Shift Control System Actuator Positioning via Mechanical Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift control systems for automatic transmissions face challenges in reducing the load on the shift switching mechanism and require a neutral start switch, leading to increased weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A shift control system that uses a restriction component to restrict the actuator's rotation, allowing for accurate positioning without the need for a neutral start switch, by employing a count unit to determine the reference position based on the rotational amount, thereby reducing the load on the shift switching mechanism and eliminating the necessity for a potentiometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the absolute position of the actuator is known using a neutral start switch, then the actuator can be accurately positioned, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the neutral start switch from the system by using a restriction component that mechanically limits actuator rotation to a safe range. This removal directly reduces system weight while maintaining positioning accuracy through the restriction component's mechanical stops
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction component acts as an intermediary mechanical device that mediates between the actuator and the shift switching mechanism. It provides physical boundaries (first and second restriction positions) that ensure accurate positioning without requiring electronic detection switches, thereby reducing weight
2Measurement precision
If the absolute position of the actuator is known using a neutral start switch, then the actuator can be accurately positioned, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the neutral start switch and its associated control circuitry, directly reducing component costs and simplifying manufacturing. The restriction component is a simple mechanical element that is cheaper to manufacture and install than electronic switching systems
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction component uses simple, inexpensive mechanical elements (such as mechanical stops or限位 structures) instead of expensive electronic sensors and switches. These mechanical components are durable and require minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs
3Ease of operation
If the actuator rotation is not restricted, then the actuator can move freely to achieve shift ranges, but the load on the shift switching mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction component applies preliminary anti-action by mechanically preventing the actuator from rotating beyond safe limits. This preemptive mechanical constraint protects the shift switching mechanism from excessive loads and potential damage while still allowing full operational range for normal shift operations
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction component provides beforehand cushioning by creating mechanical boundaries that cushion and limit the actuator's rotation. This prevents sudden impacts or excessive forces on the shift switching mechanism, thereby improving durability without restricting normal operational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A shift control system rotates an actuator to cause a wall of a detent plate to contact a roller of a detent spring, and detects the position of contact so as to detect the position of the wall of the detent plate. This wall position is set as a reference position of the actuator. Accordingly, the rotation of the actuator can appropriately be controlled even if an encoder which can only detect relative positional information is employed, and thus the shift range can appropriately be switched.