voltage magnitude (prone to variations) to rotational angle position (stable and precise). By measuring the angular position of the shift drum rather than relying on voltage levels, the system achieves both structural simplicity and high detection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A gear position detecting device includes a rotation angle sensor for detecting a turn position of a shift drum and a position sensor for detecting that the shift drum is at a neutral position. The rotation angle sensor is a volume sensor that linearly increases or decreases an output voltage according to a turning motion of the shift drum. The neutral position is set in such a way as not to overlap a dead zone. It is determined according to an output signal of the rotation angle sensor and an output signal of the position sensor whether the shift drum is at a reverse gear position located between the neutral position and the dead zone or a fifth gear position turned by 360 degrees from the reverse gear position. Such detecting device detects a gear position with a high accuracy even if the number of gear positions are increased.