Shifting Device with Pivotable Transmission Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching devices for automatic transmissions in motor vehicles often experience reliability issues and mechanical clumsiness, particularly when shifting gears, due to unreliable locking mechanisms and complex linear bearing systems.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a pivotably mounted transmission component and actuating lever, utilizing a spring element for centering and a locking mechanism that engages differently in two shift gates to ensure smooth and reliable operation, allowing for pivotable or linear displacement, and featuring projections and recesses for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is used to secure the transmission component in the second shift gate, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated locking element that can engage independently with the transmission component. This locking element is selectively activatable and works in conjunction with the actuating lever to provide reliable locking without requiring a completely complex new mechanism design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be selectively activatable, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked states as needed. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide reliable locking when required (in the second shift gate) while maintaining operational flexibility and avoiding unnecessary complexity in other operating modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a spring element is used for centering the transmission component, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentering smoothnessVSAvoidcentering precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element modifies the mechanical parameters of the transmission component by providing a resilient centering force. This allows the system to achieve smooth centering operation through elastic deformation and spring force, compensating for minor manufacturing tolerances and reducing the stringency of precision requirements for the housing and component interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and trouble-free switching mechanism with enhanced service life, ensuring smooth gear shifts and preventing unintended gear selection, while maintaining robustness and ease of manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

at least one centering means, in particular a spring element, in particular a spring clip, being provided which resiliently centers the transmission component between opposite walls of the switch housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

locking means (11) which, when the actuating lever (1) is in the second shift gate, blocks the transmission component (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2751448B1Shifting device
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 ECS ENGINEERED CONTROL SYST
  • EP2751448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2751448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2751448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a shifting device for a transmission of a motor vehicle, the device comprising an actuation lever (1) which can be selectively transferred into a first selector gate, more particularly an automatic selector gate, in which said lever is mechanically coupled to a transmitting component (2) for actuating a gearshift cable or a gearshift linkage, or can be transferred into a second selector gate, more particularly a sequential selector gate, in which the lever is decoupled from the transmitting component, the transmitting component being movably mounted, more particularly pivotably mounted. A locking means (11) is provided, with which the transmitting component can be immobilized such that no force is exerted on the gearshift cable or the gearshift linkage as long as the actuation lever has been transferred into the second selector gate, and releases the transmitting component by a transfer of the actuation lever into the first selector gate.