Haptic Feedback for Vehicle Transmission Shifter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle transmission systems lack effective feedback mechanisms to users when shifting gears, potentially leading to confusion or uncertainty about gear changes, especially in semi-automatic modes.
Innovation Solution
A system that incorporates a shifter input device with embedded haptic feedback mechanisms, such as linear resonant actuators or eccentric rotating motors, to provide vibratory feedback to users upon detecting valid input, ensuring they are aware of gear changes and enhancing the driving experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional shifter input devices are used without feedback mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the user experience and clarity about gear changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including haptic feedback devices that provide tactile sensation to the user when gear changes are detected, and visual feedback through indicators that display current gear position. This resolves the contradiction by providing necessary feedback information while keeping the added complexity minimal and targeted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as haptic feedback devices and visual indicators that mediate between the transmission system and the user. These intermediaries translate mechanical gear changes into perceptible signals without requiring complex direct communication between the transmission and user interface.
2Ease of operation
If haptic feedback mechanisms are added to the shifter, then user engagement and clarity improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the feedback function into separate, modular components (haptic feedback devices, visual indicators) that can be independently manufactured and integrated. This allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for each component while achieving enhanced user engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback devices and visual indicators serve multiple functions: they provide tactile confirmation of gear changes, display system status, and enhance user awareness. This multi-functionality justifies the added manufacturing complexity by delivering multiple benefits from single components.
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 system provides clear and intuitive haptic feedback to users, enhancing their engagement with the vehicle's semi-automatic transmission, improving user experience and reducing confusion during gear shifts.
Implementation Method 1
The haptic feedback can be generated by a linear resonant actuator
Implementation Method 2
The haptic feedback can be generated by an eccentric rotating motor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a vehicle transmission shifter input device; and a computer. The computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions such that the processor is programmed to detect, via the shifter input device, a user input to shift the vehicle transmission; and generate, a haptic feedback via the shifter input device.