Gearshift Position Sensor Layout for Failsafe Lever Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gearshift devices with position sensors face complexity and increased cost due to the need for multiple sensors and a complicated magnetization process to achieve failsafe functionality, especially when detecting the position of a shift lever across various transmission modes.
Innovation Solution
A gearshift device with a position sensor that uses a single movable magnet and an array of detection elements arranged in stages, where the magnet is simultaneously detected by multiple elements in adjacent stages, allowing for failsafe operation with a simple magnetization process and reduced sensor complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple position sensors are used to detect shift lever positions, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented across multiple detection elements arranged in stages, where each element contributes to the overall detection reliability. The shift lever position is detected by multiple elements simultaneously, providing redundant detection capability without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection elements serve the universal function of detecting shift lever position across different transmission modes. Each detection element can detect the position in various gear ranges (P, R, N, D, S), making the detection system multi-functional and adaptable to different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If a complicated magnetization process is used to achieve failsafe functionality, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is divided into multiple magnetic poles (N and S poles) arranged in a specific pattern around the circumference. This segmentation of magnetic fields allows different detection elements to detect different pole positions, enabling failsafe functionality through simple magnetization of each pole rather than a complex overall magnetization process.
Solution Approach 2:
Each magnetic pole has a specific local magnetic property (N or S polarity) that is optimized for detection by corresponding detection elements. The local quality of each magnetic pole region enables reliable detection of shift lever position in different transmission modes, achieving failsafe functionality through localized magnetic characteristics rather than complex global magnetization.
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
The solution enables reliable detection of shift lever positions across multiple transmission modes with a single simple detected subject, reducing the complexity and cost of the magnetization process while maintaining effective failsafe functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet 30 and an element array 40 having a plurality of stages... The magnet 30 is arranged on the shift lever 12... The detection elements 41 output a detection result based on a detection signal from the magnet 30
Data Source
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AI summary
A position sensor (S) that detects operation positions (P;R;N;D;S) of an operation member (12) includes an element array (40) having three stages, each including one or more detection elements (41). A detected subject (30) is detected by each detection element (41) in two adjacent upstream and downstream stages to determine an operation position of the operation member (12). Whenever the operation member (12) is shifted by one operation position, the detected subject (30) is moved relative to the element array (40) by one stage. Each detection element (41) outputs a detection result of the detected subject (30). The element array (40) includes at least three detection elements (41) of which the detection results change whenever the operation member (12) is shifted by one operation position. A detection element (41) in the upstream side stage detects the detected subject (30) before the operation position shifting, and a detection element (41) in the downstream side stage detects the detected subject (30) after the operation position shifting.