Vehicle Shift Module Actuator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles lack an effective mechanism to prevent the transmission from being shifted out of park unless the vehicle's ignition system and braking system are activated, and to prevent the key from being removed from the key cylinder while the vehicle is in a drive gear.
Innovation Solution
A shift mechanism that integrates a housing, shift lever, key cylinder, and actuator, where the actuator connects to the key cylinder and shift lever, allowing movement between positions to block or allow gear shifts and key position changes, ensuring the transmission remains in park unless the brake is applied and the key can only be removed when in the 'locked' position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key cylinder is used to prevent key removal while the vehicle is running, then key security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the key cylinder locking mechanism with the transmission shift interlock system into a single integrated assembly. The key cylinder is mounted on the housing and mechanically linked to the shift lever through the actuator, so that one mechanism serves dual purposes: preventing key removal and controlling transmission shifting. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The key cylinder assembly serves multiple functions: it prevents key removal when the vehicle is running, controls the actuator to block shift lever movement, and integrates with the housing to form a unified locking system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If a brake transmission shift interlock is implemented to prevent shifting out of park, then transmission safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional interlock components
Solution Approach 1:
The brake transmission shift interlock function is merged with the key cylinder assembly. The actuator, which is operably connected to the key cylinder, also controls the shift lever positioning. This integration means the same mechanical assembly performs both the key locking function and the transmission shift interlock function, reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves dual purposes: it responds to key cylinder positioning to control shift lever movement, and simultaneously implements the brake transmission shift interlock by blocking or allowing shift lever movement based on brake application status. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining transmission safety.
3Reliability
If the actuator is designed to block shift lever movement in park position, then transmission control reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to restricted lever mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to dynamically adjust the shift lever positioning based on operational conditions. When the vehicle is in park position, the actuator blocks shift lever movement to prevent accidental shifting. When the brake is applied and the vehicle is ready for operation, the actuator releases the block, allowing the shift lever to move freely between positions. This dynamic behavior maintains reliability while preserving ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically controls the actuator positioning based on the key cylinder position and brake application status without requiring manual intervention. The actuator self-adjusts to block or allow shift lever movement based on the vehicle's operational state, eliminating the need for additional controls or manual adjustments by the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A shift mechanism for a transmission in a vehicle includes a housing, a shift lever, a key cylinder and an actuator. The actuator operably connects to the key cylinder and is capable of movement between a first position that prevents the shift lever from changing shift positions, and a second position that allows the shift lever to change shift positions.