Modular Vehicle Transmission Actuator with Interchangeable Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for vehicle transmissions are not universally adaptable due to varying ergonomic and assembly requirements across different vehicle types, leading to the need for customized designs and complex assembly sequences, which increases costs and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular actuating device with a module adapter that allows for adjustable ergonomic positioning of the shift knob and selector lever, enabling adaptation to various vehicle types by selecting from a range of module adapters with different dimensions, and incorporating interchangeable components such as selector levers and detent inserts to meet specific ergonomic and assembly needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single actuating device design is used across different vehicle types, then manufacturing costs are reduced and production is simplified, but ergonomic requirements and assembly boundary conditions vary across vehicle types making universal application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is divided into modular components including a base unit and interchangeable adapter units. Each adapter unit is designed for specific vehicle types or ergonomic requirements, allowing the core mechanism to remain standardized while adapting to different applications through component substitution rather than complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The base actuating device unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized internal mechanisms that can accommodate multiple vehicle types. The universality is achieved by combining a standardized core with configurable adapter units, allowing one base design to serve multiple purposes across different vehicle platforms.
2Ease of operation
If the selector lever length is increased to achieve desired vertical ergonomic positioning, then ergonomic requirements are met, but the strength of actuating device components is exceeded and selector lever travel changes proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The lever system is segmented into the selector lever, adapter unit, and base unit as separate components. This allows the lever arm length to be optimized for ergonomics in the adapter unit without compromising the structural integrity of the base unit, as the load paths are distributed across the modular interfaces rather than requiring the base unit to support excessive lever arm stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit acts as an intermediary between the selector lever and the base actuating device. It provides the necessary lever arm extension for ergonomic positioning while maintaining proper force transmission to the base unit, effectively decoupling the ergonomic requirements from the structural load-bearing requirements of the main actuator.
3Reliability
If actuating device components protrude through the vehicle interior boundary to maintain mechanical connection with the transmission, then mechanical actuation functions are maintained, but assembly flexibility is reduced and interior assembly is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is segmented into interior-mounted and exterior-mounted components. The base unit with transmission connection interfaces can be mounted on the vehicle interior boundary or exterior, while the selector lever and adapter units are mounted on the interior side. This segmentation allows flexible assembly sequences where interior components can be installed independently of exterior mounting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base actuating device unit with transmission mechanical connections can be pre-assembled and positioned on the vehicle interior boundary before interior trim installation. The selector lever and adapter components are then mounted on the interior side, allowing the mechanical connection to be established in advance without requiring components to protrude through finished interior surfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator for selecting shift stages of a vehicle transmission. The actuator comprises a lever housing (2), a selector lever (1), and a transfer device (3) for transferring shift commands to the transmission. According to the invention, the actuator is characterized by an interchangeable module adapter (5) disposed between the lever housing (2) and transfer device (3). The module adapter serves for adapting the ergonomic point (16) of the actuator in the vertical and/or horizontal direction and thus to different installation situations. By means of the invention, an actuator is produced that can be adapted to installation in a wide range of vehicle types without significant design changes, primarily merely by selecting the corresponding module adapter, wherein each of the requirements for ergonomically correct positioning of the shift knob can be met. The actuator further allows a variable assembly sequence during installation in the motor vehicle, and allows optionally separate subfloor mounting of the transfer device, independent of the interior installation.