Shift Lever Knob Coupling Structure With Elastic Insert
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling structures between shift levers and knobs in vehicles require excessive press force for assembly, leading to reduced workability and potential damage, and are cumbersome due to the need for multiple turns or the use of tools.
Innovation Solution
A coupling structure featuring an insert with elastic members and a skirt that allows for one-touch coupling and decoupling, utilizing radially protruding elastic bars and catching protrusions to secure the shift lever rod, reducing the need for excessive force and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screwing manner with male and female threaded portions is used to couple the shift lever and knob, then the coupling strength is improved, but the assembly time and number of operations increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into multiple functional components: a shift lever rod with threaded portion, a knob with corresponding threaded portion, and a clamp assembly with elastic members that provides the fastening force. This segmentation allows the complex screwing operation to be replaced by a simpler insertion and clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are pre-loaded within the clamp assembly to store potential energy. When the knob is inserted into the shift lever, the pre-loaded elastic members automatically engage and provide the necessary fastening force without requiring manual turning or additional operations, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining coupling strength.
2Productivity
If forced pressing with excessive press force is applied to fasten the knob to the shift lever, then the coupling is achieved quickly, but damage to the knob may occur and worker fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members within the clamp assembly automatically generate the necessary fastening force through their inherent elasticity when the knob is inserted. The system serves itself by converting the insertion motion into automatic clamping action, eliminating the need for external excessive force application and preventing damage to the knob while maintaining high assembly speed.
3Strength
If multiple turns are required to couple the threaded portions, then the coupling strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates elastic members that dynamically adjust to the insertion depth of the knob. As the knob is inserted, the elastic members progressively engage and provide increasing fastening force automatically, eliminating the need for manual multiple-turn operations while achieving secure coupling through the dynamic elastic response.
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
This solution minimizes the press force required for assembly, enhances workability, and reduces worker fatigue by enabling rapid and secure coupling and decoupling of the shift lever and knob, thereby improving durability and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic members formed along the outer peripheral surface of the insert to protrude radially outward toward the knob by a predetermined angle, and formed to be elastically deformed and opened radially outward when the shift lever rod is coupled to the shift knob
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling structure between a shift lever and a knob for a vehicle that includes an insert which is formed at a center thereof with an insert aperture and fixed within a knob, and of which a lower end is formed to protrude from the knob to the exterior. A shift lever rod is inserted into and coupled to the insert aperture and a skirt is formed to enclose outer peripheral surfaces of the shift lever rod and the insert. In addition, a plurality of elastic members are formed along the outer peripheral surface of the insert to protrude radially outward toward the knob by a predetermined angle and are formed to be elastically deformed and opened radially outward when the shift lever rod is coupled to the knob.