Shift Lever Misoperation Prevention via Intermediary Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Misoperation of a shift lever can occur when switching from an automatic transmission mode to a manual transmission mode, leading to unintended shifting due to the proximity of the D and M range positions on the shift lever, resulting in incorrect driver intentions not being reflected.

Innovation Solution

A control method and system that detects shift lever manipulations, requires manual mode switch button input to switch from D to M range, and prevents switching if the D range is not maintained for a preset period, with warnings provided to the driver through voice messages or lamp illumination to prevent misoperation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the D range and M range positions on the shift lever are placed close to each other for ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but misoperation occurs more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmisoperation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A manual mode switch button is introduced as an intermediary element between the shift lever and the transmission control system. This button must be pressed in addition to moving the shift lever to switch from D range to M range, providing an extra confirmation step that prevents accidental switching while maintaining the close positioning of D and M ranges for ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system requires a preliminary action (pressing the manual mode switch button) before the actual range switching can occur. This preliminary confirmation step ensures that the driver intentionally wants to switch from automatic to manual mode, preventing misoperation due to unintended lever movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the shift lever allows direct switching between D range and M range for simplicity, then the device complexity is reduced, but misoperation occurs due to proximity of positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmisoperation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mode switch button serves as an intermediary control element that adds a software/logic layer to the physical shift lever operation. This maintains the simplicity of the physical lever design while adding a protective layer against misoperation through electronic control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If the shift lever position is not confirmed for a preset period, then the responsiveness is improved, but misoperation occurs due to unintended manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidmisoperation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a time-based preliminary confirmation mechanism where the shift lever position must be maintained for a preset period before the range switching is executed. This time confirmation ensures that the driver's intention is deliberate while maintaining quick response once the confirmation period is satisfied

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9927025B2Method and system for preventing misoperation of shift lever
Publication Date: 2018.03.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9927025B2 patent drawing
  • US9927025B2 patent drawing
  • US9927025B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control method and system for preventing misoperation of a shift lever of a vehicle are provided. In particular, when a driver manipulates the shift lever to select an automatic transmission mode or a manual transmission mode, shifting into an unintended mode attributable to misoperation is prevented. Therefore, the control method and system improve reliability in manipulating the shift lever and provide a safe driving environment to a driver.