Shift Position Display Device Failure Notification Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift position display devices for automatic transmissions in vehicles fail to clearly inform occupants about the condition of the vehicle when a failure occurs, particularly whether the vehicle can still travel and under what limitations.
Innovation Solution
A shift position display device that includes a control section to automatically switch the display from a numerical figure to a flickering bar or numerical figure based on failure detection, using sensors to determine the vehicle's condition and allow limited travel if possible, incorporating a 7-segment display for clear notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a failure detection unit is added to detect automatic transmission failures, then the ability to recognize failure conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section is designed to perform multiple functions: normal shift control, failure detection, and display control. By integrating these functions into existing components rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the patent achieves improved failure detection capability while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensors and control mechanisms to detect failures and manage post-failure operations. The control section monitors its own operational status and automatically switches to failure mode operations, eliminating the need for separate detection and control systems
2Loss of information
If the display switches between numerical figure lighting and flickering bar display based on failure condition, then the information discrimination capability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display mode is made dynamic, automatically switching between numerical figure lighting (normal operation) and flickering bar display (failure operation) based on real-time failure detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to convey different operational states clearly without requiring multiple static display systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual changes in the display (lighting vs. flickering) to communicate different system states. The flickering pattern serves as a visual indicator of failure conditions, providing intuitive information discrimination through display behavior changes rather than adding complex indicator systems
3Loss of information
If the system provides detailed failure condition information including travel capability, then the occupant understanding of vehicle status is improved, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information presentation is segmented into distinct visual modes: normal numerical display for standard operation and flickering bar display for failure conditions. This segmentation allows complex failure information to be communicated through simple, distinct visual patterns that are easy to interpret at a glance
Solution Approach 2:
The display system acts as an intermediary that translates complex failure detection data into simple, intuitive visual indicators. Rather than displaying raw sensor data or complex diagnostic codes, the system converts failure conditions into easily recognizable display patterns that convey travel capability information
4Ease of operation
If the control section determines travel possibility with shifting limitations after failure, then the usability of the vehicle is improved, but the control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section is pre-programmed with failure mode protocols that automatically activate upon failure detection. The system determines travel capability and applies appropriate shifting limitations in advance through pre-established control logic, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making during failure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors transmission operation and provides feedback to the control section. Based on this feedback, the control logic automatically adjusts shifting operations to maintain safe and usable vehicle operation within failure-imposed limitations, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to failure conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The shift position display device includes a control section configured to automatically shift a shift position by operating actuators based on a shift change command. A gear position display section is configured to display a condition of an automatic transmission based on the display command of the control section. A failure detection unit is configured to detect a failure of the automatic transmission. The control section is configured to switch display of the gear position display section from a lighting display of a numerical figure to a display for failure occurrence notification. The control section is also configured to determine whether the failure is a failure in which traveling is possible or a failure in which traveling is possible when a predetermined limitation is met. The control section is also configured to switch from the display for failure occurrence notification to a shift position.