Hydraulic Linear Displacement Limiter for Manual-Feel Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual transmissions require direct driver input for gear shifting, which can be cumbersome, while automatic transmissions lack the precise control and feel of mechanical transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A linear-displacement limiter system using a hydraulic cylinder, conduit, valve, and actuator to emulate a mechanical transmission, allowing precise and fast control of stick-shifter and clutch-pedal arrangements in automatic transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual transmission is used, then the driver has direct control over gear shifting, but the operation becomes cumbersome and less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual transmission control system with a hybrid system that uses a hydraulic cylinder and actuator to provide automated assistance. The actuator controls the position of the gear stick or clutch pedal through hydraulic pressure, reducing the physical effort required while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid to generate and control the mechanical force needed for gear shifting. The hydraulic system provides smooth, controlled movement of the gear stick or clutch pedal, combining the convenience of automated control with the precision of mechanical transmission.
2Ease of operation
If an automatic transmission is used, then gear shifting is automated and convenient, but the control precision and driver engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the gear stick or clutch pedal and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the actuator to make precise adjustments to maintain the desired position, ensuring accurate displacement control while keeping the system automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic control system where the actuator can adjust its output force and position in real-time based on driving conditions. The hydraulic system responds dynamically to control signals, allowing precise modulation of the gear stick or clutch pedal position rather than fixed, discrete positions.
3Measurement precision
If a hydraulic limiter system is added to an automatic transmission, then control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic limiting function with the existing automatic transmission control system. The hydraulic cylinder serves dual purposes: it provides the force for gear shifting and simultaneously limits the displacement to prevent excessive movement. This integration reduces the need for separate limiting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and hydraulic system are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide automated gear shifting, control the position precision, and limit the maximum displacement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
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
Enables precise and fast control of automatic transmission systems, mimicking the feel of manual transmissions by limiting and damping linear displacements for improved gear shifting.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic conduit is filled with the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic conduit is arranged to allow a flow of the hydraulic fluid directly between the first chamber and the second chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The proposed linear-displacement limiter allows for a precise and fast control of stick-shifter arrangements and clutch-pedal arrangements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A linear-displacement limiter (10) is proposed that has: a hydraulic cylinder (12), a hydraulic conduit (24), a valve (28), an actuator (26), and a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic cylinder (12) is a double-action cylinder and has a hydraulic first chamber (14), a hydraulic second chamber (16), and a piston (18) that separates the first chamber (14) and the second chamber (16). The hydraulic cylinder (12) further has a first rod (20) that is connected to the piston (18) via the first chamber (14) and a second rod (22) that is connected to the piston (18) via the second chamber (16). The hydraulic cylinder (12) and the hydraulic conduit (24) is filled with the hydraulic fluid, and the hydraulic conduit (24) is arranged to allow a flow of the hydraulic fluid directly between the first chamber (14) and the second chamber (16). The valve (28) is arranged to regulate a flow of the hydraulic fluid between the first chamber (14) and the second chamber (16), and the actuator (26) is arranged to operate the valve (28).