Shift-by-Wire Selector for Compact Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual transmissions with mechanical coupling require large installation space and result in increased manufacturing costs due to different center consoles needed for manual and automatic variants, and pose a risk of incorrect shifting with more than 6 gears.
Innovation Solution
A 'shift-by-wire' system using an electrically or electronically controlled actuator and a mechatronic selector element that allows gear engagement only when the relevant gear is actually engaged, with sensors and a damping device to prevent incorrect shifting and allow compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual transmissions have more than 6 forward gears arranged in H pattern, then the gear range is extended, but the risk of incorrect shifting increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the actual gear position and send signals to the control unit. The control unit compares the selected gear with the actual engaged gear and provides feedback to the driver via display or haptic feedback, preventing incorrect shifting by alerting the driver when the selected and actual gears do not match.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical H-pattern shifter with an electronic control system. Instead of direct mechanical coupling between the shifter and transmission, the system uses electronic actuators controlled by a control unit to engage gears, eliminating the physical constraints of the H-pattern while maintaining precise gear selection.
2Ease of operation
If the selector lever is mechanically coupled to the transmission, then direct gear engagement is achieved, but relatively large shift travel is required which demands large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage between the selector lever and transmission with an electronic system. The selector lever now serves only as an input device that sends electronic signals to actuators, which then control gear engagement. This substitution dramatically reduces the space required for the shifting mechanism while maintaining direct and precise gear engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic actuators as intermediaries between the selector lever and the transmission gears. These actuators receive electronic commands from the control unit and physically engage the gears, eliminating the need for long mechanical linkages and reducing the overall space required for the shifting mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different center consoles are used for manual and automatic vehicle variants, then specific requirements for each transmission type are met, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the center console with a universal electronic shifter that can control both manual and automatic transmissions through software configuration. The same physical console housing and electronic control unit can be used for different transmission types, with the control logic adapted via software rather than requiring different hardware components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining compatibility with various transmission types.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact selector element design is used, then installation space is reduced, but the selector element may lack sufficient travel distance for clear gear selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical travel-based selection mechanism with an electronic sensing system. The selector element uses electronic sensors to detect the position and intent of the driver's input, eliminating the need for long mechanical travel distances. This allows for a compact design while maintaining clear and unambiguous gear selection through electronic signal detection rather than mechanical movement.
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
Enables compact and ergonomic design, reduces shifting errors, and allows for more than 6 gears without mechanical coupling constraints, improving safety and usability while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the mechatronic element has a damping device that dampens or prevents movement of the selector element into the end position as long as the transmission gear assigned to the end position has not yet been engaged
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle, comprising a transmission having at least one controllable actuator, which is designed to engage and/or disengage at least one transmission gear, and a selection element to be operated manually, by means of which the actuator can be controlled, wherein in order to engage a transmission gear, the selection element must first be moved in the direction of a specified end position associated with the particular transmission gear. The selection element can be moved to the end position associated with the particular transmission gear only if the particular transmission gear is actually engaged.