Rotary Shifter Angle Layout for Accurate Shift Position Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary shifters face issues with inconsistent operation feeling, inaccurate shift position determination, and holding position discrepancies when the relationship between the number of shift positions, rotation pitch angle of the knob, and armature is not appropriately set, leading to problems in rotation operation.
Innovation Solution
A rotary shifter design that includes a knob, a cam mechanism for holding at predetermined shift positions, an electromagnetic brake with a yoke and armature, and a hardware processor to control the brake operation, with specific angles for rotation pitch between holding positions and armature stopping positions set to optimize the rotation operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotation pitch angle of the knob is set to 360/N degrees to match the number of shift positions, then the knob can be held at N holding positions, but the armature stopping positions become inconsistent leading to inaccurate shift position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotation angles into two distinct segments: the knob rotation pitch angle (360/N degrees) for ease of operation, and the armature stopping pitch angle (360/B degrees where B>A≥N) for precise position determination. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the knob and the armature, translating the knob's rotation into corresponding armature stopping positions. The cam mechanism ensures that even though the knob has N holding positions and the armature has B stopping positions (where B>A), the relationship between them remains consistent and accurate for shift position determination.
2Device complexity
If the relationship between the number of shift positions and rotation pitch angles is not appropriately set, then the device structure can be simplified, but inconsistent operation feeling and holding position discrepancies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter relationships: the knob rotation pitch angle is set to 360/N degrees and the armature stopping pitch angle is set to 360/B degrees where B>A≥N. These parameter changes ensure consistent operation feeling and reliable holding positions while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
3Device complexity
If the armature rotation pitch angle is set to match the knob holding positions, then shift position detection can be simplified, but unintended shift position switching occurs due to holding position discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic relationship where the armature rotates B times for every N shift positions, with B>A≥N. This dynamic configuration allows the system to detect shift positions accurately while preventing unintended switching, as the electromagnetic brake can reliably restrict armature rotation at the correct stopping positions.
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
This design ensures consistent operation feeling, accurate shift position determination, and reliable holding positions, preventing unintended shift position switching by optimizing the angle settings between knob and armature positions.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic brake including a yoke and an armature to restrict the rotation of the armature and the knob
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary shifter includes a knob, a cam mechanism to hold the knob at holding positions corresponding to respective predetermined shift positions whose number is N, an electromagnetic brake including a yoke and an armature to restrict the rotation of the armature and the knob, and a hardware processor to determine a predetermined shift position of the knob to control the operation of the electromagnetic brake. The rotation pitch angle between the holding positions of the knob at the time of switching the predetermined shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a first integer A (A≥N). The rotation pitch angle between stopping positions of the armature corresponding to the holding positions at the time of switching the predetermined shift positions is set to an angle obtained by dividing 360 degrees by a second integer B (A>B≥N).