Vehicle Shifter Assembly Integrating Display and Control Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shifter assemblies in vehicles are limited to displaying only the position of the transmission and lack the capability to display additional vehicle or accessory information, and do not provide buttons for actuating various systems.
Innovation Solution
A shifter assembly with a shift lever connected to the vehicle and transmission, featuring a display on the shift lever to indicate transmission and vehicle data, and including buttons for operating accessories and actuating vehicle systems, such as the ignition and transmission modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional shifter assembly displays only transmission position, then the device structure remains simple, but the information display capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter assembly is transformed into a multi-functional device by integrating a display unit and control buttons into the shift lever housing. The display unit shows transmission position, vehicle speed, fuel economy, and diagnostic information, while buttons enable control of audio systems, phone functions, and other vehicle accessories, making the shifter a universal control hub that consolidates multiple functions into one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate control elements (transmission shifter, display unit, control buttons) into a single integrated assembly. The display unit and buttons are positioned on the shift lever housing, creating a consolidated control interface that reduces the number of separate controls the driver must locate and operate.
2Ease of operation
If multiple controls are distributed throughout the vehicle, then each control can be specialized, but the user interaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter assembly serves as a universal control hub that consolidates multiple vehicle control functions into one location. The display unit and control buttons enable access to audio systems, phone functions, transmission control, and diagnostic information without requiring the driver to search for separate controls throughout the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
Previously distributed controls are merged into the shifter assembly, creating a centralized control interface. The control buttons and display are integrated into the shift lever housing, allowing the driver to access multiple vehicle functions from a single, familiar location rather than searching for separate controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shifter includes display and buttons, then the control capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit where the display unit and control buttons are integrated into the shift lever housing. This universal design allows the same assembly to provide transmission control, information display, and accessory control functions, maximizing adaptability while using a unified manufacturing approach for the integrated housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit and control buttons are merged into the shift lever housing as an integrated assembly. This consolidation allows for streamlined manufacturing where the housing serves multiple purposes (structural support, mounting for display, mounting for buttons) rather than requiring separate manufacturing processes for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A shifter assembly for a vehicle that includes a shift lever connected to a shifter and in communication with the vehicle and a transmission. A display is positioned on the shift lever indicating data of the vehicle or transmission. A start button is positioned on the shift lever and is linked with an ignition of the vehicle.