Compact Manual Gear Shift Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual gear shifting systems require external space for the clamping mechanism, which is undesirable in modern car designs aiming for compactness.
Innovation Solution
The clamping mechanism is relocated inside the second tubular member, utilizing a conical element and screw to expand and clamp the second tubular member within the first tubular member, eliminating the need for external components and allowing a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping mechanism is arranged externally to the first tubular member, then the clamping mechanism can be actuated easily, but the space requirements around the adjustment section increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is nested within the second tubular member, which itself is received within the first tubular member. The conical element and screw assembly are contained inside the tubular members, eliminating the need for external actuation space while maintaining operational capability through the lateral opening in the first tubular member.
2Volume of moving object
If the clamping mechanism is moved inside the second tubular member, then the overall system becomes more compact, but the mechanism becomes more complex internally
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of compressing the first tubular member from the outside to achieve clamping, the invention inverts the approach by expanding the second tubular member from the inside using a conical element. This internal expansion mechanism achieves the same clamping function while reducing external space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external tools are used to actuate the clamping mechanism through a lateral opening, then the mechanism can be adjusted, but additional access space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotational motion applied through the lateral opening into longitudinal movement of the conical element. This allows adjustment capability to be maintained while minimizing the space required for tool access, as only the screw head needs to be accessible through the lateral opening.
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
This design achieves a more space-effective and compact manual gear shift system by integrating the clamping mechanism entirely within the tubular members, enhancing the system's spatial efficiency without compromising adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
frictionally engage or clamp the second tubular member therein
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a manual gear shifting system, comprising a gear lever mounted for movement along a first axis and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, a shift shaft coupled to the gear lever and to a gearbox for transferring a rotational and longitudinal movement along its axis in response to gear lever movements along the first and second direction, the shift shaft comprising an adjustment section having a first tubular member (2) and a second tubular member (4), the second tubular member being arranged coaxially to and being at least partially received within said first tubular member (2), and a releasable clamping mechanism for securing the first and second tubular members to each other at a desired relative rotational and translational positioning, characterised in that the clamping mechanism effects an expansion of the second tubular member for clamping said second tubular member inside said first tubular member (2).