Gearshift Position Sensor Layout for Compact Accurate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gearshift assemblies face a design conflict between achieving a compact design and providing accurate spatial resolution for shift lever position detection, with existing solutions requiring additional space for position sensors and limited sensor spacing leading to unreliable position discrimination.
Innovation Solution
The gearshift assembly features a position sensor pattern arranged in a horizontal plane next to the shift lever, with a moveable element carrier that performs linear and pivotal movements along intersecting paths, allowing for a compact design and improved sensor spacing for accurate position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the position sensor assembly is placed at a distance from the shift lever to provide adequate sensor spacing for reliable position discrimination, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical wall-mounted sensor array to a horizontal plane sensor pattern. This dimensional change allows the sensor triggering element to move along intersecting paths (first path for forward/backward shifts, second path for left/right shifts) in the horizontal plane, achieving adequate sensor spacing without increasing vertical distance from the shift lever, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor pattern is segmented into two distinct paths: a first path for detecting forward/backward shift positions and a second path for detecting left/right shift positions. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently for its specific detection function, enabling reliable position discrimination along each axis while maintaining a compact overall sensor assembly configuration
2Volume of moving object
If the shift lever length is limited to achieve a compact design, then the volume of the gearshift assembly is reduced, but the travelling distance of the sensor triggering element is shortened which may compromise position detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the sensor pattern to a horizontal plane and creating intersecting paths, the system achieves adequate sensor spacing without requiring a longer vertical shift lever. The horizontal dimension provides the necessary travel distance for the sensor triggering element while keeping the vertical profile compact, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly volume and sensor travel distance
Solution Approach 2:
The element carrier is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, performing different types of motion along different paths: linear or arc movement along the first path for forward/backward shifts, and pivoting movement along the second path for left/right shifts. This dynamic approach allows the sensor triggering element to achieve sufficient travel distance for reliable detection within a compact lever length
Data Source
AI summary
A gearshift assembly comprises a shift lever pivotable about first and second axes, a sensor assembly comprising first and second paths of sensors, and a sensor triggering element mounted on an element carrier moveably mounted in a housing and coupled to the shift lever to enable movement of the sensor triggering element along the sensors in response to movements of the shift lever. The element carrier is moveably supported by a guide structure in the housing and coupled by a hinge connection to a link with the link connected to the shift lever. The element carrier performs linear movement in response to pivoting of the shift lever about the first axis to move the sensor triggering element along the first path of sensors, and is pivoted in response to pivoting of the shift lever about the second axis to pivot the sensor triggering element along the second path of sensors.