Electric Shift Unit Actuator Slider Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical shifting devices for vehicles require complex rocker arm systems to deactivate shift stops, making them costly and inefficient in limiting shift lever deflection, and lack a simple, robust, and economical solution for varying deflection limitations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical shifting device with a shift lever that is rotatable about two perpendicular axes, featuring a slider with multiple stages and an actuator, such as a solenoid or piezomotor, to control the slider's position and limit deflection in different directions, using a simple and robust mechanical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex rocker arm system with multiple actuators is used to deactivate shift stops, then the shift lever deflection can be limited, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shift lever control is segmented into multiple discrete shift stops (first shift stop, second shift stop, etc.) that can be independently activated or deactivated. Each shift stop represents a distinct position or range of motion that can be controlled separately, allowing the system to limit deflection in a modular fashion rather than requiring a complex continuous control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates or deactivates specific shift stops based on current operating conditions and desired shift states. The electronic control unit selectively enables or disables individual shift stops to guide the shift lever through appropriate sequences, providing adaptive control without requiring a mechanically complex actuator system.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators and rocker arms are used to control shift lever positions, then precise position control is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and economic efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a mechanically complex system of multiple actuators and rocker arms with a simpler mechanical shift stop mechanism controlled by an electronic control unit. The electronic system selectively activates or deactivates individual shift stops to achieve precise position control, substituting electronic intelligence for mechanical complexity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift stops serve multiple functions: they physically limit shift lever deflection, define discrete shift positions, and can be selectively activated or deactivated to guide the shift lever through different sequences. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators for each control function, simplifying the overall system.
3Device complexity
If a simple actuator system is used to limit shift lever deflection, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide targeted locking stages and security against failure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple shift stops that can be selectively activated to prevent the shift lever from reaching unwanted positions. By having pre-positioned mechanical stops that can be electronically activated, the system provides fail-safe protection against unintended shifts, cushioning against potential failures through redundant mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit monitors the shift lever position and the state of individual shift stops, selectively activating or deactivating stops based on detected position and operational requirements. This feedback mechanism ensures the shift lever follows the intended sequence and provides security against failure by continuously adjusting the active constraints based on real-time conditions.
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 solution allows for precise control of shift lever deflection, enabling targeted locking stages and security against failure, while maintaining a cost-effective and reliable mechanism for shifting devices.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, such as a solenoid or piezomotor, to control the slider's position
Implementation Method 2
an actuator, such as a solenoid or piezomotor, to control the slider's position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical shifting device for a vehicle includes a shift lever, a slider, and an actuator. The lever is rotatable about perpendicular axes to be able to deflect from a neutral position in anyone of different deflection directions. The lever includes a projection which extends along a first deflection direction. The slider is displaceable along a slider direction perpendicular to the first deflection direction. The slider has stages each engageable with the lever projection to limit the lever deflection in the first deflection direction. Each stage is different to limit the deflection of the lever in the first deflection direction to a different extent as a function of which stage engages the lever projection. The actuator positions the slider along the slider direction such that a selected slider stage engages the lever projection thereby allowing the lever deflection in the first deflection direction to be limited to different extent.