Integrated Electronic Shift Lever Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle shift levers are bulky, limit aesthetic configurations, and require multiple components, making it difficult to seamlessly transition between typical and manual shift modes while also being cumbersome in design.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic shift lever assembly featuring a fixed knob, a detachable movable knob that slides and rotates along a shaft, and a locking unit, with a rotation recognition unit for signal input to the transmission control unit, allowing for mode changes and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional shift lever design is used, then the shift lever can perform basic gear shifting operations, but it requires sufficient spacing from the console and limits aesthetic configurations due to its protruding design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the shift lever with the console structure by incorporating the lever directly into the console body, eliminating the need for separate mounting space and reducing protrusion into the vehicle interior. This merging approach allows for more flexible aesthetic configurations while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift lever is designed to perform multiple functions including typical shift mode operations (P-R-N-D positioning) and manual mode operations (up/down-shift via rotation), consolidating what would traditionally require separate mechanisms into a single integrated component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional shift lever with separate button is used, then manual mode can be entered, but it increases the number of components and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shift lever and mode selection button into a single integrated component. The shift lever itself can be operated in different directions/modes to perform both typical shift operations and manual mode entry, eliminating the need for a separate button and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shift lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in typical shift mode for P-R-N-D positioning and also enter manual mode for up/down-shift operations through rotational movement. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional shift lever is used, then it can perform shift operations, but it requires multiple separate components (shift lever, button, engagement parts) increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (shift lever, mode selection button, engagement parts) into a single integrated assembly. The shift lever incorporates internal mechanisms for both typical and manual mode operations, reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be assembled and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated shift lever assembly performs multiple shift operation functions through a single component structure. It handles typical shift mode operations (P-R-N-D positioning) and manual mode operations (up/down-shift via rotation) within one unified mechanism, simplifying both assembly and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electronic shift lever assembly for a vehicle includes a shift lever installed inside the vehicle and operated by a driver for a shift position operation. A fixed knob is fixedly attached to an end of the shift lever. A shaft extends outwards from the fixed knob. A movable knob is detachably connected to the fixed knob such that the movable knob slides along the shaft to be decoupled from the fixed knob and rotates about the fixed knob. When a signal according to a rotational direction of the movable knob is input to a transmission control unit (TCU), the TCU changes a current shift position or a drive mode.