Gear Selector Shift Cover With Integrated ECU
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear selector devices for motor vehicles, particularly automatic and electric vehicles, face challenges in achieving a reliable and cost-effective modular design due to complex and expensive LED selection and control, as well as mechanical stress on flexible electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A gear selector device with a shift mechanism, shift cover, and operating element, where the shift cover is firmly connected to the actuator, and an electronic control unit is integrated within the shift cover, allowing for flexible electrical connections and modular design, with plug-in interfaces and optional intermediate lines to reduce mechanical stress and simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are selected and sorted based on parameters and characteristics for uniform illumination, then illumination quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the basic illumination function and spot illumination function into a single LED unit. The LED can be controlled to provide either uniform basic illumination across all gear positions or focused spot illumination on the selected gear position, eliminating the need for separate LED sets and complex sorting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the LED by controlling its brightness through pulse width modulation (PWM). The same LED can operate at different brightness levels to provide basic illumination or spot illumination, avoiding the need to select LEDs with different physical parameters
2Ease of operation
If the operating element is movably attached to the shift mechanism with flexible electrical connections, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical stress on electrical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into a fixed part (electrical connections at the shift mechanism) and a movable part (operating element with its own electronic control unit). This segmentation allows the operating element to move freely while the electrical connections remain stationary, eliminating mechanical stress on flexible cables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flexible cable connection with an electronic communication system. The movable operating element communicates with the fixed shift mechanism through electrical signals rather than physical electrical connections, allowing movement without mechanical stress on wiring
3Ease of manufacture
If the electronic control unit is integrated in the shift cover, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle designs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the shift cover with an integrated electronic control unit that can accommodate different operating elements and adapt to various vehicle designs. The electronic control unit serves multiple functions and can be configured for different applications, making the shift cover a universal component
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 enables a highly reliable, simple, and inexpensive modular construction for gear selector devices, reducing mechanical stress on electrical connections and simplifying assembly, while allowing for versatile use across different vehicle designs.
Implementation Method 1
Nowadays, the driving stage is usually displayed in the form of LEDs (LED; English: Light Emitting Device) in a switch cover.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for gear stage selection for a motor vehicle, in particular an automatic transmission vehicle or electric vehicle, comprising a selector actuator (2), a selector cover (3), and an operating element (4) movable relative to the selector actuator (2). The selector cover (3) comprises an electronic control unit (31), characterized in that the operating element (4) is connected to the selected cover (3) via at least one first electric line (61). The first electric line (61) can run directly between the selector actuator(3) and the operating element (4) or through an intermediate line (23) arranged in the selector actuator (2).