Shift Cable End Bushing Repair for Replaceable Lever Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing factory-made coupling mechanisms in motor vehicle transmission shift cables degrade, leading to costly and time-consuming replacement of the entire shift cable when the coupling fails, as they are not capable of being repaired or replaced.

Innovation Solution

A specialized bushing is inserted into the shift cable end, secured by an existing retaining clip, allowing proper coupling of the shift lever without replacing the entire shift cable, utilizing an oblong body with shelves and a seating member to accommodate the shift lever and retaining clip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire shift cable is replaced when the coupling mechanism fails, then the shift linkage can be restored to proper function, but the repair cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshift linkage functionVSAvoidrepair time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the shift cable assembly into separable components: the shift cable end and the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is made as a replaceable module that can be independently serviced without replacing the entire shift cable, allowing targeted repair of only the failed component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the shift cable end. This allows the coupling mechanism to be removed and replaced independently when it fails, eliminating the need to replace the entire shift cable assembly and significantly reducing repair time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the entire shift cable is replaced when the coupling mechanism fails, then the shift linkage can be restored to proper function, but the repair cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshift linkage functionVSAvoidrepair cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the shift cable assembly into separable components: the shift cable end and the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is made as a replaceable module that can be independently serviced without replacing the entire shift cable, allowing targeted repair of only the failed component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the shift cable end. This allows the coupling mechanism to be removed and replaced independently when it fails, eliminating the need to replace the entire shift cable assembly and significantly reducing repair time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a traditional coupling mechanism is used in the shift cable end, then the initial assembly is simple, but the coupling mechanism cannot be replaced or repaired when it degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial assembly simplicityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the shift cable assembly into separable components: the shift cable end and the coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is made as a replaceable module that can be independently serviced without replacing the entire shift cable, allowing targeted repair of only the failed component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the shift cable end. This allows the coupling mechanism to be removed and replaced independently when it fails, eliminating the need to replace the entire shift cable assembly and significantly reducing repair time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11971068B2Apparatus and method for repair of shift cable ends in various motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.04.30 SMITH LORING

AI summary

The present invention is directed at a bushing for coupling the shift cable end and shift lever in motor vehicles where the shift cable end comprises an oblong body having a coupling aperture, a notch, a front shelf and rear shelf protruding into the coupling aperture, and the shift lever is comprised of a base, a shaft, a neck and a head, and the two are coupled through a bushing and retaining clip. The bushing comprises a seating member configured to sit within the coupling aperture having a bore, a securing member to engage the notch, two members extending from the top surface of the seating member to provide stability and define a space to accommodate the retaining clip, and angled surfaces extending from the seating member to engage the retaining clip. The bottom surface of the seating member has recesses to accommodate the front and rear shelves.