Automated Manual Gearbox Shift Interface for Intuitive Mode Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manual gearbox systems 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 introduced.
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 without additional operating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional driving levels are added to automated manual gearbox systems, then the functionality and versatility of the gearbox are improved, but the operational complexity and difficulty of use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monostable toggle switch is designed to perform multiple functions: selecting between multiple driving levels (D, S, L) and exiting the further driving level M. This single operating element handles all gear selection tasks, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function and simplifying the user interface despite increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the further driving level M exitable through the existing toggle switch rather than requiring a separate entry mechanism. The toggle switch, originally designed only for selecting D/S/L levels, is enhanced to also serve as an exit path from level M, creating a bidirectional control system that reduces complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a monostable toggle switch is used for selecting driving levels, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to select all driving levels directly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The further driving level M acts as an intermediary state that provides access to the manually controllable gear selection mode. Rather than requiring direct selection of each gear, the system uses M as a mediator that, when activated, enables manual gear control through the toggle switch's deflection movements, thus maintaining ease of operation while expanding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear selection process is segmented into two distinct modes: automated selection (D, S, L levels) accessible through standard toggle switch positions, and manual selection (M level) accessed through a specific deflection movement. This segmentation allows the simple toggle switch interface to handle both automated and manual control paradigms without requiring complex additional controls.
3Ease of operation
If visual indication is provided for the further driving level exit direction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical indication (displaying arrows or symbols) to show the exit direction from further driving level M. This visual feedback mechanism uses light-based displays to provide intuitive directional guidance, enhancing ease of operation while keeping the visual device integration minimal and consistent with existing dashboard display technologies.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gearbox system for a vehicle having: an automated manual gearbox; a gearbox control device designed to control the automated manual gearbox; a monostable toggle switch which can be operated by a user, in particular a driver, and is movable in at least, in particular exactly, two deflection directions and by means of which a plurality of driving ranges of the gearbox control device can be selected by the user; and a visual device which displays or can display graphically a gearshift diagram with driving ranges selectable by the toggle switch. The gearbox control device has a further driving range which cannot be selected by means of the toggle switch but can be exited by moving the toggle switch in at least one of the two deflection directions. The visual device has at least one display designed to display a symbol which indicates the at least one deflection direction of the toggle switch by means of which the further driving range can be exited. The gearbox control device is also designed to control the at least one display such that the symbol is only displayed when the further driving range is selected.