Integrated Shift Lever Mechanism for Vehicle Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle shift lever mechanisms require multiple operation elements, increasing complexity and space requirements, as drivers need to operate separate levers for mode switching, differential lock, and parking, making the operation cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single shift lever mechanism that integrates the functions of gear ratio change, drive force transmission interruption, and differential lock operation, utilizing a dual-axis rotation system and an L-shaped hole design to simplify operations and eliminate the need for a separate parking lever, allowing the vehicle to be parked by locking the differential lock mechanism and restricting propeller shaft rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple operation elements (parking lever, operation mode switching lever, shift lever) are provided, then each function can be operated independently, but the number of parts increases and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parking lever, operation mode switching lever, and shift lever into a single integrated shift lever mechanism. This single lever performs multiple functions including parking (via drive force transmission interruption mechanism), mode switching (2WD/4WD), and gear shifting, thereby reducing the number of operation elements while maintaining independent control of each function through a unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The shift lever is designed as a universal operation element that can perform multiple distinct functions: it controls the transmission gear ratios, operates the drive force transmission interruption mechanism for parking, and switches between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive modes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated levers for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation elements are provided, then each function can be controlled separately, but the mounting space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operation elements into a single shift lever assembly, which consolidates the mounting space required for multiple separate levers, their support structures, and associated linkages into one compact integrated mechanism, thereby reducing the overall mounting area while preserving all necessary functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal shift lever that performs parking, mode switching, and gear shifting functions, the patent eliminates the need for multiple dedicated mounting locations, reducing the total space occupied by operation elements while maintaining full functional versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission includes a drive force transmission/interruption mechanism that restricts the rotation of a propeller shaft. By operating a shift lever, the shift operation of the transmission and the operation of the drive force transmission/interruption mechanism can be performed, and a lock operation and an unlock operation of a differential lock mechanism can be performed. When a driver wants to bring a vehicle into a parking state, by operating a shift lever, a state is provided where a drive force transmission/interruption mechanism is locked so that the rotation of a propeller shaft is restricted, and the vehicle can be held in a stopped state by bringing a differential lock mechanism into a locked state. Since the vehicle can be brought into a parking state using the shift lever, a so-called parking lever becomes unnecessary so that the number of operation elements can be reduced.