Vehicle Shift Lever Layout With Mode-Specific Slot Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shifting devices for vehicles are not compact enough and lack visibility for selected shift positions, as they require parallel slots for automatic and manual modes, leading to increased size and complexity, and do not accommodate multiple shift patterns for right-hand and left-hand vehicles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shifting device with a shift lever guided by selector and shift slots, featuring a restriction member for the first mode and an indicator to show different patterns for each mode, allowing the driver to easily confirm the selected position and mode, and providing instructions for optimal energy efficiency in the second mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parallel slots are used for automatic and manual modes, then both modes can be supported, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automatic and manual shifting modes into a single integrated slot structure. The shift lever moves along one continuous slot that accommodates both automatic range selection (P, N, R, D) and manual gear selection (1-6 stages), eliminating the need for separate parallel slots and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single slot design serves multiple functions: it guides the shift lever for automatic mode operation, manual mode operation, and mode transition between automatic and manual. This multi-functional slot structure replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated slots for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallel slots are used for automatic and manual modes, then both modes can be supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple slot functions into a single integrated slot structure. Instead of having separate parallel slots for automatic and manual modes, one unified slot accommodates all shifting operations, significantly simplifying the overall slot structure and reducing the number of components required.
3Device complexity
If shift positions are not visually indicated, then device structure is simpler, but driver visibility and confirmation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change appearance based on the selected shift position. The indicator displays different colors or illumination states to clearly show the current gear stage (1-6) and operating mode (automatic/manual), providing excellent visual feedback to the driver without adding complex mechanical indication structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual indication mechanisms (such as physical pointers or mechanical displays) with an illumination-based indicator system. This electronic/optical indication method provides superior visibility and information display while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
4Device complexity
If only upshifting and downshifting positions are provided, then slot structure is simpler, but gear stage flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single slot into multiple distinct positioning zones corresponding to different gear stages (1st through 6th stage). Each segment represents a specific gear position with its own detent or stopping point, allowing the shift lever to be precisely positioned at any of the six gear stages while maintaining a unified slot structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A shifting device in which a selected shift position can be confirmed easily, and which can be fitted easily in vehicles. The shifting device comprises: a restriction member that restricts a movement of a shift lever into a predetermined shift slot in a first shifting mode, and that cancels the restriction of the movement of the shift lever in a second shifting mode; and an indicator that indicates a first pattern when the first shifting mode is selected, and that indicates a second pattern when the second shifting mode is selected.