Vehicle Selector Knob Cam Layout for Compact Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector knobs for motor vehicles are bulky and lack refined tactile feedback, making them less efficient in terms of axial dimension and driver experience.
Innovation Solution
A compact selector knob design featuring a support with a rotatable lever, transduction means for detecting angular positions, and cam members that cooperate with a radially inner surface to provide distinct tactile feedback and axial compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional selector knob design with multiple components (support, rotor, cams, spring) is used, then the tactile feedback and operational sensation are improved, but the axial dimension becomes bulky and large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cam member and lever into a single integrated component. The cam member is directly formed as part of the lever structure, eliminating the need for separate cam components and reducing the number of parts. This integration maintains the tactile feedback mechanism while significantly reducing the axial dimension of the selector knob assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member is nested within the lever structure, with the cam surface formed on the radially inner surface of the lever. This nesting arrangement allows the cam mechanism to be contained within the existing lever volume, reducing the overall axial dimension while preserving the tactile feedback function through the grooves and cam surface interaction.
2Length of moving object
If a compact selector knob design is used, then the axial dimension is reduced, but the tactile feedback and operational sensation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific geometric features (grooves and cam surfaces) on the radially inner surface of the lever. These localized features are strategically positioned to provide tactile feedback only where needed during operation, while the rest of the lever structure remains compact. The grooves are formed at specific locations to engage with the cam member and provide operational sensation without requiring a bulky overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member is designed to be movable along the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis, allowing dynamic interaction between the cam surface and grooves during lever rotation. This dynamic engagement provides tactile feedback through the compression and release of the elastic element as the cam member moves between grooves, maintaining operational sensation in the compact design.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (cams, spring, rotor) are used to provide stable balance positions and unstable position, then the operational feedback is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into fewer components. The lever integrates the rotor function with the cam mechanism, eliminating the need for separate cam components. The elastic element serves multiple purposes: providing the unstable position through its restoring force, enabling the cam member's radial movement, and contributing to the tactile feedback sensation. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall device while maintaining operational feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member serves multiple functions: it provides the stable balance positions through engagement with grooves, enables the unstable position through its movable connection to the lever, and generates tactile feedback through its interaction with the grooves. The elastic element also performs multiple roles: maintaining the cam member in engagement with the grooves, providing the unstable position sensation, and enabling dynamic movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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 reduces the axial dimension of the selector knob while maintaining functionality, including an unstable position for extreme vehicle settings, and enhances driver feedback through improved tactile sensations and sound cues.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element extending along a straight line according to a radial direction with respect to said axis and coupled to said cam member so as to move the cam member away from a centre of the support along the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
a torsional spring inserted in a seat axially obtained on an axial end of the rotor opposite the other axial end coupled to the lever, the axis of the spring coinciding with the direction 104; the spring 109 has at least one end attached to the rotor 102 and a free end 110, which radially protrudes from the rotor 102
Implementation Method 3
The cooperation between the cams 105 and the support 101 leads to a compression of the spring 106 and consequently causes the cams 105 to move closer to one another along the radial direction 107
Data Source
AI summary
A selector knob for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The selector knob comprises a support adapted to be attached to a component of the motor vehicle, a lever carried by the support in a rotatable manner about a straight axis among a plurality of distinct angular positions, transduction means configured to detect information about an actual angular position of the lever and to generate a control signal corresponding to the detected information, and a cam element coupled to the support in a movable manner along a radial direction with respect to said axis and fixed with respect to the support, the cam element further being stably cooperating in contact with a radially inner surface of the lever extending about said axis and defining a plurality of grooves, each of which accommodates the cam element when the lever reaches a said distinct angular position.