Vehicle Shift Lever G-Return Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shift lever structures in vehicles experience unpleasant operational feel due to friction forces and generate impact sounds when changing from automatic to manual mode, primarily caused by the interaction between the G-return and the base.
Innovation Solution
A shift lever structure that incorporates a protrusion coupled to a G-return mounted on a base, allowing horizontal movement to trigger manual mode conversion, with a TPU elastic cover member to reduce noise and a damper to mitigate shock, where the G-return turns instead of slides, and a spring-supported knob lever to enhance operational smoothness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the G-return slides vertically in the base to enable manual mode shifting, then the gear can be shifted manually, but friction force is generated at the contact portion between the G-return and the base, causing unpleasant operational feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sliding mechanical system with a rotating mechanical system. The G-return is changed from a sliding type to a rotating type, where the protrusion rotates the G-return around a pivot point instead of sliding vertically. This substitution eliminates the friction force generated at the contact portion between the sliding G-return and the base, thereby improving operational feel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the knob and G-return are separated to allow G-return sliding, then manual mode operation is enabled, but when changing from manual to automatic mode, the knob hits against the G-return due to spring elastic force, generating impact sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the relative positions and interaction mechanism between the knob and G-return. Instead of the knob hitting against the G-return from below, the G-return is positioned above the knob and rotates around a pivot. When changing from manual to automatic mode, the protrusion moves back and rotates the G-return upward, causing the G-return to clear the knob rather than hit it, thereby eliminating the impact sound.
3Ease of operation
If the protrusion enters the G-return depression during horizontal movement, then manual mode is triggered, but noise is generated due to the entering action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a damper between the G-return and the base. The damper is positioned to cushion the impact when the protrusion enters the depression of the G-return during horizontal movement that triggers manual mode. This cushioning effect reduces the noise generated by the entering action while maintaining the mode switching function.
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
The solution effectively reduces friction and noise during manual mode transitions by minimizing contact between the G-return and the base, improving operational feel and eliminating impact sounds through the use of a turning G-return and a TPU cover member, while maintaining smooth gear changes.
Implementation Method 1
a TPU elastic cover member to reduce noise
Implementation Method 2
a TPU elastic cover member to reduce noise
Implementation Method 3
a damper to mitigate shock
Implementation Method 4
a spring-supported knob lever to enhance operational smoothness
Data Source
AI summary
A structure of a shift lever that changes to a manual mode. The structure includes a shift lever that has a protrusion formed to a horizontal side and a base spaced from the shift lever to allow the protrusion to reach the base during horizontal movement of the shift lever. A G-return to which the protrusion is coupled is mounted on the base to be able to turn and a knob that is connected to one end of a knob lever pivotably mounted on the base with the other end of the knob lever facing the shift lever, slides with the horizontal movement of the shift lever. The conversion to a manual mode is sensed from the sliding of the knob and change to the manual mode is controlled by turning of the G-return.