Gearbox Selector with Magnetorheological Feedback for Autonomous Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving mode activation/deactivation methods in vehicles require space on the steering wheel, which is already crowded with other controls, and lack intuitive selection and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A selector for an automatic motor vehicle gearbox that allows sequential selection of driving modes, including autonomous driving, using a single control member with programmable braking, force sensing, and magneto-rheological fluid modules to provide resistance and haptic feedback, ensuring autonomous mode can only be activated after forward mode is selected, and blocking unauthorized transitions based on road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous driving mode activation is implemented using buttons on the steering wheel, then the autonomous mode can be activated and deactivated, but the steering wheel space becomes crowded and the selection process lacks intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous driving mode selection function is extracted from the steering wheel and relocated to the automatic transmission selector. This removes the conflicting function from the crowded steering wheel area, freeing up space while providing a more intuitive selection process through the sequential gear position transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic transmission selector is given multiple functions: it not only controls gear selection (P, R, N, D positions) but also activates the autonomous driving mode when in the forward position. This consolidates control functions into a single interface, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous driving mode can be activated from any gear position, then the selection is flexible, but safety is compromised as the vehicle might be in an inappropriate state
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the vehicle to be in the forward driving position (D) before autonomous mode can be activated. This preliminary condition ensures the vehicle is in an appropriate operational state for autonomous driving, preventing activation from unsafe gear positions while maintaining a clear, sequential selection process.
3Ease of operation
If the control element allows free movement to any position, then the operation is simple, but unauthorized transitions cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The braking means on the control element is made dynamically adjustable through programmable control. The resistance force can be modified based on the selected gear position and autonomous driving system status, allowing free movement during normal operation while preventing unauthorized transitions to autonomous mode when conditions are not met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the autonomous driving system communicates with the transmission selector to control the braking means. When autonomous driving is not available or not authorized, the system provides feedback that increases resistance or blocks movement to the autonomous position, preventing unauthorized transitions while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 solution frees up space on the steering wheel, enhances the intuitive selection of driving modes, and ensures safe activation of autonomous driving mode only when appropriate, by integrating the selection process with the automatic gearbox and using advanced sensors and feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological fluid module comprising: a magnetorheological fluid in contact with a moving element of the control element, a magnetic field application unit, at least one coil for applying a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid
Implementation Method 2
The selector includes a force sensor configured to measure the force exerted on the control element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a selector (1) of an automatic gearbox (9) for a motor vehicle, having at least a parking mode command position (P), a reverse mode command position (R), a neutral mode command position (N) and at least one forward mode command position (D), comprising a control member (1) configured to select a command position from among the aforementioned command positions, characterised in that the selector (1) also comprises an autonomous driving mode command position (A) and in that the control member (4) is configured such that it can select said autonomous driving mode (A). The invention also relates to a method for selecting the autonomous driving mode (A).