Vehicle Shift Module Assembly Safety Interlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety mechanisms for preventing vehicle movement when the operator is not in control are overly complex, require many mechanical and electronic parts, and are difficult to integrate into compact vehicle components, often failing to deploy a direct mechanical stop mechanism for the shift arm until the brake is depressed and ignition is on, and can be physically forced out of the park position, compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated shift module assembly with a safety solenoid shaft interlock mounted adjacent the shift module swing arm, which physically prevents shifting out of the park position until the brake is depressed and the ignition is on, and includes a solenoid armature shaft that locks the shift lever, along with a switch to prevent ignition key removal unless in the park position, and a design that breaks if excessive force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing safety mechanisms are used to prevent vehicle movement when operator is not in control, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions (shifting control, brake interlock, ignition key retention) into a single integrated shift module assembly. The solenoid shaft assembly is mounted directly on the shift module, and the swing arm serves multiple functions including shifting control and safety interlock engagement, eliminating the need for separate mechanical parts distributed throughout the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm serves multiple functions: it controls transmission shifting positions (park, drive, reverse, neutral) and simultaneously engages with the solenoid shaft assembly to provide the safety interlock function. The solenoid shaft assembly itself performs both the locking function and houses the switch for ignition key retention, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If existing safety mechanisms are used to prevent vehicle movement, then safety is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to widely dispersed mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates all safety-related mechanical components into a single serviceable unit mounted at the shift module location. The solenoid shaft assembly, swing arm, and associated switches are all integrated into one compact structure that can be accessed and repaired as a single assembly, eliminating the need to locate and service widely dispersed parts.
3Reliability
If a positive mechanical stop mechanism is applied to prevent swing arm movement out of park position, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing brake pedal mechanism and ignition switch to control the solenoid, which in turn controls the mechanical stop. The brake pedal activates a switch that energizes the solenoid, and the ignition key position controls another switch that energizes the solenoid, creating a self-regulating safety system that uses existing vehicle controls rather than requiring separate manual intervention mechanisms.
4Reliability
If existing interlock mechanisms are used to prevent key removal, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome non-integral mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ignition key retention function is integrated directly into the shift module assembly through a switch mounted on the solenoid housing. This switch is actuated by the shift lever position and works in conjunction with the solenoid to prevent key removal when the vehicle is not in park, eliminating the need for separate non-integral mechanisms and simplifying the operator's interaction with the system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple, low-maintenance safety mechanism that effectively prevents accidental shifting and ensures the vehicle remains in the park position until the brake is depressed and ignition is on, while withstanding years of use with minimal maintenance, and includes a physical fail-safe to prevent forced shifting.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid armature shaft movable to a position in contact with a swing arm of the shift module assembly, precluding movement of the shifting lever out of the park position
Data Source
AI summary
A shift module assembly for controlling the movement of a vehicle transmission out of a park condition responsive to a condition of the ignition system of the vehicle and responsive to a position of the vehicle brake pedal includes a moveable swing arm adapted to selectively control the condition of the vehicle transmission. The swing arm is in a park position when the vehicle transmission is in the park condition. The swing arm is locked in an immobile position by a solenoid operated armature shaft when the swing arm is placed in the park position. The armature shaft is in direct contact with said swing arm when said swing arm is in the locked position. The armature shaft releases the swing arm from the locked position upon actuation of the vehicle ignition system and depression of the vehicle brake pedal. The swing arm includes a stress line that will cause the swing arm to break along the stress line before, the swing arm is moved out of the park position if excessive force is applied to the swing arm. In addition, the swing arm is capable of both rotational and rocking movement about a common pivot point.