Shift-by-Wire Shifter Layout With Planar Translation and Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shift by wire shifter devices for vehicle transmissions are complex and costly due to the number of parts involved, necessitating a simplified configuration with reduced components to lower manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A monostable shift by wire shifter device with a selector that performs both translational and rotational movements on intersecting paths within the same plane, directly joined to a fixed part via a pivot pin, allowing for efficient gearshift control with minimal intermediate parts, and incorporating a feeling element and position sensing mechanism for user feedback and accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional shift by wire shifter devices use multiple intermediate parts and complex linkage mechanisms, then the gearshift control function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidgearshift control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single selector component that performs both translational movement along a first path and rotational movement along a second path. The selector integrates the shifting mechanism and selection function into one element, eliminating the need for separate linkage mechanisms and intermediate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full gearshift control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The selector is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform different types of movements (translational and rotational) to select different gearshift positions. This universal selector replaces multiple specialized components, reducing the overall number of parts while preserving all necessary gearshift control functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the selector performs both translational and rotational movements on intersecting paths, then the gearshift control efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegearshift control efficiencyVSAvoidposition sensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with electronic position sensing means. The sensing system electronically detects the selector's position during translational and rotational movements, eliminating the need for precise mechanical tolerances and complex mechanical sensing components, thereby maintaining high gearshift control efficiency while reducing manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The position sensing means provides real-time feedback on the selector's position during both translational and rotational movements. This feedback mechanism enables accurate detection of gearshift positions without requiring extremely tight mechanical tolerances, as the electronic sensing system can precisely detect position information and provide corresponding gearshift signals to the control unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3453925B1Shift by wire shifter device
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 FICO TRIAD
  • EP3453925B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3453925B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3453925B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The shift by wire shifter device comprises a selector (10) that is movable relative to a fixed part (20) according to a first shifting movement defined by a first shifting path (P1) and according to a second shifting movement defined by a second shifting path (P2) for selecting gearshift positions. One or both shifting paths (P1, P2) extends from different gearshift positions. The selector (10) and the fixed part (20) are directly joined by a joint member (50) such that the first shifting movement is a translational movement and the second shifting movement is a rotational movement, with said first and second shifting paths (P1, P2) lying on the same plane.