Movable Switch Module for Automatic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic automatic transmission levers protrude, occupying space, reducing cup holder and button layout space, and pose collision risks due to their always-protruding design, which also obscures lever position indicators and degrades gear shifting reliability when operated without visual confirmation.
Innovation Solution
A movable switch module with an actuating cylinder, pressure-sensitive touch pad, and controller that automatically extends and retracts a switch box to the driver's hand position, allowing intuitive gear shifting without occupying excessive space and enhancing safety by retracting when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transmission lever always protrudes from the console surface, then the driver can easily access and operate it, but it occupies excessive space and reduces area for cup holders and functional buttons
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission lever is transformed from a static, always-protruding structure to a dynamic, movable structure that can extend and retract along the longitudinal direction. The lever body includes a first portion that moves relative to the console surface, allowing it to transition between a protruding state (for operation) and a retracted state (to save space).
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission lever is designed with a nested structure where the first portion can be stored within or alongside the second portion when not in use. The lever body includes a housing that accommodates the movable portions, allowing the lever to collapse into a compact form that occupies minimal space on the console surface.
2Ease of operation
If the transmission lever always protrudes, then it is always accessible, but it poses collision risks to the driver's head or body parts during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission lever transitions from a fixed protruding state to a dynamic state where it can retract into the console surface. The lever body includes movable portions that can be positioned inside the housing when not in use, eliminating the protruding structure that causes collision risks during sudden movements or collisions.
3Loss of information
If characters representing lever positions are indicated on the top surface of the protruded lever, then they are visible, but they are hidden by the driver's hand during operation reducing recognizability
Solution Approach 1:
The lever position indicators are relocated from the top surface of the lever (horizontal dimension) to the side surface of the lever body (vertical/side dimension). This spatial relocation ensures that the characters remain visible on the side surface even when the driver's hand covers the top surface during operation, maintaining both visibility and operational accessibility.
4Area of stationary object
If a movable switch module is used instead of a protruding lever, then space is saved and safety is improved, but the system requires complex control mechanisms including pressure-sensitive touch pads and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive touch pad serves multiple functions: it detects the driver's intention to operate the transmission lever, determines the desired lever position based on pressure distribution and duration, and triggers the appropriate gear shifting action. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate sensors, switches, and control logic, thereby managing system complexity while enabling the movable lever mechanism.
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 module enhances convenience and safety by automatically positioning switches based on the driver's hand location, reducing gear shift errors and maintaining space for other features, while ensuring secure and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensitive touch pad disposed in the interior space at a position spaced apart from the center fascia by a predetermined distance, to sense a variation in pressure applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A movable switch module for an automatic transmission of a vehicle includes an actuating cylinder including a body and a rod extendable to a vehicle interior space through the center fascia, a body rotating unit provided at the body of the actuating cylinder, a switch box connected to an end of the rod, to move in accordance with operation of the actuating cylinder, and provided with switches at one side of the switch box, a pressure-sensitive touch pad disposed in the interior space at a position spaced apart from the center fascia, to sense a variation in pressure applied thereto, and a controller for controlling the actuating cylinder and the body rotating unit when sensing an intention of a driver to operate one switch, based on a signal from the touch pad, to control the switch box to protrude to a position where a hand of the driver is located.