Variable Null Position Shifting Apparatus for Vehicle Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle shifting apparatuses lack the ability to return the shift lever to a null position, limiting the driver's ability to intuitively shift gears and requiring automatic gear shifting without driver input.
Innovation Solution
A shifting apparatus with a variable null position that allows the shift lever to be returned to a neutral position based on the number of gear positions shifted, using a transmission adjuster and controller to set the null position away from the current gear position by one position less than the shift amount, enabling intuitive gear shifting and multiple position shifts at once.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional shifting apparatus with a fixed null position is used, then the transmission can shift gears automatically, but the shift lever cannot be returned to the null position, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the null position variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the null position based on the current gear position, allowing the shift lever to be returned to an appropriate null position after gear shifts. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of operation (lever return) while managing device complexity through software control rather than additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the null position parameter based on the current gear position. The controller changes the null position parameter dynamically, allowing the shift lever to return to different null positions depending on which gear is currently selected. This enables intuitive gear-shifting operations while avoiding the need for complex mechanical return mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If only one fixed null position is provided, then the shifting apparatus structure is simple, but the driver cannot intuitively perform gear-shifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the null position dynamic by allowing it to vary based on the current gear position. This enables the driver to intuitively perform gear-shifting operations as the null position adapts to the current state, while the underlying system remains relatively simple through software-based control rather than multiple physical null position mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using a single null position mechanism that serves multiple functions - it can return the shift lever to different effective null positions depending on the current gear state. This multi-functional approach provides intuitive gear-shifting operations without requiring separate mechanisms for each gear position.
3Extent of automation
If the shift lever cannot be returned to the null position, then automatic gear shifting is simplified, but driver control over transmission shifting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the controller monitor the current gear position and use this information to determine the appropriate null position for returning the shift lever. This feedback mechanism enables both automatic gear-shifting capability and driver control, as the system automatically manages the lever return based on real-time transmission state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the shift lever to automatically return to the appropriate null position based on the current gear state. The system serves itself by using its own gear position information to control the lever return, combining automatic gear-shifting capability with driver-initiated control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A shifting apparatus and method for a vehicle is provided and the apparatus includes a transmission adjuster that shifts a gear position of an automatic transmission. In addition, a controller is configured to operate the transmission adjuster to shift the gear position of the automatic transmission to a neutral null position and the null position varies based on the gear position.