Vehicle Shift Lever Slot Layout for Compact Multi-Mode Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shifting devices for vehicles are not compact enough due to parallel arrangement of range and gear shift slots, lack visibility of selected positions, and do not accommodate multiple shift patterns for right-hand and left-hand vehicles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shifting device with congruent selector and shift slots for both automatic and manual modes, guided by an indicator that visually confirms selected positions and provides mode-specific instructions, allowing compact design and easy fitting in vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If range shift slot and gear shift slot are formed parallel to each other, then automatic shift mode and manual shift mode can be supported, but device size increases and structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the range shift slot and gear shift slot into a single integrated slot structure. The slot is configured to guide the shift lever for both selecting operating ranges (P, N, R) and selecting gear stages (1st to 6th gear) within the same physical space, eliminating the need for separate parallel slots and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single slot structure serves multiple functions: it guides the shift lever for range selection (P-N-R), for gear stage selection (1st-6th gear), and accommodates different shifting modes (automatic and manual). This multi-functional design allows one slot to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated slots for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If range shift slot and gear shift slot are formed parallel to each other, then automatic shift mode and manual shift mode can be supported, but device structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the range shift slot and gear shift slot into a single integrated slot structure. The slot is configured to guide the shift lever for both selecting operating ranges (P, N, R) and selecting gear stages (1st to 6th gear) within the same physical space, eliminating the need for separate parallel slots and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single slot structure serves multiple functions: it guides the shift lever for range selection (P-N-R), for gear stage selection (1st-6th gear), and accommodates different shifting modes (automatic and manual). This multi-functional design allows one slot to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated slots for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel slot arrangement is used, then shifting mode selection is enabled, but selected position visibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicators to mark different positions within the single slot. Specific regions of the slot are associated with color indicators that change or highlight to show the current selected position (P, N, R, or gear stages 1st-6th), making it easy for the driver to visually confirm the selected position without confusion about which slot is being used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual indication dimension to the slot structure by incorporating color-coded markers and indicators along the slot path. This dimensional addition of visual cues transforms the slot from a simple mechanical guide into an information-rich interface that clearly communicates the selected position to the driver
Data Source
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AI summary
A shifting device in which a selected shift position can be confirmed easily, and which can be fitted easily in vehicles. The shifting device (9) comprises: a restriction member (23) that restricts an entrance of a shift lever (11) into a predetermined shift slot (22) in a first shifting mode, and that cancels the restriction of a movement of the shift lever (11) in a second shifting mode; and an indicator (10) that indicates a first pattern when the first shifting mode is selected, and that indicates a second pattern when the second shifting mode is selected.