Transmission control lever with user interface
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A user interface for mounting on a motor vehicle transmission control lever, the interface comprising:
- a first plurality of switches for operating a cruise control module;
a second plurality of switches for controlling an activation level of an engine brake; and
a ratio switch for modifying a transmission ratio, wherein the first and second pluralities of switches and the ratio switch are positioned to be thumb-operable by an operator without requiring the operator to reposition a palm.
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Abstract
A user interface for mounting on a motor vehicle transmission control lever includes a first plurality of switches for operating a cruise control module, a second plurality of switches for controlling activation level of an engine brake; and a ratio switch for modifying a transmission ratio determined by position of the transmission control lever. The first and second pluralities of switches and the ratio switch are positioned to be thumb-operable without palm repositioning.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A user interface for mounting on a motor vehicle transmission control lever, the interface comprising:
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a first plurality of switches for operating a cruise control module; a second plurality of switches for controlling an activation level of an engine brake; and a ratio switch for modifying a transmission ratio, wherein the first and second pluralities of switches and the ratio switch are positioned to be thumb-operable by an operator without requiring the operator to reposition a palm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A handle for a motor vehicle transmission shift lever, the handle comprising:
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a tapered neck portion having a plurality of engine brake switches for controlling an engine brake; a generally trapezoidal portion having an arcuate top and a bottom which smoothly blends into the tapered neck portion, the trapezoidal portion including a plurality of cruise switches recessed relative to a front face of the trapezoidal portion, the plurality of cruise switches for controlling a cruise control, the trapezoidal portion also including a ratio switch for selecting a transmission ratio, the ratio switch being raised relative to the front face; and a service indicator positioned on the front face, wherein the plurality of cruise switches and the ratio switch are positioned to be thumb-operable by an operator'"'"'s hand while resting on the top of the trapezoidal portion. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A transmission control lever comprising:
a lever face having a recessed area with a plurality of cruise control switches for governing a cruise control system, a raised area with at least one auxiliary gearset switch for governing a transmission auxiliary gearset, and a tapered neck portion with a plurality of engine brake switches for governing an engine brake, each of the recessed area, the raised area, and the tapered neck portion positioned so that an operator may control each of the corresponding switches by thumb activation. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification