Shift Bracket with ECU Mounting Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles with reduced floor tunnel height due to fewer components, the usability of the shift lever is compromised, and there is a shortage of space for mounting electronic control units (ECUs).
Innovation Solution
A shift bracket is designed with a base plate attached to the cover panel's top plate, featuring leg portions that hold the base plate with a space above the top plate, allowing the shift lever to be positioned at an accessible height and accommodating ECUs between the plates, enhancing usability and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover panel projection height is increased to improve shift lever usability, then the shift lever height is improved, but the floor tunnel height is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shift bracket utilizes the width dimension by extending leg portions laterally from the base plate, allowing the base plate to be positioned higher without increasing the vertical projection height of the cover panel. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by achieving shift lever usability improvement through lateral expansion rather than vertical growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift bracket structure is nested within the cover panel assembly, with the base plate and leg portions integrated into the existing cover panel framework. This nesting allows the shift lever support structure to be accommodated within the limited floor tunnel height while maintaining adequate shift lever height for usability.
2Volume of stationary object
If the floor tunnel height is reduced in electric vehicles, then the floor tunnel space is optimized, but the shift lever height is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The shift bracket extends in the width direction through leg portions that spread laterally, enabling the base plate to achieve sufficient height for proper shift lever positioning without requiring increased vertical space in the floor tunnel. This lateral dimension utilization resolves the space-height contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of ECUs is increased to provide advanced functions, then the vehicle functionality is improved, but the mounting space for ECUs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shift bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a shift lever support structure and a mounting platform for multiple ECUs. The base plate and leg portions provide multiple mounting positions, allowing the same structural element to fulfill both shift lever support and ECU mounting functions, thereby addressing the space shortage for ECUs.
4Volume of stationary object
If the shift bracket uses a complex structure to provide mounting space for ECUs, then the ECU mounting space is secured, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift bracket creates ECU mounting space by utilizing the existing structural volume between the base plate and leg portions, rather than adding separate mounting structures. This approach secures ECU mounting space while avoiding significant increases in manufacturing complexity, as the mounting positions are integrated into the existing bracket geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a shift bracket that is coupled to a top plate of a cover panel for covering a floor tunnel and to which a shift lever unit is attached on an upper side. The shift bracket includes: a base plate to which the shift lever unit is attached; and a front leg portion and a rear leg portion that are coupled to the base plate and the top plate of the cover panel and hold the base plate with a space being provided upward in a vehicle vertical direction from the top plate. An ECU is disposed in the space between the top plate of the cover panel and the base plate.