Gear Selector Activation Apparatus with Sensor Plausibility Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for motor vehicle transmissions require a mechanical switch to be actuated continuously for selecting driving programs, which reduces comfort, is prone to wear, and is costly, while also occupying space.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a gear selector switch and a control device using at least two sensors, including a capacitive proximity sensor and an optical sensor, to detect and verify intentional actuation of the gear selector switch, eliminating the need for a continuous mechanical button press and reducing wear and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical switch is used to unlock the selection of driving programs, then the selection can be controlled and intentional actuation can be enabled, but the switch is prone to wear, occupies space, and reduces operational comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch with a sensor-based detection system that uses magnetic fields or capacitive sensing to detect the driver's intent to shift gears. This eliminates mechanical contact and wear while maintaining the locking function, as the control device evaluates sensor signals to determine whether to enable gear selector actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation process where the control device assesses multiple sensor signals (including position, acceleration, and brake status) to determine the driver's intent. This intermediary layer replaces the direct mechanical switch operation, providing more reliable and comfortable control by considering the overall vehicle context.
2Reliability
If a mechanical switch is continuously actuated for selecting driving programs, then the selection can be unlocked, but this reduces comfort and increases mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuously actuated mechanical switch with a sensor evaluation system that monitors vehicle conditions (acceleration, brake status, gear position) to automatically determine when gear selection should be enabled. This eliminates continuous mechanical actuation and its associated wear and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs self-evaluation by automatically assessing sensor signals and vehicle state to determine whether to unlock gear selector actuation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous manual or mechanical switching, as the system autonomously manages the locking function based on detected conditions.
3Reliability
If a mechanical switch is used for unlocking gear selection, then control can be achieved, but it occupies space and increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the unlocking control function into the existing sensor system and control device that already monitor vehicle operations. The same control device that manages transmission control also evaluates sensor signals for gear selector unlocking, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical switch and reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the unlocking control function with the existing transmission control system. The control device combines gear selection control and unlocking evaluation in a single integrated system, eliminating separate mechanical components and reducing overall space occupation in the vehicle interior.
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 solution provides a more convenient and durable method for selecting driving programs by preventing unintentional actuations and reducing mechanical wear, enhancing user experience and reducing the need for additional mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor used for this purpose can be a proximity sensor or a touch sensor... at least one of the sensors is a capacitive proximity sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the sensors is an optical sensor for detecting arm movement of the driver
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an activation apparatus (1) for a transmission of a motor vehicle, having a gear selector (2) that is moveable in at least one shift gate for selecting different drive programmes of the transmission, having a control device (10) with which the selection of at least one drive programme of the transmission can be locked and having at least two sensors (5, 6, 7) designed for detecting a gear selector activation, wherein the control device (10) is designed for determining the plausibility of signals detected by the sensors (5, 6, 7) and for enabling the selection of the drive programme on the basis of the determined plausibility.