Shift Selector Mechanism With Damping for Precise, Quiet Gearshifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift mechanisms for motor vehicle transmissions suffer from free plays due to manufacturing tolerances and wear, leading to imprecise gearshift feel and annoying noise during operation.
Innovation Solution
A shift selector mechanism featuring a spring member that biases a movable second part onto a contoured surface, with a damper element that absorbs vibrational energy and reduces noise, preventing direct contact and wear between moving parts, allowing for controlled friction and damping properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid mutually movable parts are used in the shift mechanism, then manufacturing precision and wear resistance are improved, but noise is generated during operation due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
A damper element is introduced as an intermediary component between the mutually movable parts (shift lever and plunger). This damper element absorbs impact energy and reduces noise while maintaining the functional contact between parts. The damper acts as a mediator that allows the rigid parts to maintain precision while reducing the harmful noise effects of their rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact and noise generated by rigid parts into beneficial damping effects. By strategically placing damper elements in the contact paths, the impact energy that would normally create noise is instead absorbed and dissipated, transforming the harmful mechanical impact into a controlled energy absorption process that reduces noise while maintaining functional precision.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If damper element is placed in direct contact with moving parts, then noise and vibration are reduced, but wear occurs on the damper element
Solution Approach 1:
The damper element is positioned to absorb impacts between moving parts without being the primary contact surface. It acts as an intermediary that absorbs energy during relative movement but is protected from direct wear by being arranged to contact only during specific phases of operation, not during normal sliding contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper element is designed to be dynamically engaged only when needed for impact absorption during relative movement of parts. It allows free movement during normal operation and only engages when impact occurs, thus avoiding continuous contact that would cause wear while still providing noise and vibration reduction when required.
3Manufacturing precision
If spring force is increased to reduce free play, then gearshift precision is improved, but friction between moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force is applied locally and selectively to specific components (such as the plunger) rather than uniformly to all moving parts. This localized application of force eliminates free play in critical areas while minimizing the overall friction impact on the system. The spring bias is concentrated where precision is most needed rather than being distributed throughout the entire mechanism.
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 mechanism reduces free play and noise, enhancing user comfort by providing a precise gearshift feel without affecting other parts, thus improving the overall shifting experience.
Implementation Method 1
A spring member, such as for example a compression spring, is provided. In use, the spring member acts upon the second part such that the second part is biased onto a contoured surface.
Implementation Method 2
A damper element being a part of or attached to the second part is provided... the forced vibrational energy is at least partially reduced or absorbed from the second part to the first part.
Data Source
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AI summary
The mechanism comprises a first part (200) and a second part (300) movable relative to the first part (200), a spring member (500) acting on the second part (300) such that the second part (300) is biased onto a contoured surface (400), and a damper element (600) for absorbing impacts to the first part (200) associated with one of the first part (200) and the second part (300). In embodiments where the damper element (600) is a part of or attached to the first part (200), the relative movement of the second part (300) to the first part (200) causes relative movement of the damper element (600) to the second part (300) without contacting the second part (300), whereas, in embodiments where the damper element (600) is a part of or attached to the second part (300), the relative movement of the second part (300) to the first part (200) causes relative movement of the damper element (600) to the first part (200) without contacting the first part (200). Thus, relative movement between the first and second parts does not result in wearing down the damper element.