Rotary Shift Knob Structure for Multi-Position Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary shift devices have limited flexibility in the shape of their operation units, which restricts the degree of freedom in design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The rotary shift device incorporates a rotatable shift selector and an operation unit that rotates in conjunction with the shift selector, allowing operation at multiple rotational positions and featuring an abutting member with a wider surface to ensure proper operation even when the shift selector rotates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the operation unit is designed with fixed shape (columnar), then the structure is simple, but the degree of freedom of shape is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddegree of freedom of shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit is designed to rotate in conjunction with the shift selector, transforming it from a static columnar structure to a dynamic component that adapts its orientation based on the shift selector's rotational position, thereby increasing shape freedom while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operation unit serves multiple functions: it can be operated at multiple rotational positions of the shift selector, and its shape can be varied to suit different operational requirements, making it a versatile component that replaces the need for multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the operation unit is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but operation at multiple rotational positions is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidoperational positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit is coupled to the shift selector through a rotating connection that maintains structural stability while enabling the operation unit to assume multiple operational positions corresponding to different rotational positions of the shift selector

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operation unit is nested within the shift selector assembly, allowing it to rotate together with the shift selector while maintaining a compact and stable integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If the abutting surface of the operation unit is narrow, then the structure is compact, but proper operation during rotation is not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidoperational reliability during rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The abutting member is designed with a wider abutting surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, providing adequate contact area throughout the rotation range while maintaining compactness in the radial direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The abutting member acts as an intermediary between the operation unit and the housing, providing a stable and wide abutting surface that ensures reliable operation during rotation without requiring the operation unit itself to be enlarged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250180113A1Rotary shift device

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO

AI summary

A rotary shift device includes a rotatable shift selector and a knob button rotatable in conjunction with rotation of the shift selector. By inclusion of the knob button rotatable in conjunction with rotation of the shift selector, the knob button does not need to be formed in a columnar shape so as not to be moved in conjunction with a rotation operation of the shift selector. Therefore, the knob button can have various shapes. As a result, the degree of freedom of the shape of the knob button can be increased.