Monostable Gear Selector with Activation Switch for Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing activation apparatuses for motor vehicle transmissions require drivers to move the gear selector into multiple positions to select drive programs, making the selection of sports drive programs less intuitive and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

An activation apparatus with a gear selector designed for a monostable rest position in the shift gate, allowing for the direct selection of reverse drive, forward drive, and additional programs through simultaneous or sequential activation of the gear selector and an activation device, such as a pushbutton, which can apply compressive or tensile forces, facilitating easier and more intuitive program selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gear selector is designed with multiple rest positions to select different drive programs, then the selection capability is improved, but the ergonomic position and operational simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive program selection capabilityVSAvoidergonomic position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive program selection is segmented into two independent control actions: the gear selector handles primary drive modes (forward, reverse, neutral) with a single rest position, while a separate activation device (pushbutton) handles secondary drive programs (sports mode). This segmentation allows the gear selector to maintain its ergonomic monostable design while still providing access to multiple drive programs through the combination of gear selector position and activation device state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The activation device (pushbutton) acts as an intermediary between the driver and the sports drive program selection. Instead of requiring the gear selector to have multiple rest positions, the pushbutton serves as a mediator that, when activated in combination with the gear selector position, triggers the sports drive program. This intermediary device resolves the contradiction by providing additional selection capability without compromising the ergonomic simplicity of the gear selector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple engaged positions are required for program selection, then the drive program versatility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive program selectionVSAvoidshift gate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functionality for selecting sports drive programs is extracted from the gear selector mechanism itself and placed into a separate activation device (pushbutton). This extraction allows the shift gate structure to remain simple with only a single rest position, while the sports drive program selection capability is implemented through the independent activation device that works in conjunction with the gear selector position signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The activation device serves multiple functions: it can be activated independently to select sports drive programs, and it can also work in combination with different gear selector positions to provide contextual program selection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve versatile drive program selection without increasing the structural complexity of the shift gate, as the activation device is a simple add-on component rather than a complex modification of the existing gear selector mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables more comfortable and intuitive selection of drive programs from a single shift gate, reducing operational time and increasing reliability, while also saving costs and space by eliminating the need for multiple engaged positions.

Implementation Method 1

The gear selector (2) has, at its lower end, a detent pin (7) prestressed by way of a spring (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the activation device is, for example, an activation pushbutton, by which an electric switch can be activated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressive force: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the activation device is designed for activation by applying a compressive force or tensile force upon the gear selector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10436310B2Activation apparatus for a transmission of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

An activation apparatus for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a gear selector that is configured to move in a shift gate to thereby select first drive programs, and an activation device that is connected to the gear selector. Actuation of only the gear selector activates the first drive programs. The first drive programs include a forward drive program and a reverse drive program. The gear selector is configured take up a monostable rest position in the shift gate. Simultaneous actuation of both the gear selector and the activation device activates a second drive program that is different from the first drive programs. The activation device is a spring-loaded switch that is activated by actuating the gear selector.