Shift Lever Locking Mechanism for Low-Height Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift devices are not optimized for size reduction in the height direction, as the locking mechanisms often require displacement in the pivot radial direction, leading to increased height and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A shift device with a locking mechanism that includes a lock member displaced from the movement direction to lock the shift body, supported by load-bearing and guide portions, allowing for compact design and effective locking without height increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock member is displaced in the pivot radial direction to lock the shift lever, then the locking function is achieved, but the height of the shift device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is displaced from the pivot radial direction (height direction) to the movement direction of the shift body (lateral direction). This dimensional change allows the locking function to be achieved without increasing the height of the shift device, thereby resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and height reduction.
2Reliability
If the sliding block is displaced in the pivot radial direction to engage with the gate pin, then the locking function is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is integrated with the shift body, eliminating the need for a separate sliding block and gate pin mechanism. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the locking function, resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex sliding block and gate pin mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler lock member that displaces in the movement direction. This extraction of the unnecessary intermediate components reduces structural complexity while preserving the essential locking function.
3Length of stationary object
If the lock member displaces from one side of the movement direction to lock both sides, then the locking function is achieved with reduced height, but the load-bearing capability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member displaces laterally from one side of the movement direction to lock the shift body in both directions, rather than displacing vertically. This dimensional change reduces height while the lateral displacement geometry is designed to ensure adequate load-bearing capability through proper force distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a shift device including: a shift body configured to be moved by being pivoted or slid to change a shift position; and a locking mechanism provided with a lock member, the lock member being displaced from one side of a movement direction of the shift body to lock movement of the shift body from a predetermined shift position toward both sides in the movement direction.