Transmission GUI Manual Shifting Without Extra Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for automatic vehicle transmissions that offer manual shifting modes require additional costs, weight, and installation space due to dedicated hardware, such as gear selector levers and shift paddles, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that allows manual shifting of an automatic transmission using a single gate gear selection operating element and a graphical user interface on the vehicle's screen, enabling manual gear changes without additional mechanical operating elements, and allowing the transmission to automatically switch between manual and automatic modes based on user settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated hardware operating elements (gear selector lever with multiple gates or shift paddles) are provided for manual gear changes, then manual shifting capability is enabled, but costs, weight, and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear selection operating element is designed with a single gate that serves multiple functions: it can select between different drive positions (P, R, N, D, L) and also enable manual shifting mode when in the L position. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for manual gear changes, reducing weight while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces dedicated mechanical operating elements for manual shifting with a graphical user interface displayed on a screen. The control unit processes user inputs through the GUI to execute manual gear changes, substituting mechanical components with electronic/software-based solutions to reduce weight and installation space
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated hardware operating elements (gear selector lever with multiple gates or shift paddles) are provided for manual gear changes, then manual shifting capability is enabled, but costs and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single gate gear selection operating element is designed to perform multiple functions: automatic drive position selection and manual shifting mode activation. By integrating these functions into one component, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining the capability for both automatic and manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of drive position selection and manual shifting control into a single gear selection operating element. The control unit integrates the logic for handling both automatic transmission control and manual shifting requests, consolidating what would traditionally require separate hardware components
3Weight of stationary object
If a single gate gear selection operating element is used without dedicated manual shifting hardware, then costs and weight are reduced, but manual shifting capability must be provided through alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical manual shifting controls with a graphical user interface on a screen. The control unit receives user inputs through the GUI and executes gear changes accordingly, providing an alternative control method that is lighter and more cost-effective while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual interaction
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for an automatic transmission of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a gear selection operating element which allows a user of the vehicle to set different drive positions of the transmission, but not individual gears, by actuating the gear selection operating element. The control unit is configured to determine that a drive position “L” has been set using the gear selection operating element, and in response thereto, the control unit is also configured to provide a graphical user interface on a screen of the vehicle. The user interface allows a manual gear shift of the transmission.