Magnetic Shift Knob Transmission for Low-Noise Gear Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle transmissions that rely on physical contact between components to provide shift operation feedback and lock functions are prone to noise and abrasion, increasing part count and cost.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system that uses a magnetic field to control shift operations, employing a knob, a driving unit with a magnetic field generator, and a shift controller to generate torque and resistance forces, allowing or preventing rotation based on magnetic field intensity, thereby reducing the need for physical contact between parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical contact components (bullet, detent groove, gears) are used to provide shift operation feedback and lock functions, then the feeling of operation and shift lock function are achieved, but noise and abrasion increase and the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeling of operationVSAvoidnoise and abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based shift lock mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic field generator creates magnetic fields that interact with magnetic bodies on the knob to provide locking forces and operational feedback without physical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating noise and abrasion while maintaining the shift lock function and feeling of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the driver's operation and the shift mechanism. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that transmits forces and feedback without requiring direct mechanical contact, allowing the bullet to move along the detent groove smoothly while the magnetic field provides the locking and feedback functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeling of operationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the magnetic field generator and magnetic bodies. The same magnetic field generator that provides shift lock function also generates the magnetic field feedback for operational feeling, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components like springs, detent grooves, and contact gears, thereby reducing part count and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using multiple mechanical components (gears, springs, detent grooves, contact surfaces), the invention uses magnetic fields to achieve the same functions with fewer parts, reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach reduces noise and abrasion while minimizing the number and cost of parts, allowing precise shift control without the drawbacks of physical contact, such as increased noise and wear.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator, a magnetization unit including a plurality of magnetic bodies arranged at regular intervals along a circumference of the magnetic field generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a shift controller for applying an electrical current to generate a torque in the driving unit for controlling the rotation of the knob. In particular, the driving unit may include a magnetic field generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11555542B2Transmission for vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 SL CORP

AI summary

A transmission for a vehicle includes a knob configured to be rotated to select one of a plurality of shift stages, a driving unit for controlling rotation of the knob, and a shift controller for applying an electrical current to generate a torque in the driving unit. Further, the driving unit includes a magnetic field generator, a magnetization unit including a plurality of magnetic bodies arranged at regular intervals along a circumference of the magnetic field generator, and a magnet unit including at least one pair of magnetic poles arranged along a circumference of the magnetization unit. In particular, the magnetization unit or the magnet unit is coupled with the knob and rotates integrally with the knob. Depending on an intensity of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator, the driving unit allows or prevents the rotation of the knob.