Gear Shifter Locking Arms Block Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear shifter assemblies require precise positioning and high precision in locking components to engage and lock the shifter yoke, which can lead to mechanical stress and potential inadvertent movement issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of two solenoid actuators and corresponding locking arms that block pivotal movement in specific directions without the need for precise mechanical engagement, allowing for a simpler and less demanding locking mechanism with reduced tolerance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking arm with pin and groove engagement is used, then the locking mechanism is simple in structure, but high positioning precision and mechanical strength are required leading to increased manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking arms (first locking arm and second locking arm), each responsible for blocking movement in opposite directions. This segmentation allows each component to have simpler geometry with larger tolerances, eliminating the need for precise pin-groove engagement while maintaining effective locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional pin inserted into a groove for positive locking, the invention inverts the approach by using surface abutment where locking arms block movement by contacting surfaces on the shifter yoke. This inversion allows for much more generous tolerances and simpler manufacturing.
2Reliability
If precise mechanical engagement is used for locking, then reliable locking is achieved, but mechanical stress increases and inadvertent movement issues may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the engagement parameter from point-contact pin-groove engagement to surface abutment engagement. This parameter change distributes mechanical stress over a larger contact area, reducing peak stresses and eliminating the risk of inadvertent disengagement that can occur with precise point-contact mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If high precision locking components are used, then accurate positioning is achieved, but cost-effective material usage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are designed with simple geometries that can be manufactured from less expensive materials with standard tolerances. The bearing components can use cost-effective materials rather than high-precision alloys, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient functionality.
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 reduces the need for precise alignment and mechanical strength in locking components, enhancing reliability and stability while minimizing the risk of inadvertent gear shifts and allowing for cost-effective material usage in the locking arm bearings.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator adapted to move the locking arm arrangement to the other one of the locking and unlocking positions when the solenoid actuator is activated
Implementation Method 2
a bias device acting on the locking arm arrangement urging it to one of the locking and unlocking positions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
1. Gear shifter assembly for a vehicle comprising: - a base (2) to be fixed in a vehicle, - a shifter (10) yoke having the shape of a disk segment and being mounted in the base to be pivotable about a pivotal axis, - a shift lever (50) connected to the shifter yoke, - a locking arm arrangement (20, 30) pivotably mounted to the base and adapted to cooperate with lock surface structures (22, 32, 34) to block pivotal movement of the shifter yoke at a predetermined pivotal position when the locking arm arrangement is in a locking position, and, in an unlocking position, to be free to pass the lock surface structures, - a bias device for urging locking arm arrangement to one of the locking and unlocking positions, - a solenoid actuator (21, 31) adapted to move the locking arm arrangement to the other one of the locking and unlocking positions, characterized in that - the locking arm arrangement comprises a first locking arm (30) and a second locking arm (20), and in that the lock surface structure comprise a first lock surface (32, 34) and second lock surface (22), and in that - the first locking arm (30) and the first lock surface (32, 34) are arranged to, when the first locking arm is in the locking position and when the shifter yoke is in a first predetermined pivotal position, block pivotal movement of the shifter yoke in a first direction only, and that the second locking arm (20) and the second lock surface (22) are arranged to, when the second locking arm is in the locking position and when the shifter yoke is in a second predetermined pivotal position, block pivoting of the shifter yoke in a second direction only which is opposite to the first direction.