Shift Lever Connection Pin Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shift lever apparatuses require a large number of components for assembly, making the process cumbersome, especially when the shift lever is assembled with a shaft after being mounted in a housing.
Innovation Solution
A shift lever apparatus with a connection pin that is temporarily assembled and then rotated into a regularly assembled state to support the lever assembly, which includes a fallout-preventing mechanism to secure the pin in place, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining member is added to prevent the pin from falling out, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining function into the existing pin structure by forming a projection on the pin that engages with a recess in the stopper hole. This integration eliminates the need for a separate retaining member while maintaining the reliability of preventing pin detachment, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the primary connection between components and simultaneously includes an integrated retaining feature through its projection-recess engagement. This multi-functionality allows the pin to both connect and secure itself without requiring additional dedicated retaining components
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for assembly, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retaining function into the pin structure itself through the projection-recess engagement mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of components and assembly steps while maintaining reliable connection, directly improving ease of manufacture without sacrificing assembly reliability
3Reliability
If additional restricting members are added to prevent pin fallout, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to more complex assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the retaining function directly into the pin structure through the projection-recess engagement. This eliminates the need for separate restricting members and their associated assembly operations, thereby maintaining connection reliability while significantly improving assembly efficiency and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A shift lever apparatus including a shift lever assembly, which is supported by a shaft that is disposed along the transverse direction of a vehicle, the lever assembly being operable in the longitudinal and the transverse directions of the vehicle, the apparatus including: a connection pin which is temporarily assembled when inserted along an axis thereof from one end of the shift lever assembly and the shaft into the lever assembly and the shaft, the connection pin becoming regularly assembled when rotated about the axis thereof from the temporarily assembled state, and which supports the lever assembly to be pivotable on the shaft in the transverse direction of the vehicle; and a fallout-preventing mechanism which is provided on the lever assembly to be engageable with the connection pin, and which prevents the connection pin from falling out from the lever assembly and the shaft by engaging the connection pin.