Vehicle Shift Mechanism Detent Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speed change apparatuses require larger coil springs and increased transmission case sizes to enhance holding force, leading to increased shift operation force and sliding resistance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple detent mechanisms distributed along the shift shaft to increase elastic load without enlarging the apparatus, ensuring uniform pressing and smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one detent mechanism is used to position and hold the shift shaft, then the structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient requiring larger springs and transmission case size
Solution Approach 1:
The single detent mechanism is segmented into multiple detent mechanisms (first and second detent mechanisms) positioned at different locations along the shift shaft. Each detent mechanism independently positions and holds the shift shaft, distributing the holding function across multiple sites to increase total holding force without requiring larger individual springs or transmission case
2Force
If coil spring load is increased to enhance holding force, then holding force increases, but apparatus size and shift operation force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total holding force requirement is segmented across multiple detent mechanisms, each using smaller coil springs rather than one large spring. This distribution allows achieving sufficient total holding force while keeping individual spring sizes and transmission case dimensions reduced
Solution Approach 2:
Different detent mechanisms are positioned at different locations along the shift shaft, creating localized holding points. This local distribution of holding force allows using smaller springs at each location while maintaining adequate overall holding capability
3Force
If coil spring load is increased to enhance holding force, then holding force increases, but shift operation force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift shaft is supported at multiple locations by separate detent mechanisms, distributing the elastic load across multiple sites. This segmentation prevents concentration of force at a single point, reducing sliding resistance and the force required for shift operation while maintaining adequate holding force
4Volume of stationary object
If one detent mechanism positions and holds the shift shaft, then the structure is compact, but sliding resistance increases due to concentrated pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force is segmented and applied at multiple locations along the shift shaft by different detent mechanisms. This distribution of pressing points prevents concentration of force that would cause high sliding resistance, enabling smooth shift operation within a compact transmission case
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
Enhances holding force without increasing apparatus size or shift operation force, improving sliding smoothness and ensuring uniform pressing of the shift shaft.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring 323 for pushing the detent ball 322 against the outer peripheral surface of the shift shaft 302
Data Source
AI summary
A speed change apparatus of a vehicle includes: a shift lever device; a gear transmission; and an operation force transmission mechanism for transmitting an operation force of the shift lever device to the gear transmission. The gear transmission includes: a shift mechanism operated by the operation force so as to switch the gear transmission between a plurality of shift positions; and a plurality of detent mechanisms for positioning and holding the shift mechanism at each shift position.