Integrated Lever Apparatus for Electronic Shift and EPB Functions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shift systems in vehicles require separate levers and buttons for electronic shift functions, EPB, and auto hold, which occupy space, increase part count, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A lever apparatus that integrates electronic shift, EPB, and auto hold functions using a single rotary lever with output mechanisms for gear shifting and EPB/auto hold operations, utilizing magnets and PCBs to transmit signals to the TCU and VCU, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate levers and buttons are provided for electronic shift functions, EPB, and auto hold, then each function can be operated independently and reliably, but the number of parts increases, occupying more space and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electronic shift lever, EPB button, and auto hold button into a single integrated lever assembly. The lever body includes a shift operation portion for gear selection and a pressing portion that can detect pressing operations to activate either EPB or auto hold functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining independent operational reliability of each function through distinct detection mechanisms within the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lever assembly serves multiple functions: it detects shift operations for gear selection (R, N, D ranges), detects pressing operations for EPB activation/release, and detects sliding operations for auto hold activation/release. The single lever structure universally handles all these functions through different operational modes (pressing vs. sliding detection), eliminating the need for separate dedicated buttons or levers for each function.
2Ease of operation
If separate buttons for EPB and auto hold are provided, then each function can be clearly distinguished and operated, but the internal space utilization decreases and layout becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the EPB button and auto hold button into a single integrated lever assembly. The lever body includes a pressing portion that can detect pressing operations for EPB function and sliding operations for auto hold function. This spatial merging consolidates what would require separate button allocations into a single compact structure, significantly improving internal space utilization while maintaining clear operational distinction through different detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional layout of separate buttons on the console to a three-dimensional integrated lever structure. The lever assembly utilizes vertical and horizontal spatial dimensions efficiently, with the pressing portion and sliding portion occupying different spatial orientations within the same footprint area. This dimensional transformation allows multiple functions to coexist in a compact volume that would be insufficient for separate button implementations.
3Device complexity
If a single lever integrates multiple functions, then space utilization improves and part count reduces, but the detection mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection mechanism into distinct functional modules within the integrated lever assembly. The shift detection mechanism detects operations in the forward-rearward direction for gear range selection, while the pressing detection mechanism detects pressing operations for EPB activation. The sliding detection mechanism detects sliding operations for auto hold activation. Each detection module operates independently with its own sensor and signal processing path, reducing the overall detection complexity compared to a single undifferentiated detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that receives signals from multiple detection mechanisms within the lever assembly. The control unit processes shift operation signals, pressing operation signals, and sliding operation signals separately, then transmits appropriate commands to the transmission control unit, EPB control unit, or auto hold control unit. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall detection complexity by providing a centralized processing interface that manages multiple detection functions through standardized signal protocols.
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
This integration enhances space utilization, reduces parts and costs, and improves driver engagement through a unified operation interface, while ensuring accurate and safe functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet mounted at the slide shift button, and a first printed circuit board (PCB) fixedly mounted to the rotary lever to face the first magnet, the first PCB outputting a signal, related to gear shifting according to variation in a position of the first magnet
Implementation Method 2
a fourth magnet fixed at an eccentric position relative to the hinge shaft in the rotating disk, and a second PCB fixedly mounted to the vehicle body panel to face the fourth magnet, the second PCB selectively outputting a signal, related to the EPB function and the auto hold function according to variation in a position of the fourth magnet
Implementation Method 3
The fifth and sixth magnets may serve to fix the front link at an EPB position and an auto hold position selected when the front link rotates
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a lever apparatus for an electronic shift system, which is configured for selectively realizing an electronic shift function, an EPB function, and an auto hold function using one lever.