Shift Device Dynamic Neutral Recognition for Rapid Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers find it difficult to quickly set the traveling mode to neutral in vehicles equipped with joystick shift levers that automatically return to their home position, especially when in a flurry, as the existing techniques require precise and sustained operation to cancel auto-parking functions and set neutral modes.
Innovation Solution
A shift device with a joystick lever that automatically returns to a reference position, featuring a position detecting unit to recognize the neutral position and a setting unit that sets the vehicle to neutral mode when the lever is held at the neutral position for a specified time or moved to it multiple times within a predetermined time, allowing for quick neutral mode setting even during rapid operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift lever automatically returns to the home position, then the shift lever can be easily operated and reset, but it becomes difficult to hold the lever at the neutral position for the required specified time to set the traveling mode to neutral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of recognition time based on the moving direction of the shift lever. When the lever is moved in the neutral direction, the recognition time is set to a shorter first value, enabling quick neutral mode setting. When moved in other directions, a longer second value is used. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing fast response when needed while maintaining normal operation characteristics otherwise.
2Productivity
If the recognition time is fixed for all directions, then the system is simple to control, but it cannot quickly respond to urgent neutral mode setting requests from drivers in a flurry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the recognition time dynamic by adjusting it according to the moving direction of the shift lever. The control unit switches between a first recognition time (shorter) when the lever moves toward neutral and a second recognition time (longer) for other directions. This dynamic adjustment enables fast response for neutral mode setting while maintaining system manageability through direction-based logic.
3Reliability
If the shift lever must be held at the neutral position for a specified time to set neutral mode, then accidental mode changes are prevented, but drivers in a flurry cannot quickly set the neutral mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the recognition time parameter based on the direction of shift lever movement. When the lever is moved in the neutral direction, a shorter first recognition time is applied, reducing the time loss for urgent neutral mode setting. For other directions, a longer second recognition time maintains reliability by preventing accidental changes. This selective parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and response time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shift device includes: a shift lever which is installed in a vehicle, and which is configured to automatically return to a reference position from a neutral position; a position detecting unit which is configured to detect that the shift lever is placed at the neutral position; and a setting unit which is configured to: set the vehicle to a neutral state when the shift lever is held at the neutral position for a specified time or more; set the vehicle to the neutral state when the shift lever is placed at the neutral position a plurality of times within a predetermined time.