Shift Knob Interlock for Exclusive RND and Park Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift-by-wire systems for vehicles allow simultaneous shifting to Reverse (R)/Neutral (N)/Drive (D) and Parking (P) gear positions, leading to erroneous operations and driver anxiety due to the lack of a separate sensing structure for each gear position.
Innovation Solution
A shift-by-wire system with a Hall sensor, rotatable knob, and button assembly that includes a concurrent operation limiting unit to mechanically prevent simultaneous rotation of the knob and movement of the button assembly, ensuring distinct operations for R/N/D and P gear positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensing structures are provided for R/N/D and P gear positions, then shifting operation sensing is enabled, but simultaneous shifting to R/N/D and P gear positions is allowed causing erroneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a mechanical constraint system that prevents the harmful action (simultaneous shifting to R/N/D and P gear positions) before it can occur. The button assembly is mechanically constrained such that when pressed for P gear positioning, it physically blocks the knob from rotating to R/N/D positions, and vice versa. This preemptive mechanical interference eliminates the possibility of erroneous simultaneous shifting operations.
2Reliability
If separate sensing structures are provided for R/N/D and P gear positions, then gear position detection is achieved, but system complexity and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing structures for R/N/D and P gear positions into a single integrated system. The button assembly serves dual purposes: it acts as both the P gear position actuator and a mechanical constraint that prevents simultaneous R/N/D shifting. The Hall sensor detects both the knob rotation position (for R/N/D) and the button assembly position (for P), eliminating the need for completely separate sensing mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical constraint system is added to prevent simultaneous operations, then operation safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the actuator for P gear positioning and as the mechanical constraint that prevents simultaneous R/N/D shifting. By making the button assembly universal, the patent avoids adding a separate dedicated constraint mechanism, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved operation safety through the integrated mechanical interlock.
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
Prevents erroneous shifting operations by ensuring exclusive manipulation of the knob for R/N/D gear positions and the button for P gear positions, reducing driver anxiety and simplifying the system structure for cost and design benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a body configured to have a Hall sensor provided therein, a knob installed so as to be rotatable around an axis of the body, a button assembly configured to have a magnet provided to sense rotated and moved states thereof using the Hall sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A shift-by-wire system physically prevents shifting to the R/N/D gear position and shifting to the P gear position from being simultaneously performed. The shift-by-wire system includes a body configured to have a Hall sensor provided therein, a knob installed so as to be rotatable around an axis of the body, a button assembly moving in an axial direction of the body and having a magnet provided to sense rotated and moved states thereof using the Hall sensor and rotate together with the knob, and a concurrent operation limiting unit to mechanically limit movement of the button assembly in a state in which the knob is manipulated so as to be rotated, and to mechanically limit rotation of the knob in a state in which the button assembly is manipulated so as to be moved.