Shifter Shaft Retaining Device Segmented Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices for manual transmissions face challenges in manufacturing due to complex surface structures with small radii and narrow transitions, limiting design flexibility and making it difficult to detect switching positions accurately.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two radially offset partial switching contours with spring-loaded latching elements, allowing for easier production and improved detectability of switching states, with one contour suitable for neutral and the other for gear engaged positions, enabling superimposed switching force curves for enhanced switching comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single M contour with a spring-loaded locking element is used to cover both neutral and engaged gear locking functions, then the locking device structure is simplified, but the surface structure becomes complex with small radii and narrow transitions, limiting design flexibility and manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single M contour into two separate partial switching contours (first and second), each with its own latching element. This segmentation allows each contour to have simpler, more manufacturable surface structures while collectively achieving the dual locking functions. The first partial switching contour handles neutral position locking and the second handles engaged gear locking, eliminating the need for complex small-radius transitions in a single contour.
2Device complexity
If a single M contour is used for both locking functions, then the device structure is simpler, but the switching force gradient is limited and switching comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking function into two separate contours with independent latching elements, each contour can be optimized for its specific switching task. This allows for better control over the switching force gradients in each contour, improving overall switching comfort while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spring elements connected to each latching element that can be independently adjusted. This dynamic adjustment capability allows optimization of the switching force characteristics for each partial contour, enabling better switching comfort without increasing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single M contour is used, then the locking device has fewer components, but switching position detection is difficult due to lack of clear coding
Solution Approach 1:
The division into two separate partial switching contours creates distinct, clearly defined switching positions that are easier to detect. Each contour can be designed with specific geometric features that provide clear coding for position detection, eliminating the ambiguity present in a single complex M contour while not significantly increasing component count.
4Ease of manufacture
If two partial switching contours with two latching elements are used, then manufacturing is easier and detectability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two partial switching contours and their latching elements into a single integrated locking device structure. This merging approach distributes the complexity across two simpler, more manufacturable contours while maintaining the overall compactness and functional integration of the locking device, thus not significantly increasing overall device complexity despite the segmentation benefits.
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 design simplifies manufacturing, enhances detectability of switching states, and achieves more favorable switching force and torque curves, while allowing for a gear-independent reset function, improving overall switching comfort and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The locking elements are preferably subjected to spring force by a spring element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining device, particularly for a shifter shaft (5) of a manual transmission, having a shifting contour (1, 2) and a latching element (3), wherein the shifting contour is associated with a second latching element (4).