Shift Lever Rotational Load Control for Accurate Gear Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift devices with small rotational loads on the shift lever are prone to overriding intended shift positions when rotated vigorously, leading to unintended gear changes.
Innovation Solution
A shift device with a cylindrical case and a rotatable shift lever, featuring an elastic member that protrudes to contact either the outer or inner surface, imposing a rotational load to prevent vigorous rotation and secure the shift lever at predetermined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotational load on the shift lever is kept small for ease of operation, then the shift lever can be rotated easily by the operator, but the shift lever may override the intended shift position when rotated vigorously
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member applies a preliminary counteracting force (rotational load) to the shift lever before the operator's rotation force is fully applied. This preliminary anti-action prevents the shift lever from overriding the intended shift position by resisting excessive rotation, while still allowing normal operation when the operator applies moderate force.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes the rotational parameter (load/torque) of the shift lever dynamically. When the shift lever is at the intended position, the elastic member maintains a baseline rotational load for precision. When the operator rotates the shift lever vigorously, the elastic member increases the rotational load to prevent position override, thus adapting the parameter based on operational conditions.
2Reliability
If the elastic member protrudes to contact the base portion or cylindrical portion, then rotational load is imposed to prevent position override, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member serves multiple functions: it provides the rotational load to prevent position override, acts as a spring element to absorb operational variations, and functions as a contact element between the base portion and cylindrical portion. By combining these functions into a single component, the structural complexity is minimized while achieving the desired reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the elastic member with either the base portion or the cylindrical portion, integrating the load-imposing function into an existing structural element rather than adding a separate mechanism. This merging reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the functional requirement of preventing position override.
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 elastic member effectively prevents the shift lever from overriding intended positions, ensuring accurate gear changes by applying a consistent rotational load, thereby enhancing operational stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to protrude from one of the cylindrical portion or the base portion so as to face another of the cylindrical portion or the base portion, and contact either an outer circumferential surface of the base portion or an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, to impose a rotational load on the shift lever
Data Source
AI summary
A shift device according to one embodiment includes a case having a cylindrical portion; a shift lever configured to include a base portion provided to be rotatable inside the cylindrical portion, with which an operator performs a rotation operation; a shift position holding mechanism configured to hold the shift lever at a predetermined shift position; and an elastic member configured to protrude from one of the cylindrical portion or the base portion so as to face another of the cylindrical portion or the base portion, and contact either an outer circumferential surface of the base portion or an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, to impose a rotational load on the shift lever.