Gearshift Lever Support Structure Axial Fixing Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shift devices require additional steps to secure the rotation shaft to the base plate, increasing manufacturing complexity and risking loosening of the shaft during operation.

Innovation Solution

A support structure for the shift lever that includes a base plate with pivotally supported end portions of the rotation shaft, a restriction member contacting the shaft's main and auxiliary protrusions, and a guide for easy coupling, reducing the number of manufacturing steps and preventing shaft loosening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nut is fastened to the rotation shaft to fix it to the base plate, then the rotation shaft is securely fixed, but the number of manufacturing steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of manufacturing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the fixing function and the guiding function into a single restriction member. The restriction member simultaneously restricts axial movement of the rotation shaft (fixing function) and guides its insertion into the base plate (guiding function), eliminating the need for separate fixing operations and reducing manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member is designed with a guiding structure that enables preliminary alignment and insertion of the rotation shaft into the base plate. The guide groove and guide protrusion facilitate correct positioning before final engagement, ensuring proper installation without requiring additional adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a nut is used to fasten the rotation shaft, then the shaft can be securely attached, but additional fastening steps are required after coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member integrates multiple functions: it acts as both a guiding element during insertion and a fixing element that restricts axial movement. This combination eliminates the need for separate fastening operations, improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction member's structure enables self-alignment and self-fixing during the coupling process. The guide groove and guide protrusion automatically align the rotation shaft with the base plate, and the restriction member's geometry inherently prevents axial displacement, eliminating the need for additional fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the rotation shaft is tightly fastened to prevent loosening, then reliability improves, but the operability and smooth movement of the shift lever may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloosening preventionVSAvoidshift lever operability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restriction member applies localized constraints only where needed: it restricts axial movement of the rotation shaft to prevent loosening, while leaving radial and rotational movements free. This selective constraint approach maintains reliability without interfering with the shift lever's operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure separates different functional requirements: the support structure handles radial support and rotational movement for smooth operation, while the restriction member specifically handles axial movement restriction for loosening prevention. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2578429B1Support structure for gearshift lever
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
  • EP2578429B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578429B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2578429B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosed support structure for a gearshift lever (4) includes: a rotary shaft (10) to be connected to the gearshift lever; a base plate (3) having support sections (12a, 12b) that rotatably support the respective ends of the rotary shaft so as to support the gearshift lever such that same can move to and fro; a restraining component (15) that is assembled to the base plate so as to come into contact with the rotary shaft; and a fixing section (17) that fixes the restraining component to the base plate. The base plate (3) has guide sections (16) that guide the assembling of the restraining component (15) to the base plate. The rotary shaft (10) includes a main projection (Pm) and auxiliary projections (Ps) that project in the axial direction of the rotary shaft from the end face (Sa) of one end (10d) of the opposite ends of the rotary shaft. The amount of projection of each auxiliary projection is smaller than the amount of projection of the main projection. By fixing the restraining component (15) such that same comes into contact with the main projection (Pm) of the rotary shaft, the movement of the rotary shaft in the axial direction thereof is restrained under the cooperation between the restraining component and the support sections.