Shift Lever Control for Multi-Pattern Automotive Transmissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive transmissions face complexity and increased cost due to different selectable shift positions for automatic and manual transmissions, making it difficult for drivers to configure preferred shift patterns without altering the transmission structure.
Innovation Solution
An automotive transmission system that detects a driver's shift intention and selects a shift position based on various patterns, using a shift pattern selection unit and actuation power generation to control the shift lever, allowing drivers to choose preferred shift modes without changing the transmission structure, and integrates a position sensing unit to accurately determine the shift position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate automatic and manual transmission structures are provided to support different selectable shift positions, then the transmission can accommodate both automatic and manual shifting styles, but the structure becomes complicated and the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different shift patterns (automatic, manual, sport) through software configuration rather than separate mechanical structures. The same physical shift lever and sensor system are used across all transmission modes, with the controller adapting its behavior based on the selected pattern, thereby eliminating the need for separate automatic and manual transmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (shift patterns, selectable shift positions, moving paths) through software configuration rather than physical structural changes. The controller can dynamically adjust which shift positions are selectable and what paths the shift lever can take, allowing the same hardware to support multiple transmission styles by changing control parameters rather than mechanical architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission structure is modified to accommodate different driver preferences for shift patterns, then drivers can configure preferred shift modes, but the structure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability through software-based shift pattern selection rather than fixed mechanical configurations. Drivers can choose from multiple predefined shift patterns (automatic, manual, sport) or customize their own, and the controller dynamically adjusts the shift lever's allowable movements and selectable positions based on the selected pattern, all without any physical structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical structural variations with electronic control software to achieve different shift patterns. Instead of providing separate mechanical configurations for automatic, manual, and sport modes, the system uses a single mechanical structure controlled by software that can switch between different operational modes, thereby substituting mechanical complexity with electronic programmability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shift patterns are supported with separate mechanical structures, then all shifting modes can be implemented, but the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
A single shift lever assembly and sensor system is designed to support multiple shifting modes (automatic, manual, sport) through software configuration. The same physical components are used across all modes, with the controller programmed to enable different shift patterns based on selection, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate automatic and manual transmission systems into a single integrated system. The shift lever, sensor, and controller are combined into one unified mechanism that can operate in multiple modes, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems and reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining all required shifting capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automotive transmission that selects a shift position based on various shift patterns without changing the structure of the automotive transmission. The automotive transmission includes a controller configured to input a selection value based on a shift pattern selected from a plurality of shift patterns and operate a shift lever to move through a moving path based on the selected shift pattern when a shift intention is sensed. When the selection value is input, the shift position is set at an initial position based on the selected shift pattern and actuation power is generating according to the movement of the shift lever. The controller is configured to operate the moving path of the shift pattern based on the selected shift pattern and sense a position of the shift lever using a positing sensing unit.