Electrorheological Gear Shifter Blocking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual transmissions with seven or eight forward gears pose a challenge for drivers as they require additional technical measures to prevent mis-shifting, especially in stressful situations, due to the complexity of engaging suitable gears based on driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and switching device utilizing an electro- or magneto-rheological blocking device that prevents the selection element from moving into impermissible gear positions by electronically checking the suitability of the target gear, ensuring only valid gear engagements are allowed, with the blocking device changing viscosity in response to energization or de-energization to allow or block gear shifts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of forward gears is increased to seven or eight, then the transmission can operate at more energetically favorable operating points, but the complexity of gear selection increases and mis-shifting risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of forward gearsVSAvoidcomplexity of gear selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical blocking mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses a blocking device to electronically prevent selection of unsuitable gears. The control unit processes driving situation data and electronically blocks impermissible selection positions, substituting complex mechanical interlocking with electronic control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the driver's gear selection intent and the transmission system. This intermediary evaluates the driving situation and mediates which gear selections are permitted, preventing direct access to impermissible gears while maintaining smooth operation for valid selections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of forward gears is increased to seven or eight, then the transmission can operate at more energetically favorable operating points, but the risk of mis-shifting increases in stressful situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of forward gearsVSAvoidrisk of mis-shifting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively blocking selection positions for gears that would be unsuitable under current driving conditions, before the driver can attempt to select them. The control unit continuously monitors driving parameters and preemptively prevents impermissible gear selections, counterring potential mis-shifting before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors monitoring driving situation (speed, acceleration, gear position) to dynamically control which selection positions are blocked. The control unit continuously receives feedback about current operating conditions and adjusts blocking accordingly, ensuring only appropriate gears can be selected for the current driving state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional H shift pattern is used with eight forward gears, then four parallel shift gates are required, but this makes the system difficult to master for average drivers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of forward gearsVSAvoidease of gear selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically determining which gears are suitable based on driving conditions and actively blocking impermissible selections. The driver simply needs to select from available options without needing to memorize complex shift patterns or understand which gears are appropriate for current conditions - the system serves the driver by eliminating invalid choices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively prevents faulty shifts by ensuring only suitable gears can be engaged, enhancing driver safety and ease of use by allowing gear selection only when conditions are permissible, thereby reducing the risk of mis-shifting in vehicles with manual transmissions.

Implementation Method 1

A method and switching device are specified, in particular for manual transmissions, by means of which at least one selection or switching position can be blocked. This is carried out by means of an electro- or magneto-rheological blocking device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-rheological effect: Electrorheological Effect

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-rheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Data Source

PatentEP2360397B1Method for blocking at least one selection position of a selection element and switching device for vehicles

Publication Date: 2013.09.25 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

The method involves moving a selection element from an initial position to a testing position formed upstream of an intended selection position, and checking whether the selection position assigned to the testing position is momentarily permissible or not in the testing position. The further movement of the selection element is blocked in the selection position by an electrical or magnetorheological blocking device (1) when the selection position assigned to the testing position is momentarily permissible, where the blocking device has electromagnets (5). An independent claim is also included for a control unit for a vehicle.