Shift-by-Wire Lever Locking for Monostable Gear Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift-by-wire shifting devices for motor vehicle automatic transmissions are complex, costly, and inefficient, lacking simplicity and cost-effectiveness while failing to provide efficient operation in both automatic and manual gearshift modes.
Innovation Solution
A monostable shift-by-wire shifting device with a shift lever locking mechanism that includes a movable locking member with multiple positions for engaging, retaining, and releasing the shift lever, utilizing a motor-driven gear transmission to reduce power consumption and costs, and providing visual indication of gearshift mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex limiting apparatus with translationally movable actuating element and rotationally movable stop element is used to control shift lever movement, then the transmission can be operated in both automatic and manual gearshift modes, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex limiting apparatus from the shifting mechanism and replaces it with a simplified electronic control system. The electronic control unit receives shift signals and controls the transmission mode directly, eliminating the need for mechanical limiting apparatus with translationally movable actuating elements and rotationally movable stop elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical limiting apparatus with an electronic control system. The electronic control unit processes shift signals and controls the transmission mode through electronic signals rather than mechanical movements, substituting mechanical components with electronic ones to reduce complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electromagnets and ferromagnetic inserts are used to control the control lever in different positions, then the gearshift modes can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnet and ferromagnetic insert system with an electronic control mechanism. The electronic control unit sends signals to actuators that move the shift lever to desired positions, eliminating the need for multiple electromagnets and ferromagnetic inserts while maintaining precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it receives shift signals, determines the desired transmission mode, controls the shift lever positioning, and manages the transmission operation. This single electronic component replaces multiple specialized electromagnets, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a blocking apparatus with blocking slide and blocking pin is used to prevent shift lever movement, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blocking apparatus with an electronic control system. The electronic control unit monitors vehicle conditions and sends control signals to prevent unauthorized or unsafe shift lever movements, eliminating the need for blocking slides and blocking pins while maintaining safety functionality.
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 device allows efficient operation in both automatic and manual gearshift modes with reduced energy consumption and costs, enhancing safety by simplifying the shifting mechanism and providing clear visual feedback to the user.
Implementation Method 1
A blocking apparatus is provided having a blocking slide with at least one blocking recess, an actuator, a blocking pin guided and movable by the actuator to engage in the blocking recess, and a spring.
Implementation Method 2
A solenoid is also provided in said known devices for locking the lever in order prevent it from reaching the manual gearshift mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
The shift by wire shifting device (100) comprises a shift lever (110) operable to move from a home position (H) into a plurality of different unstable gearshift positions (R, N, D, M, M+, M-), in at least an automatic gearshift mode (A), for automatically change gear ratios, such that once a given gearshift position has been selected, the shift lever (110) tends to automatically return back to the home position (H), and a shift lever locking mechanism (200) comprising a movable locking member (210) that can be positioned at least in a first position where the shift lever (110) can be moved into a predetermined gearshift position; and a second position where the shift lever (110) is releasably retained in the predetermined gearshift position, said second position being different from the home position (H) providing a visual indication that the shift lever (110) is in the predetermined gearshift position.