Shifter Assembly with Rotatable Cap and Toggle Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shifter assemblies struggle to seamlessly integrate automatic and manual modes, with mono-stable shifters lacking the dual path functionality, and existing designs often require lateral movement for gear changes.
Innovation Solution
A shifter assembly with a pivotable shift lever, a rotatable cap, and a toggle device biased by a spring, allowing for intuitive mode selection between automatic and manual transmission modes, using a sensor system to detect orientations and facilitate gear shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual path shifter assembly is used to provide both automatic and manual modes, then mode selection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for lateral movement and path switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a cap for automatic mode selection, a toggle device for manual mode engagement, and a sensor system for detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining dual mode capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the manual mode engagement function into a separate toggle device that can be independently actuated from the automatic mode cap. This separation eliminates the need for complex path switching mechanisms, as the toggle device can be engaged or disengaged independently of the cap's rotational position
2Device complexity
If a mono-stable shifter is used to simplify the mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality is worsened by lacking dual path operation for manual gear changes
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle device is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be temporarily engaged for manual mode selection and then disengaged to return to the mono-stable state. This dynamic engagement/disengagement capability enables manual gear change functionality while maintaining the simplicity of a mono-stable base mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle device serves multiple functions: it engages the manual mode when activated, provides tactile feedback for user confirmation, and can be disengaged to return to automatic mode. This multi-functionality adds manual gear change capability without requiring a completely separate mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral movement is required for path switching in dual path shifters, then automatic and manual modes can be selected, but ease of operation is worsened by requiring non-intuitive movement directions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring lateral movement for mode selection, the patent inverts the approach by using a rotational cap for automatic mode selection and a toggle device for manual mode engagement. Both actions follow natural, intuitive motion patterns that are easier to operate than lateral path switching
4Extent of automation
If a sensor system is added to detect cap orientation and facilitate gear shifts, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electronic sensors that can detect cap orientation and toggle device position. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving automation, as electronic sensors provide precise detection with simpler mechanical interfaces
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
Enables smooth transition between automatic and manual modes with tactile feedback and precise gear control, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed in the body and engages the toggle device to bias the toggle device toward a predetermined position
Implementation Method 2
a spring disposed between said rotary cam drive portion and said button portion to bias said button portion toward said rest position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A shifter assembly selects a first mode and a second mode of a transmission for a vehicle. The shifter assembly includes a housing and a shift lever movably coupled to the housing and pivotable relative to the housing. The shift lever includes a body and a cap defining an aperture and being coupled to the body. The cap is rotatable relative to the body between a first and a second orientations. The shift lever further includes a toggle device partially received by the cap in the aperture with at least a portion of the toggle device being moveably coupled to the body between a rest and a depressed positions. The shift lever further includes an element mounted to the toggle device and rotatable with the cap between the first and the second orientations. The shift lever further includes a sensor system configured to interact with the element to detect rotation of the cap between the first and the second orientations.