Shift-by-Wire Return-to-Park with Mechanical Detent Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle shifters lack effective mechanical feedback for the automatic return-to-park function, relying solely on electrical displays without providing tactile or visual confirmation of the transmission's park position engagement.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical return-to-park mechanism incorporating an artificial feel positioner with a screw channel and detent member, where a motor rotates the artificial feel positioner to translate the detent member and selector interface to the desired position, providing both visual and tactile feedback through a helical screw channel and continuous screw ridge, ensuring accurate positioning and engagement of the park position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a shift-by-wire mechanism operates automatically to place the transmission in park position, then the automation of the return-to-park function is improved, but mechanical feedback and tactile confirmation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an artificial feel positioner as an intermediary mechanism between the automated shift-by-wire system and the selector interface. This positioner with its screw channel and detent member provides mechanical feedback that simulates traditional shifter feel, allowing the automated system to maintain automation while restoring tactile confirmation to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the artificial feel positioner provides tactile feedback to the user during automatic park engagement. The detent member engaging with the screw channel creates audible and tactile clicks that confirm each gear position change, providing feedback that the automated system has successfully engaged the desired position.
2Device complexity
If only electrical display is used to indicate park position engagement, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of position confirmation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial feel positioner serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the simple electrical display system and the need for reliable position confirmation. It provides multiple sensory confirmations (tactile, audible) that supplement the electrical display, thereby enhancing reliability without requiring complex additional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
While not directly applying color changes, the patent employs analogous sensory changes - specifically changes in tactile resistance and audible feedback - to indicate position changes. The detent member's engagement with the screw channel produces distinct tactile and acoustic signals that reliably indicate position changes, similar to how color changes provide visual feedback.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical return-to-park mechanism with artificial feel positioner is implemented, then tactile and visual confirmation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the artificial feel positioner with the existing shift-by-wire mechanism, integrating multiple functions into a unified system. The positioner combines the screw channel, detent member, and artificial feel elements into a single integrated component that works in conjunction with the automated motor, reducing overall system complexity compared to adding separate feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial feel positioner serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tactile feedback, enables audible confirmation, maintains mechanical linkage for visual indicator operation, and works with the automated motor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 ensures reliable and intuitive mechanical feedback for the automatic return-to-park function, enhancing user experience by providing tactile and visual confirmation of the transmission's park position, while maintaining consistent gear spacing and positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of artificial feel positions are connected via a screw channel that helically extends along the artificial feel positioner
Implementation Method 2
A motor rotationally operates the artificial feel positioner to automatically operate the detent member through the screw channel
Data Source
AI summary
A selector mechanism includes a selector interface having a detent member. An artificial feel positioner defines a plurality of artificial feel positions that correspond to selectable positions of the selector interface. The plurality of artificial feel positions are connected via a screw channel that helically extends along the artificial feel positioner. A motor rotationally operates the artificial feel positioner to automatically operate the detent member through the screw channel to move the detent member and the selector interface to a desired position of the detent member and the selector interface.