Shift Operation Regulation for Unintentional Gear Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift apparatuses do not effectively restrict unintentional changes in gear ranges, leading to driver unawareness of restricted switching unless visually observed.
Innovation Solution
A shift operation determination apparatus with a rotatable operation member, position detection, shift determination, and regulation sections that restrict rotation when moving between specific gear ranges within a predetermined time, providing tactile feedback to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shift range switching is restricted to prevent unintentional changes, then the reliability of shift range selection is improved, but the driver's awareness of the restriction is reduced because no visual feedback is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by providing visual information to the driver when shift range switching is restricted. The display unit shows a message indicating that shift range switching is restricted, allowing the driver to understand the current system state. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through restriction while compensating for the loss of information through visual feedback.
2Reliability
If the operation member is locked to prevent accidental switching, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the driver cannot easily change ranges when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the restriction state changeable based on detected conditions. The regulation section releases the restriction when specific conditions are met (e.g., brake operation detected, ignition on), allowing the system to transition from a locked to an unlocked state. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliability during normal operation while restoring ease of operation when needed through dynamic condition-based release.
3Productivity
If continuous rotation is allowed for quick range changes, then the productivity of shifting is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of unintentional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a regulation mechanism that prevents rotation of the operation member under certain conditions. The regulation section detects when the operation member is in a restricted state and actively prevents rotation, countering the potential for unintentional switching before it can occur. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing reliability through preventive regulation while still allowing quick switching when the regulation is not active.
Data Source
AI summary
A shift operation determination apparatus includes: an operation member rotatably attached to the vehicle; a position detection section configured to detect a position of the operation member in a rotation direction; a shift determination section configured to determine, based on the position of the operation member, a shift range selected by the operation member; and a regulation section configured to regulate a rotation of the operation member, the regulation section being configured to regulate the rotation of the operation member when the operation member moves to a second position corresponding to the second range from a first position corresponding to the first range or a third position corresponding to the third range and moves to the third position within a predetermined time after being located at the second position.