Non-Contact Smart Shifter With Magnetic Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shifters face challenges related to durability, weight, and ease of use, particularly in vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact smart shifter design featuring a spiral magnet and a magneto-resistive sensor within a housing, where the spiral magnet rotates without contacting the sensor, allowing for precise position detection and multiple vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based sensing mechanisms are used in shifters, then structural simplicity is maintained, but durability and reliability deteriorate due to wear and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the movable component, and a magneto-resistive sensor detects the magnet's position without physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and friction associated with mechanical contacts, thereby improving durability and reliability while maintaining functional simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the movable component and the sensor. The magnet generates a magnetic field that penetrates through the housing to reach the magneto-resistive sensor, enabling position detection without direct contact. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain structural simplicity while avoiding the reliability issues of contact-based mechanisms.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional contact-based components are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but weight increases due to additional contact mechanisms and housing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex contact-based sensing mechanisms and their associated housing structures. By using a magnet and magneto-resistive sensor that can detect position through non-contact means, the design reduces the amount of material required, particularly in the housing, thereby reducing overall weight while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential sensing function from complex mechanical contact mechanisms and implements it through a simpler magnetic field-based system. This extraction allows for a more streamlined design with reduced weight, as the magnetic components require minimal housing and structural support compared to traditional contact-based systems.
3Reliability
If non-contact magnetic sensing is implemented, then durability and weight are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with magnetic field-based sensing, which inherently provides more precise position detection. The magneto-resistive sensor can detect the magnet's position with high accuracy, and this precision can be further enhanced through calibration processes, thereby meeting the precision requirements while maintaining durability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates calibration procedures that use feedback mechanisms to adjust and optimize the sensing system's performance. During calibration, the system measures the actual magnetic field positions and adjusts the sensor readings accordingly, compensating for any manufacturing tolerances and ensuring high positioning precision despite variations in component placement.
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 design enhances durability, reduces weight, and improves reliability by minimizing contact between components, enabling accurate and configurable vehicle function control.
Implementation Method 1
a magneto-resistive sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the spiral magnet
Implementation Method 2
the three-dimensional integrated circuit is configured to determine an absolute position of the second magnet based on a flux density
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A smart shifter is provided. The smart shifter includes a spiral magnet, a magneto-resistive sensor, and an outer housing. The spiral magnet and the magneto-resistive sensor are spaced apart within the outer housing such that there is no contact between the spiral magnet and the magneto-resistive sensor. The spiral magnet is configured to rotate with the outer housing. The magneto-resistive sensor is configured to determine a rotational position of the spiral magnet. A first function of the smart shifter is determined by the rotational position of the spiral magnet.