Vehicle Shifter Assembly with Cam and Arm Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle shifters that provide both mechanical and electronic actuation to transmissions lack a robust structure to prevent mechanical components from unexpectedly moving out of position during electronic actuation, potentially damaging the transmission, and are costly due to reliance on expensive electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A shifter assembly with a housing, shift lever, arm, and cam that allows mechanical actuation by the arm urging the cam to pivot, and prevents the cam from moving unexpectedly during electronic actuation by abutting it, ensuring the transmission is not damaged and reducing component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components are used to provide both mechanical and electronic actuation to the transmission, then the shifter can operate during power failure and cost is reduced, but the mechanical components may unexpectedly move out of position during electronic actuation, potentially damaging the transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed with a second engagement surface that abuts the cam to prevent unintended movement before it can occur. This preliminary restraining action ensures the cam remains stationary during electronic actuation, eliminating the harmful effect of unexpected mechanical component movement while preserving the ability to mechanically actuate during power failure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: in electronic actuation mode, the second engagement surface abuts the cam to prevent movement; in mechanical actuation mode, the first engagement surface allows the arm to pivot and urge the cam to rotate. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its mechanical constraints based on the active actuation mode, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful movement prevention
2Measurement precision
If expensive electronic components are used for electronic actuation, then actuation precision and control are improved, but the overall cost of the shifter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive electronic actuation components with a simpler mechanical system consisting of the arm, cam, and control cable. The arm pivots about the first axis and urges the cam to rotate about the second axis, which in turn moves the control cable to actuate the transmission. This mechanical substitution maintains adequate actuation control while significantly reducing component costs
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical components (arm, cam, control cable) are designed as simple, inexpensive elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These basic mechanical parts substitute for complex, expensive electronic actuators, achieving cost reduction while providing sufficient functionality for transmission actuation
3Force
If the cable block lever is fixed to the cable attachment bracket to create leverage, then mechanical actuation force is improved, but the structure becomes less robust and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the arm pivoting about the first axis, the cam rotating about the second axis, and the control cable transmitting force to the transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective mechanical actuation force through the coordinated action of these separated elements
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 shifter assembly provides reliable mechanical and electronic actuation to the transmission, preventing unintended movement of mechanical components and reducing the risk of transmission damage, while minimizing the need for expensive electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a cam (38) coupled to the housing and pivotable about a second axis (40) spaced from the first axis (22) between a first position and a second position for moving the control cable (12) to mechanically actuate the transmission
Implementation Method 2
The first engagement surface (52) of the arm (32) urges the cam (38) to move between the first and second positions as the shift lever (20) pivots in the first mode
Implementation Method 3
The second engagement surface (62) of the arm (32) abuts the cam (38) as the shift lever (20) pivots in the second mode such that the arm pivots about the first axis while the cam remains stationary
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A shifter assembly (10) for providing mechanical and electronic actuation to a transmission and a method of operating the same is disclosed. A shift lever (20) is pivotable about a first axis (22) in a first mode for providing mechanical actuation, and a second mode for providing electronic actuation to the transmission. An arm (32) is pivotable about the first axis (22) concurrently with the shift lever (20) in at least the first mode. The arm (32) includes a first (52) and second (62) engagement surface. The shifter assembly (10) includes a cam (38) pivotable about a second axis (40) between a first and second position. The first engagement surface (52) urges the cam (38) to move between the first and second positions as the shift lever (20) pivots in the first mode. The second engagement surface (62) abuts the cam (38) as the shift lever (20) pivots in the second mode such that the arm (32) pivots about the first axis (22) while the cam (38) remains stationary.