Button-Type Shifter Fault Detection Using Multiple Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional button-type shifters rely on a single contact point for operation, leading to unreliable fault determination and potential vehicle operation errors due to limited sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fault determination system with multiple contact points for each shift button and a controller that monitors these points to detect errors, using a phased failure detection process to ensure accurate diagnosis and prevent vehicle operation issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single contact point is used for shift button sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of shift button operation determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact point sensing system is segmented into multiple independent contact points (at least three) distributed across different locations on the shift button. Each contact point independently detects button engagement, allowing the system to determine shift button operation through majority voting or redundant confirmation, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact points are strategically positioned at different locations on the shift button structure to detect engagement from different perspectives. This local distribution ensures that a single point of failure does not compromise the entire sensing system, enhancing operational determination reliability
2Reliability
If multiple contact points are used for shift button sensing, then the reliability of fault determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fault determination process is segmented into systematic evaluation steps: individual contact point status detection, comparison of contact states, fault condition identification, and error determination. This structured approach manages the complexity of analyzing multiple contact points while improving fault determination reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the states of all contact points and provides feedback on their operational status. By comparing expected contact states with actual sensed states, the system identifies discrepancies indicating faults, thereby improving fault determination accuracy through active feedback mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a single contact point determines shift button state, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the risk of vehicle operation errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift button operation sensing is divided into multiple independent contact points, each contributing to the overall determination of button engagement. This segmentation allows the system to cross-validate signals and identify erroneous readings, reducing vehicle operation errors while maintaining ease of button operation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary validation of contact point signals before executing shift operations. By checking the consistency and validity of contact signals in advance, the system prevents erroneous shift commands, thereby reducing vehicle operation errors while maintaining straightforward button operation
Data Source
AI summary
A fault determination system of a button-type shifter is provided. The system maximally guarantees the operation of a shift button while determining a failure of the shift button and improves reliability and fault diagnosis performance for the shift button. The system includes a base that is installed within a vehicle and includes shift buttons and contact points for each of the shift buttons. A controller receives contact signals from the contact points to thus determine a failure of the shift button when any one of the contact points is not sensed or is stuck when the shift button is engaged.