Shift System Theft Protection via Redundant Over-Travel Stop Tab

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle shift systems are vulnerable to theft due to the potential misuse of the shift lever to overload and manipulate the gear shifting mechanism, allowing unauthorized access and control of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A modular shift assembly with a shift gate and mounting bracket, featuring a tab that acts as a redundant over-travel stop and a brake transmission shift interlock device (BTSI) to prevent the shift lever from being used to override the interlock, thereby inhibiting theft by reinforcing the interface between the shift lever and the shift gate, ensuring the pin remains extended unless intentionally retracted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shift lever is made operable to select gears, then the vehicle transmission can be controlled, but the shift system becomes vulnerable to theft through overload manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear selection capabilityVSAvoidtheft resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a tab that acts as a redundant over-travel stop to prevent theft before it can occur. The tab is positioned to engage with the shift gate and prevent the shift lever from being forced into positions that would override the interlock device, thereby preemptively countering potential theft attempts through mechanical restriction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using the tab as a protective mechanical element that absorbs and redirects excessive force applied to the shift lever. The tab engages with the shift gate to prevent the lever from traveling beyond its intended range, cushioning against malicious overload attempts before they can damage the interlock mechanism or enable theft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the shift lever interface with shift gate is simplified, then ease of use is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized manipulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshift lever usabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the tab extending from the mounting bracket - that mediates between the shift lever and the shift gate. This tab acts as a protective intermediary that allows normal operational movement while blocking unauthorized forcing attempts, thereby maintaining ease of use for legitimate operations while preventing harmful manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11187320B2Shift system theft protection feature

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly, a modular shift assembly, and a mounting bracket. The jacket assembly extends along a first axis. The modular shift assembly includes a shift bracket and a shift gate. The shift bracket is connected to the jacket assembly and defines a shift bracket opening. The shift gate is disposed on the shift bracket. The bracket defines a shift gate opening as well as first and second detents that extend from the shift gate opening. The mounting bracket is disposed on the shift bracket and has a tab that overlaps a portion of the shift gate.