Shift-by-Wire Gear Selector with Integrated Haptic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear selection devices for motor vehicles are complex in construction and require numerous components, limiting their range of functions and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A gear selection device with a manually pivotable or rotatable operating element that incorporates an actuator for haptic feedback and automatic switching, allowing for simplified construction and control, with an actuator that can convert control signals into mechanical movements or serve as a brake, and a controller that adjusts the operating element to the correct gear position based on signals from the transmission control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional manual cable-based gear transfer systems are used, then the construction is simple, but the automation level and driver convenience are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-based gear transfer system with an electronic shift-by-wire system. The actuator converts electrical control signals into mechanical movements to operate the selector lever, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and cables while achieving automated gear selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to automatically position the selector lever at the correct gear position based on control signals from the transmission control unit, without requiring manual intervention for the actual gear engagement process, thereby achieving self-service automation.
2Ease of operation
If a shift-by-wire system with actuator is implemented, then automation and convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that combines several functions: it generates haptic feedback forces, produces automatic switching movements, and provides mechanical blocking. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single device reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the haptic feedback mechanism, the actuation mechanism, and the blocking mechanism into a single integrated actuator device. This combining of previously separate functions into one unified component simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If haptic feedback and automatic switching are added to the actuator, then user experience is enhanced, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: generating haptic feedback forces, producing automatic switching movements, and providing mechanical blocking. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator incorporates controllable and adjustable characteristics, allowing the haptic feedback forces and blocking characteristics to be dynamically modified based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables a single device to provide optimized performance across different operational scenarios.
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 reliable gear selection with reduced complexity and effort, offering customizable force characteristics, haptic feedback, and automatic gear changes, enhancing user experience and vehicle control, especially in autonomous driving modes.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (8, 9) which can convert control signals into mechanical movements
Implementation Method 2
an actuator (8, 9) which can convert control signals into mechanical movements or can serve as a brake, by means of which haptic feedback forces can be applied to the operating element (2, 3)
Implementation Method 3
an actuator (8, 9) which can convert control signals into mechanical movements or can serve as a brake
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and method for selecting gears in motor vehicles, comprising an operating element selecting the respective gear, which operating element is manually pivotable or rotable with respect to at least one axis of rotation, a haptic feedback for a user being generable by means of an actuator acting upon the operating element, and a control unit generating gear control signals and actuating the actuator depending on the position of the operating element, thereby providing a device with a simpler design that can be controlled with little complexity. The invention is characterized in that the operating element is designed for manual actuation by the user as well as for automatic shifting by the actuator which is actuated by the control unit.