Electronic Shift Lever N-Range Activation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shift levers for automatic transmissions require increased operating distance and force to shift from an initial position to range N, which complicates the shifting operation and poses design challenges for vehicle packaging.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shift lever apparatus with a base, upper member, frame, shift lock controlling device, and vertically slidable upper cover, allowing N-range shifting by pressing the shift lever at an initial position, reducing operating distance and force through a locking groove, locking lever, and elastic return mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift lever is moved from initial position to range N before shifting to range R or D, then the shifting operation can be completed, but the operating distance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the shift lever to directly activate range N through a pressing motion before proceeding to range R or D. The locking groove and locking lever mechanism pre-position the shift lever in a state where N-range can be selected without requiring prior movement, thus eliminating the need for an intermediate positioning step and reducing overall operating distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifting operation is segmented into distinct functional zones: the locking groove positioned at the initial location for N-range activation, and the forward/backward movement paths for R/D range selection. This segmentation allows the driver to press the lever vertically at the initial position to engage N, then separately move forward or backward for R or D, breaking the continuous motion into discrete, optimized segments that reduce total travel distance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating distance of the shift lever is increased, then the shift operation can be completed through multiple ranges, but the operating force is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the shift lever operation by positioning the locking groove vertically above the initial position and enabling vertical pressing motion to activate N-range. This dimensional change allows N to be selected through a compact vertical press rather than requiring horizontal movement, thereby reducing the overall path length and consequently the operating force required while maintaining full adaptability across all shift ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the shift lever and the locking groove. When the shift lever is pressed vertically, the locking lever rotates to engage or disengage from the locking groove, mediating the force transmission. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the effect of the pressing force, allowing N-range activation with minimal operating force while preserving the ability to access all shift ranges.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shift lever is designed to move forward or backward from range N to range R or D, then multiple ranges can be accessed, but the package design in the vehicle becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The locking groove is preliminarily positioned at the initial location of the shift lever, enabling N-range activation without requiring the lever to traverse additional space. This preliminary positioning of the functional element (locking groove) at the starting position eliminates the need for extended travel paths, thereby reducing the space required for the shift mechanism while maintaining full range selection capability through subsequent forward/backward movements from the compact N-position.
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the locking groove in the vertical direction above the initial position rather than extending the horizontal range, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate N-range activation. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the shift lever to remain compact in the horizontal plane (reducing package space) while still providing access to all ranges through vertical pressing for N followed by horizontal movements for R or D.
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 apparatus enables N-range shifting with reduced operating distance and force, enhancing operability and simplifying the shifting process while maintaining efficient vehicle design.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the upper cover and the support block such that when the rotation shaft is rotated in a predetermined angle, the upper cover is tilted with respect to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic shift lever apparatus of an automatic transmission improving operability which may be provided in a room of a vehicle adopting the automatic transmission, may include a base having a lower member fixed to the vehicle and an upper member positioned above the lower member, a frame engaged to the upper member and horizontally slidable with respect to the upper member, a shift lock controlling device disposed between the frame and the upper member of the base and selectively locking the frame to the base, and an upper cover positioned above the frame, slidable vertically, and selectively unlocking the shift lock controlling device which controls an engaging state of the frame to the base.