Shift Lock Lever Shielding Against Inadvertent Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shift lock mechanisms in vehicles are prone to unintended contact with other components, leading to potential inadvertent disengagement and movement, especially when manually repositioned for towing or maintenance, due to their location and design.
Innovation Solution
A shift lock lever with a protective L-shaped end portion that conceals and receives the shift lock, preventing contact with wiring harnesses and trim pieces, and includes deflectors to discourage debris from contacting the lever or lock, thereby inhibiting inadvertent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift lock is manually repositioned for towing or maintenance, then the shift lock can be disengaged to allow vehicle movement, but the shift lock becomes vulnerable to unintended contact with other components
Solution Approach 1:
A protective lever is introduced as an intermediary component between the shift lock and other vehicle components. This lever physically shields the shift lock during manual repositioning operations, preventing unintended contact with wiring harnesses, trim pieces, or other components while still allowing the necessary manual manipulation for towing or maintenance purposes.
2Ease of operation
If the shift lock lever is exposed for manual operation, then it is accessible for disengagement, but it is susceptible to contact with wiring harnesses and trim pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The protective lever is designed to nest over the shift lock lever, creating a layered protective structure. The protective lever can be easily installed and removed, providing a shield that maintains accessibility to the underlying shift lock lever while protecting it from harmful contact with surrounding components during operation.
3Device complexity
If the shift lock is positioned in its conventional location, then it is integrated with the shifter assembly, but it is prone to inadvertent disengagement due to contact with surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The protective lever serves as a mediator that allows the shift lock to remain in its conventional integrated location while preventing the harmful effects of surrounding components. This approach maintains the simplicity of the overall assembly integration while significantly improving engagement stability through the added protective layer.
Data Source
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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.