Automated Manual Gearbox Shift Interface for Extra Driving Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manual gearboxes with multiple driving levels present complexity in operation, requiring intuitive and simplified methods to select and exit various driving modes, especially when additional shifting modes are integrated into existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox system featuring a monostable toggle switch movable in two deflection directions, accompanied by a visual device displaying a gearshift diagram, allows selection of multiple driving levels and indicates the direction to exit a non-selectable further driving level, ensuring intuitive operation and integration of additional modes without additional operating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional driving levels are added to automated manual gearboxes, then the functionality and versatility of the gearbox system is improved, but the operational complexity and difficulty of use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gearshift gate is segmented into multiple discrete positions, each corresponding to a specific driving level (D, S, M, L). The monostable toggle switch is segmented into two deflection directions, with each direction controlling transitions to specific driving levels. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be accessed through simple, discrete operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring separate controls for each driving level, the system inverts the approach by using a single toggle switch where deflection in one direction exits the current driving level and deflection in the opposite direction selects a different driving level. This inverted control logic simplifies the interface while maintaining access to multiple driving levels.
2Ease of operation
If a monostable toggle switch with two deflection directions is used to select multiple driving levels, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide comprehensive selection options for all driving levels is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The monostable toggle switch performs multiple functions: it can exit the current driving level by deflecting in one direction and select different driving levels by deflecting in the opposite direction. This multi-functional design allows a single simple component to provide access to multiple driving levels without requiring separate controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the function of the toggle switch based on the current driving level. When in driving level D, deflection in one direction exits to N, while deflection in the other direction selects S. When in driving level M, the same deflection directions provide different outcomes. This dynamic behavior allows comprehensive driving level selection through a static two-directional switch.
3Loss of information
If a visual device displays a gearshift diagram with all driving levels, then the information completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual device displays a simplified graphical representation (copy) of the gearshift diagram showing only the relevant driving levels and transition paths. Instead of displaying all possible gearbox states, it shows a copied subset of information that is sufficient for driver understanding and operation, reducing visual complexity while maintaining essential information.
Data Source
AI summary
A gearbox system for a vehicle includes an automated manual gearbox; a gearbox control device which controls the gearbox; a monostable toggle switch which is movable by a user in two deflection directions to select a plurality of driving ranges of the gearbox control device, and a visual device which displays graphically a gearshift diagram with driving ranges selectable by the monostable toggle switch. The gearbox control device has a further driving range which cannot be selected by the monostable toggle switch but can be exited by moving the monostable toggle switch. The visual device has at least one display to display a symbol indicating at least one deflection direction by which the further driving range can be exited. The gearbox control device may control the at least one display such that the symbol is only displayed when the further driving range is selected.