Gearshift Position Detection Using Dual Contact Sensors

Solution Overview

Problem

Current detection systems for gearshift devices in vehicles, which require position determination in two degrees of freedom, often rely on expensive Hall effect sensors or complex software, and there is a need for a more cost-effective and reliable solution that can accurately detect position changes along multiple axes.

Innovation Solution

A detection system comprising contact sensors and sensor actuators arranged on an electronics carrier plane, with an engaging element that moves to detect position changes along both degrees of freedom, utilizing potentiometers for reliable and simple position determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Hall effect sensors are used for detecting position in two degrees of freedom, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into two separate single-degree-of-freedom detection mechanisms: one for detecting displacement along the first axis (lever movement) and another for detecting rotation about the second axis (knob rotation). Each mechanism uses simple contact sensors instead of complex Hall effect sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining position detection accuracy through coordinated measurement of both degrees of freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based Hall effect sensors with mechanical contact sensors (such as potentiometers or limit switches). The mechanical system uses direct physical contact between the sensor and the moving components (lever, knob, shaft) to detect position, eliminating the need for complex magnetic field detection electronics and software processing while achieving reliable position measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If Hall effect sensors are used for detecting position in two degrees of freedom, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into two separate single-degree-of-freedom detection mechanisms: one for detecting displacement along the first axis (lever movement) and another for detecting rotation about the second axis (knob rotation). Each mechanism uses simple contact sensors instead of complex Hall effect sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining position detection accuracy through coordinated measurement of both degrees of freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive contact sensors (such as potentiometers or limit switches) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These simple mechanical sensors are significantly cheaper than Hall effect sensors while providing sufficient measurement precision for gearshift device operation, making the overall system more cost-effective for mass production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If complex software is used for position detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based Hall effect sensors with mechanical contact sensors (such as potentiometers or limit switches). The mechanical system uses direct physical contact between the sensor and the moving components (lever, knob, shaft) to detect position, eliminating the need for complex magnetic field detection electronics and software processing while achieving reliable position measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system uses self-service mechanical contact sensors that automatically detect position through direct physical interaction with the moving components. The potentiometers and limit switches inherently provide position information through their mechanical design without requiring complex software algorithms for interpretation, thereby reducing software complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4382777A1Detection systems and gearshift devices comprising such detection systems

Publication Date: 2024.06.12 FICO TRIAD

Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~4C
Figure 5~7B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to detection systems (1) for determining a position in two degrees of freedom and to devices (11) comprising such detection systems. A detection system (1) for determining a position in two degrees of freedom comprises an electronics carrier (2); a first contact sensor (3) and a second contact sensor (4) attached to the electronics carrier (2); a first sensor actuator (5) comprising a sensor portion (9) in movable contact with the first contact sensor (3); a second sensor actuator (6) having a sensor portion (10) in movable contact with the second contact sensor (4); and an engaging element (8) configured to be connected to a position selector (7).