Magnetic Shifter Simulator Mechanism for Adjustable Shift Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shifter simulator systems are inflexible and unable to handle significant forces applied during use, limiting the realism of the driving experience in simulator environments.

Innovation Solution

A shifter simulator system featuring a gear stick hinge, a moveable frame part with magnetic contact, and a tilting element that engages levers to define shifter movement, along with a spring element for counterforce and adjustable connections for customizable resistance, providing a robust and flexible mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional shifter simulator systems use resilient pressure parts to provide shifter resistance, then the driver experience is improved, but the mechanisms become relatively inflexible and unable to handle significant forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver experienceVSAvoidmechanism flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional resilient pressure parts (mechanical spring-based system) with a magnetic field-based resistance mechanism. The magnetic contactless shifter resistance mechanism uses magnetic fields to provide resistance force, eliminating the need for physical resilient parts while maintaining the driver experience. This substitution allows the system to be both flexible and capable of handling significant forces without the mechanical limitations of spring-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If conventional shifter simulator systems use resilient pressure parts, then shifter resistance is provided, but the mechanisms are unable to handle significant forces applied during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifter resistanceVSAvoidforce handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field-based resistance mechanism replaces mechanical resilient parts, allowing the system to generate and withstand significant forces without the physical limitations of springs and pressure parts. The magnetic field can be dynamically adjusted to provide varying resistance levels while maintaining structural integrity under heavy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution) to adjust resistance levels and handle varying forces applied during shifter operation. This allows the mechanism to adapt to different driving conditions and force applications while maintaining both resistance provision and force handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If conventional shifter simulator systems use resilient pressure parts, then shifter resistance is achieved, but the mechanisms become inflexible limiting driver experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifter resistanceVSAvoidmechanism flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical resilient parts with a magnetic field-based system, the patent achieves both shifter resistance and mechanism flexibility. The magnetic field can be dynamically adjusted without mechanical constraints, allowing the system to adapt to different shifter positions, speeds, and force applications while maintaining consistent resistance characteristics.

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

The system offers improved flexibility and durability, maintaining performance over time with adjustable settings for enhanced user experience and resistance, reducing the risk of damage from excessive use.

Implementation Method 1

The shifter simulator system comprises a magnetic contact configured for providing contactless shifter resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11717747B2Shifter simulator system, simulator provided therewith and method for operating

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 HEUSINKVELD ENG BV

AI summary

A shifter simulator system comprising a frame with a gear stick hinge, a gear stick that is hingedly connected to the frame via the gear stick hinge, and a moveable frame part configured for moving relative to the frame and provided with a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The shifter simulator system also includes a magnetic contact and a tilting element configured for tilting around a tilting axis via a tilting connection in response to a movement of the gear stick and providing a first lever, and wherein the tilting element is provided with a first contact element and a second contact element configured for engaging the respective first and second contact surfaces of the moveable frame part providing a second lever, and by moving the moveable frame part defining a shifter movement with the magnetic contact. The first and/or second levers are adjustable.