Magnetic Click Mechanism for Shift Lever Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing click spring mechanism in shift manipulation apparatuses for automatic transmissions results in a weak holding force, leading to rattling, and increasing the force can shorten the apparatus' life due to excessive wear on convex parts.
Innovation Solution
A manipulation apparatus using a cam member with concave and convex parts, an abutting member, and an urging force generating mechanism with magnetic bodies, including permanent magnets and yokes, to maximize the urging force and prevent rattling, even when concave parts wear out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the urging force of the click spring is increased to strengthen the holding force at concave parts, then the manipulation lever rattling is reduced, but the wear on convex parts increases excessively shortening the apparatus life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical click spring urging mechanism with a magnetic urging mechanism. The magnetic body generates magnetic force to urge the abutting member against the cam member, eliminating the need for a mechanical spring. This substitution allows for a more controlled and wear-resistant urging force generation system that can maintain consistent holding force without the wear issues associated with mechanical springs and cam surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the urging mechanism from mechanical elastic deformation (spring) to magnetic field interaction. By using a magnetic body with specific magnetic properties, the system achieves a different type of force generation that doesn't rely on mechanical contact and deformation, thereby reducing wear while maintaining or improving holding force consistency.
2Reliability
If a click spring mechanism is used to generate click feeling, then the manipulation lever can be held at positions, but the holding force is weak causing the manipulation lever to rattle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical click spring mechanism with a magnetic urging mechanism. The magnetic body provides a more stable and stronger urging force compared to the mechanical spring, resulting in improved holding force and elimination of rattling. The magnetic field interaction allows for more precise and consistent force application to the abutting member, ensuring the manipulation lever is firmly held at desired positions.
3Reliability
If the click spring urging force is adjusted to prevent rattling, then holding force improves, but the force at convex parts becomes larger than necessary worsening manipulation feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic urging mechanism provides a more controllable and distributed force compared to the mechanical spring. The magnetic force can be optimized to provide adequate holding force at concave parts without creating excessive force at convex parts, as the magnetic field distribution and strength can be precisely controlled through the magnetic body design and positioning.
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 magnetic attractive force ensures a strong and consistent holding force, reducing rattling and extending the apparatus' lifespan while providing a superior manipulation feeling.
Implementation Method 1
The urging force generating means has a pair of magnetic bodies, at least one of which has a permanent magnet, a generated urging force being a magnetic attractive force between the pair of magnetic bodies
Data Source
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AI summary
A click generating mechanism (1) has a cam member (40) having concave parts (40a) and convex parts (40b), abutting members (30) that abut the cam member (40) and generate a movement load so that the cam member (40) relatively moves, a limiting member (61) that limits the movable direction of the abutting members (30) to a direction crossing a direction in which the cam member (40) relatively moves, and an urging force generating means (10) that urges the abutting members (30) in the movable direction. The urging force generating means (10) has a pair of magnetic bodies (11) and (21), at least one of which has a permanent magnet (12). A generated urging force is a magnetic attractive force between the pair of magnetic bodies (11) and (21).