L-Shaped Shift Lock Lever to Prevent Inadvertent Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shift lock mechanisms in vehicles are prone to unintended contact with other components, leading to potential inadvertent disengagement and movement of the shift lock, especially when manually disengaged for towing or maintenance, due to their location and design.
Innovation Solution
A shift lock lever with a L-shaped configuration and ribbed design that conceals the shift lock within an interior region, preventing contact with other components by positioning the lever in a way that reduces the likelihood of accidental disengagement, and includes a method of connecting the lever to the shifter assembly to ensure secure movement between locked and unlocked positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift lock is positioned in a conventional location for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential contact with other components such as wiring harnesses and trim pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lock lever is nested within the shift lock lever assembly, with the lever positioned inside a protective housing or cavity. This nesting structure allows the shift lock to be accessed and operated while simultaneously protecting it from contact with external components such as wiring harnesses and trim pieces, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Device complexity
If the shift lock lever is positioned close to the shift lock for efficient actuation, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to potential unintended contact with other vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
A protective housing or cavity acts as an intermediary structure between the shift lock lever and other vehicle components. This intermediary element allows the lever to remain positioned close to the shift lock for efficient actuation while preventing direct contact with harmful external components such as wiring harnesses and trim pieces
Data Source
AI summary
A shifter assembly for a vehicle includes: a body; a shift lock; and a shift lock lever that is supported by the body such that the shift lock lever is movable between a first position and a second position to cause corresponding movement of the shift lock between a locked position, in which the vehicle is immovable, and an unlocked position, in which the vehicle is movable. The shift lock lever includes a first end portion, and an opposite second end portion that is configured for contact with the shift lock. The second end portion is generally L-shaped in configuration, and defines an interior region that is configured to receive the shift lock to inhibit (if not entirely prevent) contact between the shift lock and other components of the vehicle to reduce any likelihood of inadvertent disengagement of the shift lock and unintended movement of the vehicle.