Steering-Wheel Shift Knob and Button for Magnetic-Resistant Gear Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission control systems require manual gear shifting even in automatic mode, necessitating driver input at positions distant from the steering wheel, which can be inconvenient and prone to interference from external magnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

A transmission control apparatus using a button and a knob for shift stage selection, allowing linear and rotational motions to input commands adjacent to the steering wheel, with contact parts and a substrate for signal transmission, and incorporating elastic and shock-absorbing features for user convenience and interference resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a shift lever is used for manual gear shifting, then the driver can adjust gear ratios, but the control position is distant from the steering wheel causing inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of shift inputVSAvoiddistance from steering wheel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shift control function is segmented from the traditional shift lever location and relocated to the steering wheel area. The steering wheel is divided into functional zones including a pressable region and a rotatable region, allowing shift commands to be input at the steering wheel position rather than requiring movement to a distant shift lever.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The steering wheel is given multiple functions: it serves both as a steering control and as a shift selection input device. By integrating shift control capabilities into the steering wheel structure, the same component performs both directional control and gear selection, eliminating the need for a separate distant control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If magnetic field sensors are used for shift detection, then automated shift control can be achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to external magnetic field interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated shift controlVSAvoidmagnetic field interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based automated sensing with a mechanical input system. The driver's direct mechanical interaction with the pressable or rotatable regions of the steering wheel generates shift commands through physical contact and motion, eliminating reliance on magnetic field sensors that are susceptible to external interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering wheel structure itself serves as the sensing mechanism. The pressable and rotatable regions directly convert driver input motions into shift commands without requiring external magnetic field sensors, making the system self-sufficient and immune to magnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a button and knob are integrated into the steering wheel for shift control, then shift input becomes convenient near the steering wheel, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshift input convenienceVSAvoidsteering wheel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button and knob functionalities are merged into a single integrated steering wheel structure. The pressable region and rotatable region are combined within the same steering wheel assembly, allowing both types of shift input to be achieved through one unified component rather than requiring separate controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering wheel serves multiple functions: steering, pressable input for shift selection, and rotatable input for shift selection. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require separate components into a single universal control device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates easy and reliable shift stage input near the steering wheel, reducing inconvenience and magnetic interference, enhancing user experience and system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part disposed between the button and the substrate to allow the button to return to its default position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the button separation prevention part may include a shock-absorbing part to alleviate an impact with the knob when the button returns to its default position by the elastic part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12473972B2Apparatus for controlling transmission

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling a transmission using a button and a knob includes a first shift part that receives a selection command of a first shift range by a linear motion, a second shift part that receives a selection command of a second shift range by a rotational motion, and a substrate that transmits a shift control signal corresponding to the selection command inputted via either the first shift part or the second shift part. Each of the first shift part and the second shift part includes a contact part configured to contact the substrate while linearly moving in response to the first shift part or the second shift part being activated.