Transmission Shift Spindle Merging Automatic and Manual Gear Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal combustion engine transmission driving mechanisms require a separate mechanism for manual operation, leading to increased complexity, part count, assembly difficulties, and higher costs.

Innovation Solution

A transmission driving mechanism that uses a shift actuator to automatically change gears, with a shift spindle that protrudes from the engine case cover and features a fitting part for manual operation using a turning tool, eliminating the need for a separate manual shift mechanism, reducing parts and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate transmission driving mechanism for manual operation is provided, then manual gear shifting capability is achieved, but the number of parts increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual gear shifting capabilityVSAvoidtransmission mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the automatic and manual transmission driving mechanisms by making the shift actuator shaft serve dual purposes. The shaft is used by both the electric motor for automatic shifting and manual operation through a fitting part, eliminating the need for a separate manual driving mechanism while maintaining both functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shift actuator shaft is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it transmits rotational force from the electric motor during automatic gear shifting and simultaneously serves as a manual operation interface when a fitting part is attached. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required in the transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate transmission driving mechanism for manual operation is provided, then manual gear shifting capability is achieved, but assembly becomes troublesome and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual gear shifting capabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the manual and automatic driving mechanisms into a single integrated system where the shift actuator shaft serves both purposes. This consolidation simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of components that need to be installed and configured, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By designing the shift actuator shaft as a universal component that can accommodate both electric motor coupling and manual tool attachment, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly procedures for manual and automatic systems, streamlining the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8448740B2Transmission mechanism permitting both automatic and manual transmission gear change
Publication Date: 2013.05.28 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US8448740B2 patent drawing
  • US8448740B2 patent drawing
  • US8448740B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transmission driving mechanism of a transmission in an internal combustion engine is provided in which where a separate transmission driving mechanism for manual operation is not required in addition to an automatic transmission driving mechanism, whereby the number of parts is reduced, the structure is simple, no maintenance is required and the cost is reduced. The transmission transmits the rotation of a crankshaft to an output shaft at a modified speed, and includes a transmission driving mechanism which rotates a shift spindle using a shift actuator in order to automatically shift gears within the transmission and change the outputted speed of the engine. One end of the shift spindle extends through an engine case cover, and protrudes outside, and a turning tool is fitted onto a fitting portion formed at the protruding end of the shift spindle, whereby manual shifting of the transmission gears can also be achieved.