Gearshift Lever Elastic Cover Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gearshift command input systems lack the ability to provide tactile feedback to drivers for gearshift range changes, which can divert the driver's attention from the road during gear shifting.
Innovation Solution
A gearshift command input system that includes a shift lever with an elastic cover and a fluid supply portion, where fluid is provided to expand the elastic cover based on the gearshift range, allowing the driver to feel the volume change through tactile feedback, and an actuator to pressurize the cover for expanded volume corresponding to the gearshift range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional mechanical gearshift command input portion is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the driver cannot receive tactile feedback for gearshift range changes, causing attention diversion from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tactile feedback by expanding the elastic cover in response to gearshift commands. The control unit receives gearshift commands and generates control signals to expand the elastic cover to volumes corresponding to different gearshift ranges, allowing the driver to feel and recognize the gearshift range through tactile sensation without diverting attention from the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a fluid supply portion (pump) to supply fluid to the inner space of the shift lever, causing the elastic cover to expand. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism enables the elastic cover to change volume in response to gearshift commands, providing tactile feedback to the driver while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the gearshift command input portion is expanded to provide tactile feedback, then the driver can recognize gearshift range, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like fluid supply and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cover serves multiple functions: it forms part of the gearshift command input portion structure and simultaneously provides tactile feedback by expanding to indicate gearshift ranges. The fluid supply portion and actuator are integrated into the existing shift lever structure, allowing these components to serve both the expansion function and the overall gearshift operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cover is positioned within the shift lever, and the fluid supply portion and actuator are integrated within the existing gearshift command input portion structure. This nesting approach allows the additional components to be housed within the existing structure, minimizing overall complexity while achieving tactile feedback functionality.
3Measurement precision
If fluid is supplied to expand the elastic cover for each gearshift range, then accurate tactile feedback is provided, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous fluid supply and actuator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply portion supplies fluid periodically or intermittently based on gearshift commands rather than continuously. The control unit generates control signals in response to specific gearshift commands, causing the elastic cover to expand only when needed, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining accurate gearshift range indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cover dynamically changes its volume in response to gearshift commands, expanding to volumes corresponding to different gearshift ranges. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide accurate tactile feedback only when gearshift commands are received, rather than maintaining constant expansion, thus reducing energy consumption.
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
Enables the driver to recognize the gearshift range through tactile feedback, maintaining focus on driving while shifting gears, as the system adjusts its volume and expansion position based on the gearshift command, enhancing driving concentration.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic cover provided in the at least one opening
Implementation Method 2
a fluid supply portion configured to provide fluid to an inner space of the shift lever so as to expand the elastic cover
Implementation Method 3
an actuator configured to pressurize the elastic cover within the inner space of the shift lever in a manner that the elastic cover is expanded
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a gearshift command input portion expandable to have a volume corresponding to a gearshift range changed by a gearshift command. The vehicle includes a gearshift command input portion, a volume of which is controlled by a control signal, is configured to receive a gearshift command for changing a gearshift range. The vehicle includes a controller configured to transmit a control signal to the gearshift command input portion in a manner that the gearshift command input portion is expanded to have a volume corresponding to the changed gearshift range. A method of controlling the vehicle includes the gearshift command input portion.