Gearshift Lever Position Checking for Driver-Specific Shift Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gearshift mechanisms in vehicles, particularly motorcycles, offer varying levels of comfort and reliability for different drivers due to differences in foot geometry, leading to inconsistent shift experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors to measure shift travel lengths and adjust the position of the shift lever based on statistical evaluations of these measurements to optimize comfort and reliability for individual drivers, utilizing actuators like electric motors for automatic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shift lever position is fixed for all drivers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the comfort and reliability vary for different drivers due to differences in foot geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of shift travel lengths during a learning phase before actual operation. The control unit stores these measurements and uses them to automatically adjust the shift lever position, preparing the system in advance for optimal performance with each driver
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts the shift lever position based on measurements taken during operation. The control unit autonomously determines the optimal position and actuates the adjustment mechanism without requiring manual intervention from the driver or service technician
2Reliability
If the shift lever position is adjusted for each driver, then comfort and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the adjustment actuator, processes sensor data from the shift position sensor, stores measurement values in memory, and manages the learning phase. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors shift travel lengths using the shift position sensor and feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the shift lever position to optimize reliability for each driver
3Ease of operation
If the neutral position of the shift lever is displaced to optimize shift travel, then comfort for specific drivers improves, but the adjustment mechanism adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever position is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The actuator enables the shift lever to adapt its neutral position based on the driver's foot geometry, transforming a static component into a dynamic one that optimizes comfort
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
Enhances the comfort and reliability of gearshift processes by ensuring the shift lever position aligns with the driver's foot geometry, improving both upshift and downshift experiences.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus may be configured to ascertain the first sensor data and the second sensor data by means of a sensor, in particular by means of a Hall sensor, which is configured to detect sensor data in relation to the magnetic field generated by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method check the position of a gearshift lever for a gearbox of a vehicle. The device is designed to determine first sensor data relating to the length of the selector travel of the selector shaft of the gearbox during at least one upshifting process which is brought about by the driver of the vehicle deflecting the gearshift lever in a first direction. The device is also designed to determine second sensor data relating to the length of the selector travel of the selector shaft of the gearbox during at least one downshifting process brought about by the driver of the vehicle deflecting the gearshift lever in a second direction. The device is designed to check the position of the gearshift lever on the basis of the first sensor data and on the basis of the second sensor data.