Selector Lever Assembly With Axial Push for Intuitive Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector lever arrangements for vehicle transmissions lack intuitive operation and structural simplicity in managing multiple driving modes, particularly in activating and deactivating additional function modes beyond basic rotational selection.
Innovation Solution
A selector lever arrangement with a shaft element coupled to a disk element in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner, incorporating a wave-shaped locking contour and haptic feedback for intuitive mode switching, where axial pressing activates/deactivates additional functions, and a 3D sensor detects movements for mode detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanisms are used for locking and blocking driving modes, then reliable mode selection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and blocking mechanism into a single integrated selector lever assembly. The rotary knob integrates both the locking contour (with locking pins engaging locking recesses) and the blocking contour (with blocking pins engaging blocking recesses) within the same structural component, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector lever assembly serves multiple functions through a single integrated structure: it provides both locking functionality (to secure selected driving modes) and blocking functionality (to prevent unauthorized mode changes in certain driving situations). The shaft element and rotary knob together perform both locking and blocking operations, making the assembly universal and multi-functional.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional function modes are added beyond basic driving modes, then functionality is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the operational dimensions of the rotary knob beyond simple rotation. In addition to rotational movement for selecting driving modes, the rotary knob can be axially pressed (pushed inwards) to activate or deactivate additional function modes. This adds a second dimension of operation (axial pressing) to the traditional rotational operation, enabling enhanced functionality without complicating the user interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for locking and blocking contours, then functional clarity is improved, but structural simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking contour and blocking contour are integrated into the same structural component - the rotary knob and shaft element assembly. The locking pins and blocking pins are both engaged by the same rotary knob structure, and the locking recesses and blocking recesses are both formed in the same disk element. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a selector lever assembly for selecting and switching different driving modes in a vehicle transmission, comprising a rotary knob (3) that is connected to a shaft element (2) mounted in a housing (1), wherein the driving modes are assigned to the rotational angular range of the shaft element (2) and are each separated from one another by a catch-like contour such that they are perceptible to a driver, and wherein the rotational movement of the shaft element (2) can be blocked by a blocking contour, and wherein the shaft element (2) is coupled to a plate element (4) in a rotationally fixed, yet axially moveable, manner in order to activate and deactivate at least one further function mode.