Automated manual transmission shifter
First Claim
1. A transmission gear shifting apparatus for the automatic operation of a manual gear shift mechanism in an automotive vehicle, the automotive vehicle having a gear shift lever with a plurality of manual shift positions, said gear shifting apparatus including:
- a lead screw assembly means coupled to the gear shift lever for actuating movement of the gear shift lever in a first direction;
a DC motor coupled to the lead screw assembly means for providing turning of the screw and thereby rapid axial movement of the lead screw assembly facilitating movement of the gear shift lever in said first direction;
a pivotal mounting for said lead screw assembly for providing movement in a second direction, said second direction being generally perpendicular to said first direction;
a solenoid means for providing a force causing movement of said lead screw assembly in said second direction;
a tachometer means coupled to said DC motor for providing a velocity feedback; and
a linear displacement transducer coupled to said lead screw assembly for providing a position feedback.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A gear shifting mechanism includes an actuator for fore-aft movement with a tachometer and a linear displacement transducer to form a velocity and position feedback actuator. The gear shifting mechanism also includes a solenoid and a pivotal mounting to provide movement of the actuator assembly in a second direction, i.e. from first-second to third-fourth gear shift positions. A second pivotal mounting allows the actuator assembly to follow the curvilinear travel of the gear shift level which is facilitated by the ball joint attachment to the gear shift lever. A spring loaded mounting bracket provides force cushioning to the said gear shift lever. The actuator assembly is mounted on a base plate with legs to straddle the vehicle'"'"'s floor hump and to secure the said base plate by mounting bolts to engage the vehicle'"'"'s seat belt anchor openings.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A transmission gear shifting apparatus for the automatic operation of a manual gear shift mechanism in an automotive vehicle, the automotive vehicle having a gear shift lever with a plurality of manual shift positions, said gear shifting apparatus including:
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a lead screw assembly means coupled to the gear shift lever for actuating movement of the gear shift lever in a first direction; a DC motor coupled to the lead screw assembly means for providing turning of the screw and thereby rapid axial movement of the lead screw assembly facilitating movement of the gear shift lever in said first direction; a pivotal mounting for said lead screw assembly for providing movement in a second direction, said second direction being generally perpendicular to said first direction; a solenoid means for providing a force causing movement of said lead screw assembly in said second direction; a tachometer means coupled to said DC motor for providing a velocity feedback; and a linear displacement transducer coupled to said lead screw assembly for providing a position feedback. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification