Shift Device Linkage Mechanism Reducing Part Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift devices require a large number of parts to change the shift position, which complicates the mechanism and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A shift device design that includes a shift body with a first and second connecting portion, an interlocking body, and a detector, allowing the shift body to rotate in two directions while reducing the number of parts by eliminating unnecessary components and optimizing the shape of connecting portions for reduced stress and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring element and multiple connecting components are used between the gear lever and pin, then the shift device can achieve the required motion transmission, but the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring element and connecting components into an integrated structure where the connecting portion itself provides both the mechanical connection and the elastic restoring force. This eliminates separate spring components while maintaining the required motion transmission and reset functionality, directly reducing part count and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits motion from the gear lever to the pin, provides elastic restoring force through its material properties, and serves as a structural connector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated spring components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Force
If multiple connecting components and a spring element are used, then the shift device can maintain proper force and motion control, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion integrates the force transmission and elastic restoration functions into a single component, eliminating multiple separate parts that would require assembly. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining proper force control through the material and geometric design of the integrated connecting portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the connecting portion, such as its material properties, cross-sectional geometry, and length, to provide the required elastic restoring force and motion control. By optimizing these parameters, the single integrated component achieves the force control previously requiring multiple components, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
At a shift lever device, at a time when a lever is rotated in a left-right direction, a joint of the lever moves a joint tube of a link in an up-down direction. Moreover, at a time when the lever is rotated in a front-rear direction, a link operating portion of the lever rotates an operation tube of the link in the front-rear direction around the joint side. Here, at the time when the lever is rotated in the left-right direction, the joint is moved in the left-right direction with respect to the joint tube. Therefore, the need to provide parts between the lever and the joint can be eliminated, and a number of parts can be reduced.