Gear Shift Lever Detent Tuning for Clear Manual Shift Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gear shift operation devices in manual transmission mode lack sufficient response or resistance, failing to meet operator expectations for a satisfying shift operation experience.
Innovation Solution
A gear shift operation device that imparts a larger operation reaction force in the front-and-rear direction during manual transmission mode, allowing operators to differentiate it from the range switchable mode, using a detent mechanism for both modes to enhance the perceived response and simplify the mechanism, enabling easier mode switching and gear changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a smaller stroke amount is set for the control lever in manual transmission mode to enable quicker operation, then the operation speed is improved, but the operator cannot perceive sufficient response or resistance during the shift operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different operation reaction force characteristics to different transmission modes. In manual transmission mode, a larger operation reaction force is provided to give the operator sufficient perceived response, while in range switchable mode, a smaller operation reaction force is provided to enable quicker operation. This local differentiation of mechanical characteristics resolves the contradiction between operation speed and perceived response.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever's operation reaction force is made dynamic and adjustable based on the selected transmission mode. The system transitions between different force characteristics depending on whether manual transmission mode or range switchable mode is active, allowing the mechanical response to adapt to the operational requirements of each mode.
2Ease of operation
If a larger operation reaction force is provided in manual transmission mode to enhance perceived response, then the operator satisfaction is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the operation reaction force in both manual transmission mode and range switchable mode, and it enables mode switching between the two transmission modes. By making the detent mechanism multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while still providing differentiated force characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mode switching function with the detent mechanism that provides operation reaction force. The same detent mechanism that provides tactile feedback during gear shifts also enables switching between manual transmission mode and range switchable mode, merging multiple functions into a single mechanism to minimize complexity.
3Ease of operation
If different detent mechanisms are used for range switchable mode and manual transmission mode to provide differentiated response forces, then the operation differentiation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves differentiation of operation characteristics by adjusting local parameters of the same detent mechanism rather than using entirely separate mechanisms. By modifying the detent mechanism's characteristics based on the selected transmission mode, the system provides distinct tactile feedback for manual transmission mode versus range switchable mode while maintaining a unified mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detent mechanism is designed to handle both transmission modes with differentiated characteristics. It universally provides the operation reaction force for both range switchable mode and manual transmission mode, while also enabling mode switching, thereby eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gear shift operation device for a vehicle to which a multiple-stage automatic transmission is mounted, is provided. By a control lever being manually operated in a range switchable mode, a range position is switched at least between a D-range where automatic transmission is performed and an R-range, and by the control lever being manually operated in a manual transmission mode, a gear change is performed. An operation reaction force when the control lever is manually operated is set larger when the gear change is performed in the manual transmission mode than when the range position is switched in the range switchable mode.