Shift-by-wire Column Shifter with Magnetic Position Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shift-by-wire systems lack the mechanical feedback and reliability in gear shifting, particularly in the event of mechanical failures, which can lead to uncertain operator feedback and potential miscommunication of gear shifts.
Innovation Solution
The shift-by-wire column shifter incorporates a lever detent with ramped surfaces and grooves, a spring mechanism for force feedback, and a slider magnet with sensors to convert rotational movement into linear motion, providing accurate gear position indication and mechanical feedback to the operator, while also including a spring-biased slider magnet for failure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shift-by-wire systems are used, then electronic gear shift control is achieved, but mechanical feedback and reliability are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the lever detent, and a magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position to determine gear shift state, eliminating complex mechanical feedback linkages while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that couples the mechanical lever detent movement to the electronic sensor system. The magnet translates mechanical position into detectable magnetic field changes, providing reliable feedback without direct mechanical contact
2Ease of operation
If mechanical feedback is added to shift-by-wire systems, then operator feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical feedback mechanisms with a simple magnetic field detection system. The magnet attached to the lever detent creates magnetic field variations that are easily detected by the sensor, providing clear operator feedback without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for feedback from mechanical contact forces to magnetic field strength. This allows the system to provide operator feedback through electronic signals that correspond to lever position, maintaining ease of operation while reducing mechanical complexity
3Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect gear position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms with a simple magnetic sensor system. The magnet's movement creates detectable magnetic field changes that precisely indicate gear position without requiring complex mechanical encoders or linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a magnetic field copy of the mechanical lever position. The magnet attached to the lever detent replicates the mechanical position information in the magnetic domain, allowing the sensor to detect position accurately without direct mechanical coupling
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 enhances the reliability and feedback of gear shifting by providing mechanical resistance and accurate electronic gear shifts, while ensuring operational safety through sensor-activated alerts in case of mechanical failures.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is mounted to the housing. The spring has a free end biased against the outer surface of the lever detent, wherein the free end slides along the ramped surfaces and presses into the grooves as the lever detent rotates during the gear shift
Implementation Method 2
The slider magnet has a groove that is engaged by a projection of the lever detent. Rotation of the lever detent about the axis is converted into movement of the slider magnet along the path via the engagement of the projection and the groove
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of sensors are configured to output signals indicating a position of the slider magnet along the path to indicate a requested change in operating gear of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A shift-by-wire (SBW) column shifter for a vehicle includes a shift lever configured to be moved to shift gears. A shaft enables the shift lever to rotate the shaft about an axis. A lever detent is coupled to the shaft, enabling the shaft to rotate the lever detent about the axis. A slider magnet is constrained to move along a path, such as a linear path. The slider magnet has a groove that is engaged by a projection of the lever detent. Rotation of the lever detent about the axis is converted into movement of the slider magnet along the path via the engagement of the projection and the groove. A plurality of sensors are configured to output signals indicating a position of the slider magnet along the path to indicate a requested change in operating gear of the vehicle.