Shift Selector Damping Disc for Low-Noise, Low-Friction Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shift-by-wire gearshift devices in motor vehicle transmissions generate annoying noise due to the shift lever impacting a contoured surface, which is exacerbated by high friction from sound-insulating elements, leading to discomfort for drivers and passengers.
Innovation Solution
A damping mechanism featuring a rotatable damping disc with a resilient support member and guides, allowing the damping element to absorb impacts and reduce friction, thereby minimizing noise and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sound-insulating element is provided in the contoured surface to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but friction increases making the shift lever difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element as an intermediary component between the shift lever and the contoured surface. This damping element absorbs impacts and reduces noise transmission while having a smooth surface that minimizes friction with the shift lever plunger, thus resolving the contradiction between noise reduction and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the damping element by providing it with a smooth surface finish. This parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction between the damping element and the shift lever plunger, allowing the shift lever to operate smoothly while the damping element still performs its noise reduction function
2Productivity
If the shift lever repeatedly impacts the contoured surface during operation, then gearshift positioning is achieved, but noise is generated causing driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful impact noise into a beneficial damping effect. The damping element is designed to absorb the impact energy when the shift lever plunger contacts it during gearshift operation. By providing a resilient or viscoelastic material, the impact energy is dissipated through material deformation rather than being transmitted as noise to the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element serves as an intermediary between the shift lever plunger and the contoured surface. It intercepts the impact forces generated during normal gearshift operation and transforms them into harmless vibrations within the damping material itself, preventing noise transmission while allowing the gearshift positioning function to proceed normally
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 damping mechanism provides a smooth and comfortable operation by reducing noise transmission and minimizing friction, extending the lifespan of the damping element and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the support member may be resiliently mounted to a fixed part such that the support member can be moved relative to the fixed part by the impacts from the movable part of the shift selector assembly during use
Implementation Method 2
A damping element is provided which is suitable for absorbing impacts from a movable part of the shift selector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The damping mechanism comprising a damping element suitable for absorbing impacts from a movable part of the shift selector assembly. The damping mechanism comprising a and a support member to which the damping element is rotatably mounted. A shift selector assembly is also provided. The assembly includes a fixed part, a moveable part, a damping element, and a support member. The movable part can be moved relative to the fixed part and biased onto a contoured surface. The damping element absorbs impacts from the moveable part of the shift selector. The support member is rotatably mounted to the damping element.