Vehicle Shift Switch Tact Feedback for Audible Range Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shift devices do not produce an operating sound when the shift switch is operated, which can make it difficult for users to confirm the shift range change of a vehicle's transmission.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a tact switch within the shift switch that produces an operating sound when activated, along with additional mechanisms to gradually increase the operating load of the shift switch, ensuring a smooth transition from a small to large load rate, and providing additional switches for enhanced operation detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a tact switch is added to the shift switch, then the shift switch can produce an operating sound, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating sound feedbackVSAvoidswitch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shift switch and tact switch into a single integrated unit. The tact switch is positioned adjacent to the shift switch, and both switches share a common housing structure, merging two functional elements into one compact assembly that provides both shifting control and operating sound feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the operating load of the tact switch increases rapidly, then the switch operation becomes more distinct, but the operating feel becomes harsh

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch operation detectionVSAvoidoperating feel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a first increasing portion that gradually increases the operating load of the shift switch before the tact switch's load rate changes. This preliminary action softens the overall operating feel by preparing the user's finger for the upcoming increase in resistance, making the transition smoother and more comfortable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If additional switches are added to enhance operation detection, then the detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation detection accuracyVSAvoidswitch quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple switch functions into a compact arrangement where the shift switch and additional switches share a common housing and operational mechanism. This merging approach provides enhanced operation detection through multiple switches while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11953088B2Shift device
Publication Date: 2024.04.09 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
  • US11953088B2 patent drawing
  • US11953088B2 patent drawing
  • US11953088B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shift device including: a shift switch that, when operated, is configured to change a shift range of a transmission of a vehicle; and a tact switch that is provided in the shift switch and is operated as a result of the shift switch being operated.