One-Piece Rotary Selector Lever With Integrated Detent Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing selector lever arrangements for vehicle transmissions are complex and costly due to separate components for mode selection, switching, locking, and detent simulation, which complicates structural design and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple and cost-effective selector lever arrangement with a one-piece rotary switch integrating the locking and blocking contours, featuring a disc-shaped design with a wave-shaped locking contour and stop areas for detent simulation, allowing for easy actuation and enhanced mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for mode selection, switching, locking, and detent simulation, then the functionality is complete, but the structural complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (mode selection mechanism, locking mechanism, and detent simulation mechanism) into a single integrated rotary switch assembly. This merging eliminates the need for multiple discrete parts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining complete functionality for mode selection, switching, locking, and detent simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mode selection through rotational positioning, switching through contact engagement, locking through the locking contour, and detent simulation through the detent contour. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require several separate mechanisms, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost
2Device complexity
If multiple separate components are used for locking and detent functions, then the functionality is reliable, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking contour and detent contour are both integrated into the single rotary switch component. The locking contour works with a locking pin to secure the rotary switch in specific positions, while the detent contour provides tactile feedback and positional stability. By merging these functions into one component, the patent reduces the number of parts while maintaining reliable locking and detent functionality through carefully designed geometric features
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a selector lever assembly for selecting and switching different driving modes in a vehicle transmission, comprising a rotary switch (1) that is rotatably mounted in a housing, wherein the driving modes are assigned to the rotational angular range and are each separated from one another by a catch-like contour such that they are perceptible to a driver, wherein the rotational movement of the rotary switch (1) can be blocked by a blocking contour, and wherein the rotary switch (1) is integrally formed with the blocking contour and the catch-like contour.