Shift-by-Wire Shifter Layout With Planar Rotary-Linear Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift by wire shifter devices for vehicle transmissions are complex and costly due to their multi-part configurations, which increases manufacturing expenses and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A simplified shift by wire shifter device with a monostable design featuring a selector that performs both translational and rotational movements on intersecting paths within the same plane, utilizing a pivot pin and slot mechanism, and incorporating a feeling element and locking mechanism for user feedback and control, along with a magnetic selector position sensing mechanism for precise position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing shift by wire shifter devices use multi-part configurations, then they can achieve gear shifting control, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated selector assembly that performs both translational and rotational movements. The selector is formed as one piece with the joint member, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, pins, and locking mechanisms that were previously separate parts. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to control gear shifting through combined movement paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary switch is used for selecting gearshift positions, then multiple operating conditions can be selected, but the device requires push restriction units and return units increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic selector that can perform both translational and rotational movements depending on the desired gearshift position. The selector moves translationally along a first path for certain gear selections and rotationally along a second path for other selections. This dynamic multi-directional movement eliminates the need for separate push restriction units and return units required by traditional rotary switches, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the selector is made of one-piece construction, then manufacturing is simplified, but precise position determination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary for position detection. A magnet is attached to the one-piece selector, and a magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position to determine the selector's orientation and location. This intermediary magnetic field system enables precise position detection of the integrated selector without requiring complex mechanical sensing mechanisms, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving accurate position determination.
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 results in a highly efficient, cost-effective, and simplified shifter device with reduced parts, providing accurate gear shifting control and user feedback while maintaining constructional simplicity and precise position determination.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor 90 located in the housing 20 for determining a position of the magnet 86
Data Source
AI summary
The shift by wire shifter device comprises a selector that is movable relative to a fixed part according to a first shifting movement defined by a first shifting path and according to a second shifting movement defined by a second shifting path for selecting gearshift positions. One or both shifting paths extends from different gearshift positions. The selector and the fixed part are directly joined by a joint member such that the first shifting movement is a translational movement and the second shifting movement is a rotational movement, with the first and second shifting paths lying on the same plane.