Integrated Shift Switch Layout to Prevent Mistaken Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shift devices have a large physical size due to separate components for controlling drivetrain and non-drivetrain systems, leading to potential mistaken operations.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a shift body with a first switch for drivetrain control and a second switch for non-drivetrain control, featuring distinct operating aspects such as sounds, loads, and strokes to prevent mistaken operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second switch for non-drivetrain control is provided separately from the shift device, then mistaken operation can be prevented, but physical size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of mistaken operationVSAvoidphysical size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the first switch (drivetrain control) and second switch (non-drivetrain control) into a single integrated shift device housing. The switches are positioned within the same physical structure with distinct operating aspects, achieving both space efficiency and operational distinction without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the first switch and second switch have the same operating aspect, then device complexity is reduced, but mistaken operation cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch configurationVSAvoidprevention of mistaken operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different operating aspects to different switches within the same device. The first switch has a first operating aspect while the second switch has a second operating aspect different from the first, allowing each switch to be locally optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12473973B2Shift device

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO

AI summary

A shift device including: a shift body that, when operated, is configured to change a shift position; a first switch that, when operated, is configured to control a drivetrain system of a vehicle; and a second switch that, when operated, is configured to control a non-drivetrain system of a vehicle, the second switch having a different operating aspect from the first switch.