SHIFTING SYSTEM WITH TACTILE FEEDBACK

• US 20090248260A1
• Filed: 03/31/2008
• Published: 10/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: FLANAGAN, WILLIAM T.
• Granted Patent: US 8,452,498 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/51
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2061/241 Actuators providing feel or simulating a shift gate, i.e. with active force generation for providing counter forces for feed back
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2061/248 with audible signals for providing selection or shift feed back
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/24 Providing feel, e.g. to enable selection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20067 Control convertible between automatic and manual operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20085 Restriction of shift, gear selection, or gear engagement

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for a tactile feedback system. The system comprises a transmission indicator having a position, the position adapted to be adjusted by a user, a feedback device coupled to the transmission indicator, the feedback device adapted to produce a vibration in response to a feedback signal, and a control system adapted to detect the position of the transmission indicator and to transmit a feedback signal to the feedback device.

Claims

1. A shifting feedback system for use in vehicles, the system comprising:

a transmission operable in a plurality of states;

a shifting arm adapted to select one of the states of the transmission, the shifting arm configured to transmit a request signal when selecting one of the states of the transmission; and

a feedback device coupled to the shifting arm and adapted to emit a tactile feedback signal in response to the request signal, the tactile feedback signal detectable by physical contact with the shifting arm.

2. The shifting feedback system of claim 1, wherein the shifting arm comprises an electronic shifter.

3. The shifting feedback system of claim 1, wherein the tactile feedback signal comprises vibration of the shifting arm.

4. The shifting feedback system of claim 3, wherein the tactile feedback signal comprises operating the feedback device in a plurality of pulses.

5. The shifting feedback system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device further comprises an audible feedback device, the audible feedback device adapted to emit an audible signal in response to the request signal.

6. The shifting feedback system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device further comprises a visual feedback device, the visual feedback device adapted to emit a visual signal in response to the request signal.

7. The shifting feedback system of claim 6, wherein the feedback device further comprises an audible feedback device, the audible feedback device adapted to emit an audible signal in response to the request signal.

8. A method of responding to transmission shift requests comprising:

receiving a first signal conveying a request to change to a desired transmission state from a shifter;

determining whether the request to change is an invalid request;

sending a second signal to the shifter when the first signal conveys an invalid request; and

operating a tactile feedback device coupled to the shifter in response to the second signal.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of determining whether the request to change the state of the transmission is an invalid request further comprises comparing the state of the transmission and the desired transmission state.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of determining whether the request to change state of the transmission is an invalid request further comprises comparing the state of the transmission with at least one of the current speed of the vehicle, the current state of a set of brakes of the vehicle, and the current state of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein operating a tactile feedback device coupled to the transmission shifter comprises vibrating the tactile feedback device.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising generating at least one of an audible or visual signal in response to the second signal.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising changing the state of the transmission to the desired transmission state after receiving a valid request.

14. A tactile feedback system comprising:

a transmission indicator having a position, the position adapted to be adjusted by a user;

a feedback device coupled to the transmission indicator, the feedback device adapted to produce a vibration in response to a feedback signal; and

a control system adapted to detect the position of the transmission indicator and to transmit a feedback signal to the feedback device.

15. The tactile feedback system of claim 14, wherein the transmission indicator comprises an electronic shifting arm.

16. The tactile feedback system of claim 14, wherein the control system is adapted to detect the speed of the vehicle.

17. The tactile feedback system of claim 14, further comprising a transmission, the transmission operable in a plurality of states and adapted to change operable states in response to a signal from the control system.

18. The tactile feedback system of claim 17, wherein the control system is further adapted to adjust the operable state of the transmission.

19. The tactile feedback system of claim 18, wherein the control system is further adapted to alter the operable state of the transmission when the position of the transmission indicator is adjusted to indicate a valid request.

20. The tactile feedback system of claim 18, wherein the control system is adapted to not alter the operable state of the transmission when the position of the transmission indicator is adjusted to indicate and invalid request.