Vehicle Selector Knob With Radial Sensing and Compact Axial Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector knobs for motor vehicles are bulky and lack refinement in driver feedback, particularly in achieving a compact axial dimension while maintaining functional stability and control settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact selector knob design featuring cam elements and a torsional spring, with radially arranged sensors for precise position detection, allowing for reduced axial length and enhanced driver feedback through distinct resistance and release sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional cam mechanisms with radial springs are used, then functional stability and control settings are maintained, but the axial dimension becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the spring from a radial arrangement to an axial arrangement, changing the dimensional orientation of the elastic element. This allows the spring to be accommodated within the axial space rather than requiring radial space, thereby reducing the overall axial dimension while maintaining the cam mechanism's functional stability and control settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a torsional spring that can dynamically adjust between compressed and expanded states during rotation. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to maintain stability during operation while accommodating a more compact overall structure, as the spring adapts its configuration based on the rotational position rather than requiring fixed radial space.
2Length of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then axial dimension is reduced, but driver feedback refinement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties and surface characteristics to specific local areas of the knob. The grip portion features a textured surface pattern that provides enhanced tactile feedback and grip, while the overall compact structure is maintained through optimized material distribution. This local differentiation ensures refined driver feedback without requiring increased axial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms through the textured surface pattern on the grip portion and the mechanical feedback from the cam-slot interaction. These feedback elements provide distinct tactile sensations during rotation, allowing the driver to感知 position changes and control settings clearly even in the compact design, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional radial spring arrangement is used, then control mechanism stability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring function with the axial support structure by integrating the torsional spring into the knob's internal architecture. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate radial spring assemblies and reduces the number of discrete components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control stability through the unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates the torsional spring, and guides the cam mechanism's movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall mechanism structure while maintaining the stability required for precise control settings.
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 design achieves a significant reduction in axial dimension while maintaining the functionality of stable and unstable positions, providing improved driver feedback and control settings, thus enhancing the overall driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
a torsional spring (7) having one end (7a) attached to the lever (6) and a free end (7b)
Implementation Method 2
at least one cam element (8) coupled to the support (5) in a movable manner along a radial direction (B)
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element (9) extending along the radial direction (B) between the cam elements (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A selector knob (4) for a motor vehicle (1) includes a support (5) adapted to be attached to a component of the motor vehicle, a lever (6) carried by the support (5) in a rotatable manner about a straight axis (A) among a plurality of distinct angular positions, transduction means (23, 24) configured to detect information about an actual angular position of the lever (6) among said distinct angular positions and to generate a control signal corresponding to the detected information to select a control setting of the motor vehicle (1) associated with the actual angular position, characterized in that the transduction means comprise a number of sensors (23) equal to the number of said distinct angular positions, the sensors (23) being angularly distributed about said axis (A) and facing the lever (6) according to respective radial directions (C) with respect to said axis (A), wherein each of the sensors (23) is configured to detect the presence of a device (24) fixed to the lever (6) when the lever (6) reaches a corresponding one of said distinct angular positions, thereby detecting the actual angular position of the lever (6).