Shifter Force-Travel Profile Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack accurate measurement methods to determine the force-travel profile of shifters in vehicles, which affects the quality of the shifting experience and hinders the development of improved shifter designs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a shifter fixture, a multi-dimensional force sensor, a rigid linkage, universal joint, travel measurement rod, and transducers, along with a data acquisition device, that measures and processes the forces applied to the shifter to generate a force-travel curve, correlating forces with shifter movement and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-dimensional force sensor, rigid linkage, universal joint, and transducers are used to measure force-travel profile, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into separate functional modules: a multi-dimensional force sensor for force measurement, a rigid linkage for mechanical coupling, a universal joint for motion accommodation, and transducers for position sensing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A rigid linkage serves as an intermediary mechanical element that couples the shifter fixture to the force sensor, transmitting forces accurately while accommodating spatial constraints. The universal joint acts as another intermediary that allows angular misalignment between components without compromising measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If accurate force-travel measurements are implemented, then shifter feel quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to evaluate multiple shifter characteristics (force, travel, feel quality) using a single integrated apparatus. The force sensor can measure forces in multiple dimensions, and the system can accommodate different shifter types through the universal joint and rigid linkage configuration, reducing the need for multiple specialized measurement devices.
3Reliability
If a rigid linkage and universal joint are used to connect the force sensor, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to create a flexible connection that maintains force measurement accuracy, the invention uses a rigid linkage that directly transmits forces, inverting the conventional approach of using flexible couplings. The rigidity ensures reliable force transmission while the universal joint compensates for alignment variations.
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
This system provides accurate measurements of force-travel data, enhancing the shifter's feel and enabling the engineering of improved shifter designs that better meet driver expectations across various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-dimensional force sensor (force sensor) that operates to sense forces sustained on the shifter fixture mounted to the shifter
Implementation Method 2
at least two transducers, a first transducer and a second transducer each mechanically mounted onto the travel measurement rod to determine position of a reference point associated with the travel measurement rod
Data Source
AI summary
Generally provided is a system and method that determines a force-travel profile of a shifter in a vehicle having a shifter having an associated shifter shaft for a transmission. The feel of the shifter to a user of the shifter may be improved by using present system. Additionally, accurate measurements for determining shifter forces applied to a shifter and corresponding position of the shifter are performed. In operation, the system correlates the forces applied to the shifter and associated movement of the shifter to determine an associated feel of the shifter. The system operates to equate the forces correlating to the shifter and movement of the shifter to calibrate a feel of the shifter for a user applying the force to the shifter to actuate the shifter.