Gesture-Based Drive Mode Selector for Vehicle Drivetrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive mode selectors for vehicles with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions are bulky, costly, and inconveniently positioned, adding weight and occupying valuable space in the vehicle, while also lacking intuitive and safe gesture-based control methods.
Innovation Solution
A drive mode selector system that uses a controller and gesture sensor to receive selection signals from user gestures and status signals from vehicle components, enabling safe and intuitive mode changes by integrating with the vehicle's management system, allowing mode selection based on brake engagement, steering control, and vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lever-based drive mode selector is used, then the drive mode can be selected, but the vehicle weight increases and valuable space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever-based drive mode selector with an electronic control system that detects hand presence and gestures using sensors (capacitive, optical, or radar). The controller receives sensor signals and actuates the drivetrain accordingly, eliminating the need for a physical lever and reducing vehicle weight while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional lever-based drive mode selector is used, then the drive mode can be selected, but valuable space in the vehicle is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever-based drive mode selector with an electronic control system that detects hand presence and gestures using sensors (capacitive, optical, or radar). The controller receives sensor signals and actuates the drivetrain accordingly, eliminating the need for a physical lever and reducing vehicle weight while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the bulky lever mechanism from the vehicle interior. By using sensors mounted on existing surfaces (steering wheel, dashboard, or console) and a controller to interpret gestures, the system eliminates the need for a dedicated physical selector lever, thereby freeing up valuable space between the front seats and dashboard.
3Ease of operation
If a gesture sensor is always active, then gesture-based control is available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the gesture sensor controlled by a controller. The sensor is activated only when needed (e.g., when the vehicle is stationary or when specific conditions are met), rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining gesture-based control functionality when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller preliminarily determines whether gesture-based control is needed before activating the sensor. For example, the controller checks vehicle state (stationary, moving, brake engaged) and only enables the gesture sensor when appropriate, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring control availability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive mode selector for a drivetrain of a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such a drive mode selector, and a method of selecting a drive mode of a drivetrain. The drive mode selector comprises a controller for receiving a selection signal from a gesture sensor, the selection signal being indicative of a drivetrain drive mode associated with an identified selection gesture made by a user. The controller is also for receiving a status signal indicating a status of at least one vehicle component. The controller is configured to cause the drivetrain to enter the drive mode indicated by the selection signal when the status signal indicates that the drive mode can be selected.