Steering Wheel Gearshift Element with Integrated Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shift rockers in vehicles lack multifunctionality and ergonomic design, making them less efficient for sporty driving as they require the driver to remove their hand from the steering wheel for gear shifting and lack intuitive feedback on gear shifting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A gearshift element pivotally arranged on the steering wheel with integrated electric switch elements and optical display devices, allowing for electrically controlled gear shifting and providing additional functions like status displays, with actuation directions and forces designed to prevent unintentional gear shifts and enhance ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If gear shifting is performed using conventional shift rockers, then gear shifting function is provided, but the driver must remove hand from steering wheel reducing driving safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear shifting operationVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gear shifting function with the steering wheel by integrating shift rockers directly onto it. This merging allows the driver to shift gears without removing their hands from the steering wheel, thus maintaining driving safety while enabling easy gear operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering wheel is given multiple functions: steering control and gear shifting. By making the steering wheel universal, the driver can perform both steering and gear shifting operations without removing their hands, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and driving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional shift rockers are used, then basic gear shifting is enabled, but multifunctionality and ergonomic design are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidshift rocker design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shift rockers are designed to provide multiple functions including gear shifting, displaying gear shifting conditions through LEDs, and providing haptic feedback. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates LED indicators and haptic feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to the driver about gear shifting conditions. This feedback enhances the user experience and allows for more sophisticated functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If shift rockers are arranged on the steering wheel, then sporty driving is enabled, but unintentional gear shifts may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesporty driving performanceVSAvoidgear shifting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses LED indicators to show gear shifting conditions before the actual shifting action occurs. This preliminary visual feedback allows the driver to confirm the intended shift is appropriate, preventing unintentional gear shifts while maintaining sporty driving performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Haptic feedback mechanisms provide tactile confirmation of gear shifting actions. This feedback loop ensures the driver receives immediate sensory confirmation of their input, reducing the likelihood of unintentional shifts while preserving the responsive nature needed for sporty driving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional electric switch elements and optical display devices are integrated on the gearshift element, then multifunctionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegearshift element functionalityVSAvoidgearshift element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates electric switch elements and optical display devices into the existing shift rocker structure. By merging these additional functions into the familiar component form factor, the system achieves multifunctionality while minimizing the increase in perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gearshift element is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions: mechanical gear shifting, visual feedback display, and additional control functions through integrated switch elements. This multi-functionality approach maximizes adaptability while consolidating complexity into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9694677B2Vehicle having a gearshift element arranged on the steering wheel

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A vehicle has a transmission and a gearshift element pivotally arranged on a steering wheel of the vehicle. By actuating the gearshift element, the transmission is shiftable in an electrically controlled manner from one transmission gear to a next-higher or a next-lower transmission gear. At least one electric switch element and/or at least one optical display device is arranged on the gearshift element.