(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`Wolterman
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`USOO8322247B2
`
`(54) SHIFTER ASSEMBLIES FOR
`ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED MANUAL
`TRANSMISSIONS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Michael John Wolterman, Brighton, MI
`(US)
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`(73) ASSlgnee~ TOW” Mom? Engmeenng 8?
`Manufacturlng North Amerlca, IIIC-a
`Erlanger, KY (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`.
`.
`patent IS extended or adjusted under 35
`U~S~C~ 154(1)) by 679 days
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/541,870
`
`(22) Filed'
`.
`
`Aug. 14 2009
`3
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2011/0036191A1
`Feb. 17, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl-
`(2006-01)
`B60K 20/00
`(2006.01)
`FI6H 59/04
`(2006.01)
`G06F 7/00
`(2006.01)
`G06F 17/00
`(2006.01)
`G06F 19/00
`(52) US. Cl.
`......................................... 74/473.3; 701/64
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................... 701/64;
`.
`.
`74/473'ls 473”: 47.313: 4733
`See appl1eat1on file for complete searCh h1story.
`_
`References Clted
`
`(56)
`
`U’S' PATENT DOCUMENTS
`jaggaggg 1’:
`31338 $211161“ ’1“
`1
`51615422 A
`11/1992 Sunfinrgtjfla.
`5:178:042 A
`1/1993 Moroto et 31
`5,249,478 A
`10/1993 Moroto et 31.
`5,415,056 A
`5/1995 Tabata et al.
`
`3/1998 Anderson et al.
`5,722,292 A
`6/1999 Issa et al.
`5,916,292 A
`7/1999 Hirato etal.
`5,927,150 A
`3/2001 Hollingsworth et 31.
`6,199,003 B1
`10/2001 Russell
`6,295,886 B1
`10/2001 Linkenbach
`6,296,327 B1 *
`.. 303/125
`6,319,171 B1* 11/2001 Hughes et al.
`.. 477/111
`
`6,324,928 B1 *
`12/2001 Hughes ...........
`74/335
`..
`.. 477/111
`6,358,183 B1*
`3/2002 Hughes et al.
`
`.. 477/124
`6,361,473 B1*
`3/2002 Mason etal.
`4/2002 Hughes ......................... 477/124
`6,364,810 B1 *
`6,405,611 B1
`6/2002 DeJonge et 211.
`6,564,661 B2
`5/2003 DeJonge
`25:35:23 3%
`1%;2882 Evagasaka et 31'
`.
`.
`2
`ang
`6,773,369 B2
`8/2004 Altenkirch et al.
`6,835,165 B2* 12/2004 Kim .............................. 477/160
`6,892,599 B2
`5/2005 Bjorkgard
`6,948,398 B2 *
`9/2005 Dybro ...................... 74/471XY
`6,979,279 B2 *
`12/2005 Hughes et al.
`................ 477/115
`7,001,308 B2
`2/2006 Henneken et al.
`7,104,152 B2 *
`9/2006 Levin et al.
`.............. 74/471 XY
`’2
`7’107’868 B2
`9/5006 Yone
`(Cont1nued)
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Troy Chambers
`Assistant Examiner 7 Michael Gonzalez
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`A shifter assembly for use 1n COHJHIICUOII w1th an electrom-
`eally shifted manual transmission of a vehicle includes a shift
`lever, a shift knob disposed on the shift lever, a guide and at
`least one shifter taetile sensor. The Shift lever may be disposed
`in the guide and is operable to move relative to the guide. The
`guide includes a pattern of shift lever positions corresponding
`to specific gear ratios ofthe transmission ofthe vehicle. When
`the shift lever is positioned in a specific shift lever position, a
`corresponding gear ratio of the transmission may be selected.
`The at least one shifter tactile sensor may be disposed on the
`shift knob. When pressure is applied to the shift knob, the at
`least one shifter taetile sensor may output a taetile signal
`indicating that pressure is being applied to the shift knob.
`
`17 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`fa
`d 52
`
`
`
`
`
`
`50k
`
`56
`/ 54-
`\ 40
`
`1
`.
`/ 7.7774777;
`
`42’
`
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 1
`
`

`

`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`7,210,370
`7,258,649
`7,421,923
`7,584,681
`7,650,810
`2003/0172757
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`B2
`5/2007
`Giefer et al.
`B2
`8/2007
`Matsunaga et 31.
`B2
`9/2008
`Kim
`B2 *
`9/2009
`Kozaki et al.
`B2 *
`1/2010
`Levin et al.
`A1
`Yone
`9/2003
`
`..............
`..............
`
`
`..... 74/335
`
`4/471 XY
`
`2003/0188594 A1
`2004/0216549 A1
`2005/0028633 A1
`2006/0213738 A1
`2007/0204718 A1*
`
`10/2003
`11/2004
`2/2005
`9/2006
`9/2007
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Levin et al.
`Shiomi et al.
`Giefer et al.
`Moser et al.
`Strait et al.
`
`...................... 74/523
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 1 of8
`
`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`
`
`FROM
`ENG‘NE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TO DRIVE
`WHEELS
`
`
`
`F101
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 2 of8
`
`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`42,44
`
`52
`53
`
`52
`
`ENGINE ROTATIONAL SPEED
`ENGINE LOAD
`
`
`
`
`22
`
`4;
`
`14
`
`1g
`
`Illlllll‘d
`
`FIG. A
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 3 of8
`
`Us 8,322,247 B2
`
`40
`
`%
`
`
`
`50
`
`52
`
`54'0
`
`FIG. 5C
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 4 of8
`
`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`50
`
`M
`
`51
`
`56
`
`//
`
`56
`
`54\
`
`x‘ \\\
`\
`\\ \
`
`FIG. 4
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of8
`
`Us 8,322,247 B2
`
`70A
`
`
`IS THERE
`PRESSURE ON THE SHIFT KNOB
`7
`
`
`
`IS THERE
`PRESSURE ON THE CLUTCH
`PEDAL ?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OBSERVE INPUTS
`TO CONTROLLER
`
`
`PREDICT GEAR SELECTION
`BY USING OBSERVED INPUTS
`AND A LOOK—UP TABLE
`
` IS
`CLUTCH PEDAL
`DEPRESSED
`7
`
`YES
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 6 of8
`
`Us 8,322,247 B2
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO
`
`
`DISENGAGE CLUTCH
`
`
`
`CLUTCH ACTUATOR TO
`
`94
`
`
`
`96
`
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO SHIFT
`
`
`PREDICTED GEAR
`
`
`
`FORKS TO SHIFT TO
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO
`
`CLUTCH ACTUATOR TO
`
`
`
`ENGAGE CLUTCH
`
`
`
`
`98
`
`IOO
`
`STORE INPUT SIGNALS
`
`IN SHIFT HISTORY
`
`(LEARN DRIVER STYLEI
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GO BACK TO
`
`START AT 70A
`
`
`
`FIG. EBB
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 7 of8
`
`Us 8,322,247 B2
`
`170A
`
`
`
`IS THERE
`
`
`
`PRESSURE ON THE SHIFT KNOB
`?
`
`YES
`
`OBSERVE INPUTS
`
`TO CONTROLLER
`
`
`
`PREDICT GEAR SELECTION
`BY USING OBSERVED INPUTS
`
`AND A LOOK—UP TABLE
`
`
`
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2012
`
`Sheet 8 of8
`
`Us 8,322,247 B2
`
`//270
`
`272
`
`274
`
`276
`
`2'77
`
`275
`
`250
`
`OBSERVE INPUTS
`TO CONTROLLER
`
`
`
`PREDICT GEAR SHIFT BY
`USING OBSERVED INPUTS
`
`AND LOOK—UP TABLE
`
`
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO
`CLUTCH ACTUATOR TO
`DISENGAGE CLUTCH
`
`
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO
`SHIFT FORKS TO SHIFT
`
`TO PREDICTED GEAR
`
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO
`CLUTCH ACTUATOR
`
`TO ENGAGE CLUTCH
`
`
`
`STORE INPUT SIGNALS
`IN SHIFT HISTORY
`
`(LEARN DRIVER STYLE)
`
`
`
`FIG. 7
`
`OWNER EX. 2035, page 10
`
`

`

`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`1
`SHIFTER ASSEMBLIES FOR
`ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED MANUAL
`TRANSMISSIONS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is related to US. patent application
`Ser. No. 12/541,853 filed Aug. 14, 2009 and entitled “SYS-
`TEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING MANUAL
`
`10
`
`TRANSMISSIONS” and US. patent application Ser. No.
`12/541,878 filed Aug. 14, 2009 and entitled “INSTRU-
`MENTED CONTROL PEDALS FOR ELECTRONICALLY
`SHIFTED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.”
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention generally relates to components for
`use in conjunction with an electronically shifted manual
`transmission and, more specifically, to shifter assemblies for
`use in conjunction with a system for electronically shifting a
`manual transmission.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`As background, there are a number of advantages of using
`a manually-shifted transmission over an automatic transmis-
`sion in vehicles. First, manual transmissions cost less to
`manufacture than comparable automatic transmissions. Sec-
`ond, manual transmissions weigh less than automatic trans-
`missions,
`thus improving fuel economy and handling.
`Finally, even in the absence of any weight advantage, manual
`transmissions generally have better fuel economy than auto-
`matic transmissions.
`Conventional manual transmissions also have some draw-
`
`backs. For example, during the assembly of a vehicle with a
`manual transmission, the mechanical linkage between the
`shifter and the shift forks may require adjustment in order to
`compensate for component and/or manufacturing variations.
`In addition, the mechanical linkage between the clutch pedal
`and the clutch may also require adjustment for the same
`reason. These adjustments ensure that both the shifter and the
`clutch pedal will operate properly when the vehicle is subse-
`quently delivered to the customer. The adjustments to the
`mechanical linkages during manufacturing may be costly in
`terms of both labor and the time required to make the adjust-
`ment.
`
`Accordingly, a need exists for alternative control compo-
`nents which may be used in conjunction with an electroni-
`cally shifted manual transmission.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In one embodiment, a shifter assembly for use in conjunc-
`tion with an electronically shifted manual transmission of a
`vehicle includes a shift lever, a shift knob disposed on the shift
`lever, a guide and at least one shifter tactile sensor. The shift
`lever may be disposed in the guide and is operable to move
`relative to the guide. The guide includes a pattern of shift lever
`positions corresponding to specific gear ratios of the trans-
`mission of the vehicle. When the shift lever is positioned in a
`specific shift lever position, a corresponding gear ratio of the
`transmission may be selected. The at least one shifter tactile
`sensor may be disposed on the shift knob. When pressure is
`applied to the shift knob, the at least one shifter tactile sensor
`may output a tactile signal indicating that pressure is being
`applied to the shift knob.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`
`In another embodiment, a shifter assembly for use in con-
`junction with an electronically shifted manual transmission
`of a vehicle includes a shift lever, a shift knob disposed on the
`shift lever, a guide, at least one shifter tactile sensor and at
`least one gear selection sensor. The shift lever may be dis-
`posed in the guide and is operable to move relative to the
`guide. The guide may include a pattern of shift lever positions
`corresponding to specific gear ratios of the transmission of
`the vehicle such that, when the shift lever is positioned in a
`specific shift lever position, a corresponding gear ratio of the
`transmission may be selected. The at least one shifter tactile
`sensor may be disposed on the shift knob such that, when
`pressure is applied to the shift knob, the at least one shifter
`tactile sensor outputs a tactile signal indicating that pressure
`is being applied to the shift knob. The at least one gear
`selection sensor may be operable to detect a position of the
`shift lever in the guide and output a gear selection signal
`corresponding to the position of the shift lever in the guide
`and the selected gear ratio.
`In yet another embodiment, a vehicle having an electroni-
`cally shifted manual transmission includes a shifter assembly,
`the shifter assembly having a shift lever, a shift knob disposed
`on the shift lever, a guide, a shifter tactile sensor, a gear
`selection sensor and a controller. The shift lever may be
`disposed in the guide and is operable to move relative to the
`guide. The guide may include a pattern of shift lever positions
`corresponding to specific gear ratios of the transmission of
`the vehicle such that, when the shift lever is positioned in a
`specific shift lever position, a corresponding gear ratio of the
`transmission is selected. The at least one shifter tactile sensor
`
`may be disposed on the shift knob such that, when pressure is
`applied to the shift knob, the at least one shifter tactile sensor
`outputs a tactile signal
`indicating that pressure is being
`applied to the shift knob. The at least one gear selection sensor
`may be operable to detect a position of the shift lever in the
`guide and output a gear selection signal corresponding to the
`position of the shift lever in the guide and the selected gear
`ratio. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the
`at least one shifter tactile sensor and the at least one gear
`selection sensor. The controller may be operable to receive
`the tactile signal from the pressure sensor, receive the gear
`selection signal from the gear selection sensor and, based on
`the received tactile signal and the received gear selection
`signal, determine a status of various systems of the vehicle
`and output a shift command signal to at least one shift fork
`actuator mechanically coupled to a shift fork of the electroni-
`cally shifted manual transmission, wherein the shift com-
`mand signal is based on the gear selection signal.
`These and additional features provided by the embodi-
`ments of the present invention will be more fully understood
`in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction
`with the drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
`and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the inven-
`tions defined by the claims. The following detailed descrip-
`tion of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when
`
`read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like
`structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in
`which:
`
`FIG. 1 depicts a simplified view of a manual transmission
`according to one or more embodiments shown and described
`herein;
`
`OWNER Ex. 2035, page 11
`
`

`

`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`3
`FIG. 2 schematically depicts a controller for a manual
`transmission according to one or more embodiments shown
`and described herein;
`FIGS. 3A—3C depict a shifter assembly comprising a shift
`lever, a shift knob, a shift guide, and a shifter tactile sensor
`according to one or more embodiments shown and described
`herein;
`FIG. 4 depicts a control pedal for a vehicle according to one
`or more embodiments shown and described herein;
`FIGS. SA-SB depicts flowcharts of a method used to con-
`trol a manual transmission according to one or more embodi-
`ments shown and described herein;
`FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of another method used to con-
`trol a manual transmission according to one or more embodi-
`ments shown and described herein; and
`FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of another method used to con-
`trol a manual transmission according to one or more embodi-
`ments shown and described herein.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 3A generally depicts an embodiment of shifter assem-
`bly for use in conjunction with a system for electronically
`shifting a manual transmission. The shifter assembly may
`generally comprise a shift lever disposed in a shift guide. The
`shift lever may comprise a shift knob having shifter tactile
`sensor operatively coupled thereto. The shifter assembly may
`also comprise a shift lever position sensor operable to sense a
`position and direction of motion of the shift lever in the shift
`guide. The components of the shift lever assembly as well as
`the operation of the shift lever assembly in conjunction with
`a system for electronically shifting a manual transmission
`will be discussed in more detail herein.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Referring now to FIG. 2, the general interconnectivity of
`various components of a system for electronically shifting a
`manual transmission is illustrated with arrows. It should be
`
`35
`
`understoodthat the arrows are also indicative of signals which
`are passed between the various components of the system.
`Further, it should be understood that the phrase “sensor sig-
`nal,” as used herein, is defined as any electrical, electronic, or
`wireless signal that is sent by any sensor or device to the
`controller, including but not limited to the gear selection
`sensor signal, the tactile sensor signal, the clutch pedal posi-
`tion sensor signal, the clutch pedal pressure sensor signal, the
`engine rotational speed signal, the engine load signal, the
`vehicle speed signal, the brake pedal position signal, and the
`throttle position signal. The phrase “command signal,” as
`used herein, is defined as any electrical, electronic, or wire-
`less signal that is sent by the controller to an actuator, includ-
`ing but not limited to the shift fork actuator and the clutch
`actuator. Further, it should be understood that the term “gear”
`may be used interchangeably with “gear ratio”; for example,
`“lst gear” is the equivalent of “the first gear ratio.” In addi-
`tion, the term “shift” is defined as changing from one gear
`ratio to another gear ratio; thus, when the operator shifts gears
`from 1st gear to 2nd gear, this is the equivalent ofthe operator
`directing the control system of the manual transmission to
`move from the first gear ratio to the second gear ratio. Fur-
`thermore, the phrase “gear shift” also refers to the act of
`moving the manual transmission from one gear ratio to
`another gear ratio.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a manual transmission 10 for a vehicle
`may comprise a clutch 12, shift forks 16, and a plurality of
`gear ratios 20 disposed in a transmission housing 11. The
`manual
`transmission 10 may be positioned between the
`engine and the drive wheels and may allow the operator to
`control the movement of the vehicle by permitting the opera-
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`
`tor to select an appropriate gear ratio for a given speed and
`load of the vehicle. The clutch 12 allows the output shaft of
`the engine to be disengaged from the manual transmission
`while the operator is changing gears or while the vehicle is
`stopped. The disengagement of the clutch 12 during gear
`changes may be necessary to allow the selected gear ratio to
`be properly synchronized to the drive wheels, thus permitting
`smooth operation of the transmission.
`In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the clutch 12 may
`be a “dry clutch,” which may comprise two discs. One of the
`discs may be mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the
`engine, while the other disc may be mechanically coupled to
`the plurality of gear ratios 20. When the clutch 12 is engaged,
`the two discs may be forced together by a spring or other bias
`means such that the two discs become mechanically coupled
`to one another due to the friction between them. Conversely,
`when the clutch 12 is disengaged, the two discs are separated
`such that there is no mechanical coupling between them.
`While the clutch 12 is described as a “dry clutch,” it is con-
`templated that other types of clutches may be used in con-
`junction with the system for automatically shifting a manual
`transmission described herein, including, without limitation,
`dual clutches and the like. Further, it is also contemplated that
`the clutch 12 may be partially engaged or disengaged, such
`that the two discs are in contact but rotating at different
`speeds.
`The shift forks 16 may be selectively coupled to the gear
`ratios disposed in the transmission housing 11 such that an
`operator of the vehicle may select a gear ratio for the manual
`transmission 10. In one embodiment, the shift forks 16 may
`be used to select one of five forward gear ratios or a reverse
`gear ratio. Other embodiments may have more or less forward
`gear ratios. Furthermore, although the embodiment described
`herein only depicts three shift forks 16, it should be under-
`stood that any number of shift forks (including one) are con-
`templated. As an illustrative example, a manual transmission
`with three forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio may
`comprise only two shift forks. It should also be understood
`that other types and configurations of shift forks and mecha-
`nisms for shifting gears may be used in conjunction with the
`system for electronically shifting a manual
`transmission
`described herein.
`
`The plurality of gear ratios 20 permits an operator of the
`vehicle to select an appropriate gear ratio for a given speed
`and load of the vehicle. As previously discussed, in one
`embodiment there may be five or more forward gear ratios
`and one reverse gear ratio. A low gear ratio (for example, lst
`gear) may allow a high engine speed relative to the speed of
`the vehicle, thus permitting the operator to begin moving the
`vehicle from a complete stop or climbing a steep hill. Higher
`gear ratios may result in a lower engine speed relative to the
`speed ofthe vehicle. The reverse gear ratio permits the opera-
`tor to move the vehicle in the reverse direction.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the system for controlling a
`manual transmission of a vehicle comprises a shifter assem-
`bly 30, at least one shift fork actuator 18 mechanically
`coupled to the to the shift forks 16, an instrumented control
`pedal 50, (such as an instrumented clutch pedal), a clutch
`actuator 14 mechanically coupled to the clutch 12, and a
`controller 22.
`
`As depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C, the shifter assembly 30 may
`comprises a shift lever 34, a gear selection sensor, a tactile
`sensor 32 and a guide 40. The shift lever 34 may be disposed
`in the guide 40 such that the operator may move the shift lever
`34 in a particular pattern, such as the double “H” pattern
`depicted in FIG. 3B, or another pattern suitable for shifting
`the gears of the vehicle. The guide 40 may generally define a
`
`OWNER Ex. 2035, page 12
`
`

`

`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`5
`specific position for the shift lever such that, when the shift
`lever is located in that position, a specific gear ratio is
`selected. As an illustrative example, the guide 40 may have a
`specific position for each of the gear ratios of the transmis-
`sion. In the embodiment shown, the guide 40 comprises six
`positions: one for each of the five forward gears (labeled “1 ,”
`“2,” “3,”, “4,” and “5”) and the reverse gear ratio (labeled
`“R”). The operator may move the shift lever 34 to one ofthese
`specific positions in order to select that particular gear ratio. If
`the shift lever is moved to the center of the “H” pattern, no
`gear ratio is selected (i.e., the transmission is placed in “neu-
`tral”). In other embodiments, the guide 40 may assume other
`geometries or configurations with the same or similar func-
`tionality.
`As noted herein, the shifter assembly 30 may comprise a
`gear selection sensor which may be disposed in the guide 40
`and used to determine the position ofthe shift lever 34 relative
`to the guide 40 and, therefore, the gear ratio selected by an
`operator of the vehicle. The gear selection sensor may com-
`prise linear position sensors, such as magnetostrictive sen-
`sors, LVDTs and the like, inductive displacement sensors,
`optical sensors and/or any sensor(s) operable to determine the
`relative displacement of two objects.
`I11 one embodiment, the gear selection sensor may be a
`resistive sensor comprising a ring 42 and a plurality of sens-
`ing strips 44A-44G, as depicted in FIG. 3C. In this embodi-
`ment, the ring 42 may be disposed on the shift lever 34 while
`the sensing strips 44A-44G may be disposed at various loca-
`tions along the guide 40. As the ring 42 is moved through the
`guide 40, the ring may be in electrical communication with
`the sensing strips 44A-44G on the shift lever guide 40 such
`that the gear selection sensor produces a voltage output which
`is dependent on the position of the shift lever 34 in the guide
`40. More specifically, as the shift lever 34 is moved in the
`guide 40, the ring 42 is in electrical communication with the
`sensing strips 44A-44G at different locations, thereby pro-
`ducing a different output voltage level depending on the loca-
`tion of the shift lever 34 in the guide 40. For example, when
`the shift lever 34 is placed near the 1st gear position, the gear
`selection sensor may output approximately 1 volt. When the
`shift lever 34 is moved to the 2"“ gear position, the output of
`the gear selection sensor may increase from about 1 volt to
`about 2 volts. Similarly, when the shifter is moved from 2"“
`gear to third gear, the output of sensor strip 44B may increase
`from 2 volts to 3 volts while the output of sensor strip 44C
`may increase from 3 volts to 3.5 volts. Table 1, shown below,
`contains examples ofthe output ofthe gear selection sensor as
`the shift lever traverses along the various sensor strips dis-
`posed in the guide 40. Accordingly, by monitoring the output
`of the gear selection sensor, the position of the shift lever 34
`in the shift guide 40 may be determined. Further, by moni-
`toring the change in the output of the gear selection sensor
`over time, the direction of motion of the shift lever 34 in the
`guide 40 may also be determined as well as the speed at which
`the shift lever 34 traverses through the guide 40. The control-
`ler 22 may use the output signal from the gear selection sensor
`in conjunction with an AI algorithm in order to determine the
`driving style of the operator of the vehicle.
`
`TABLE 1
`
`Gear Selection Sensor Output
`
`Sensor Strip ID
`44A
`44B
`44C
`44D
`
`Change in Gear Selection
`Sensor Output (volts)
`1 v to 2 v
`2 v to 3 v
`3 v to 3.5 v
`3.5 v to 4 v
`
`Gear shift
`15’ to 2*“?2”d to 15’
`2"d to 3*(1/3rd to 2"d
`2"d to 3*(1/3rd to 4”“
`3'4 to 4W4“ to 5th
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`TABLE l-continued
`
`Gear Selection Sensor Output
`
`Sensor Strip ID
`44E
`44F
`44G
`
`Change in Gear Selection
`Sensor Output (volts)
`4 v to 5 v
`5 v to 5.5 v
`5.5 V to 5.6 V
`
`Gear shift
`4”“ to 5’h/5’h to 4”“
`4’1 to 5’h/5’h to 4th
`in to reverse
`
`While FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the gear selection sensor as
`comprising a ring used in conjunction with a plurality of
`sensing strips, it shouldbe understoodthat any suitable sensor
`or combination of sensors may be used to determine the
`position of the shift lever relative to the guide.
`Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3C, the shifter assembly 30
`may also comprise a shifter tactile sensor 32 operable to
`determine when pressure is applied to the shifter assembly 30,
`such as when an operator ofthe vehicle contacts the shift knob
`31 in preparing to make a shift. In the embodiments shown in
`FIGS. 3A and 3C, the shifter tactile sensor 32 is disposed on
`the shift knob 31. The shifter tactile sensormay be operable to
`determine when pressure is applied to the shift knob 31 by
`outputting a signal to the controller 22 when pressure is
`applied to the shift knob 31. The output signal may be gen-
`erally indicative ofpressure applied to the shift knob 31, such
`as a binary signal (e.g., one value, such as +1 volts may be
`indicative ofan applied pressure while a second value, such as
`0 volts may be indicative of no pressure being applied to the
`shift knob 31). Alternatively, the output signal may be pro-
`portional to the amount of pressure applied to the shift knob
`31.
`In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the shifter
`tactile sensor 32 may be a flexible web or matrix of sensors
`which are disposed over the shift knob 31, which, in tum, is
`disposed on the shift lever 34. For example, the shifter tactile
`sensor 32 may be a Pressure Management System flexible
`tactile sensor manufactured by Tekscan, Inc. or a similar
`flexible web or matrix of pressure sensors. In one embodi-
`ment, the shifter tactile sensor 32 is disposed between the
`shift knob 31 and a flexible covering (not shown) which
`covers the shift knob. In another embodiment, the shifter
`tactile sensor 32 may be disposed directly on the surface of
`the shift knob 31 such as when the shifter tactile sensor 32 is
`formed with the shift knob 31 or otherwise attached to the
`
`surface of the shift knob 31. Alternatively or additionally, the
`tactile sensor(s) may be disposed on the shift lever 34 such as
`in embodiments (not shown) where the shift lever does not
`comprise a separate shift knob.
`As noted herein, the shifter tactile sensor 32 may be oper-
`able to detect the pressure of the operator’s hand on the shift
`knob 31. In one embodiment, the output signal from the
`shifter tactile sensor (e. g., the tactile signal) is indicative of a
`pressure applied to the shift knob, as described herein. In
`another embodiment, the shifter tactile sensor 32 may be able
`to discern the amount of pressure exerted by the operator’s
`hand and output a signal proportional to the applied pressure,
`as described herein. The shifter tactile sensor 32 may be
`operable to send the tactile signal to the controller 22.
`While embodiments shown and described herein depict the
`shifter tactile sensor 32 as being located on the shift lever 34,
`specifically the shift knob 31 of the shift lever 34, it should be
`understood that the shifter tactile sensor 32 may be positioned
`in other locations on the shift lever 34 to effectuate sensing a
`pressure applied to the shift lever. For example, in an altema-
`tive embodiment (not shown) the shifter tactile sensor may be
`disposed at the base of the shift lever such that any force or
`
`OWNER Ex. 2035, page 13
`
`

`

`US 8,322,247 B2
`
`7
`pressure applied to the top of the shift lever is communicated
`along the shift lever to the shifter tactile sensor.
`Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system for electroni-
`cally shifting a manual transmission may also comprise one
`or more shift fork actuators 18 which are operatively coupled
`to the controller 22. The shift fork actuators 18 may be actu-
`ated by the controller 22. More specifically, the shift fork
`actuators may be operable to receive a shift command from
`the controller 22 and, based on the received shift command,
`shift the manual transmission 10 to the desired gear ratio
`indicated by the shift command by causing the shift fork to
`move in a specified direction and thereby engage or disengage
`a specific gear ratio. The shift fork actuator may comprise
`electromechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, or any other
`suitable actuator or mechanism now known or subsequently
`developed. In the embodiment described herein, the shift fork
`actuators 18 comprise electromechanical actuators, such as
`solenoids or servo motors, which are operable to receive a
`shift command signal from the controller 22. The shift fork
`actuators 18 may be operable to place the shift forks in a
`plurality of positions, each position corresponding to a spe-
`cific gear ratio. As an illustrative example, the shift fork
`actuator 18 may be operable to place the shift forks in one of
`six possible configurations, one for each of the five forward
`gears and one for the reverse gear. Furthermore, it is contem-
`plated that one or more shift fork actuators may be used,
`depending on the design of the manual transmission and the
`number of gear ratios contained therein. For transmissions
`with multiple shift forks and shift fork actuators, the control-
`ler 22 may send a unique shift command to each shift fork
`actuator in order to properly select the desired gear ratio.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, the system for electronically
`shifting a manual transmission of a vehicle may further com-
`prise one or more instrumented control pedals 50 which allow
`an operator to control one or more aspects of the operation of
`the vehicle and provide one or more inputs to the controller
`22. For example, the control pedal 50 may comprise a clutch
`pedal which may be used by the operator to actuate the clutch
`thereby disengaging or engaging the engine of the vehicle
`with the transmission of the vehicle. Similarly, the control
`pedal 50 may comprise a brake pedal which may be used by
`the operator to actuate the brakes of the vehicle.
`Generally, the control pedal 50 may comprise a lever por-
`tion 51 extending between a first end and a second end. A
`pedal portion 54 may be disposed at the first end of the lever
`portion 51 while a pivot 53 is disposed proximate the second
`end of the lever portion 51. The pivot 53 permits the control
`pedal 50 to be pivotally attached to a mounting structure (not
`shown) ofthe vehicle (not shown) such that, when an operator
`of the vehicle applies pressure to the pedal portion 54 (e.g.,
`when an operator depresses the control pedal 50 by stepping
`on the pedal portion 54), the control pedal 50 rotates about the
`pivot 53 as generally indicated by arrows 56.
`The pedal portion 54 may comprise a pedal pressure sensor
`52 disposed on the pedal portion 54. The pedal pressure
`sensor 52 may comprise a pressure sensor, such as, for
`example, a piezo-electric pressure transducer or similar sen-
`sor, such as a mechanical limit switch or the like, which is
`operable to output a signal indicative of an applied pressure.
`In one embodiment, the pedal pressure sensor 52 may com-
`prise a web or matrix of pressure sensors, such, as for
`example, a Pressure Management System flexible tactile sen-
`sor manufactured by Tekscan, Inc. or a similar flexible web or
`matrix of pressure sensors. In one embodiment, the pedal
`pressure sensor 52 may be disposed directly on the surface of
`the pedal portion 54. In this embodiment, a pedal pad (not
`shown), such as rubber cover or the like, may also be disposed
`
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`20
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`8
`over the surface of the pedal portion 54 such that the pedal
`pressure sensor 52 is disposed between the pedal portion and
`the pedal pad. In another embodiment, when the pedal portion
`54 comprises a pedal pad, the pedal pressure sensor may be
`disposed on the surface of the pedal pad.
`The output signal of the pedal pressure sensor 52 may be
`generally indicative of pressure applied to the pedal portion
`54. For example, in one embodiment, the output signal of the
`pedal pressure sensor 52 may comprise a binary signal (e.g.,
`one value, such as a +1 volts, may be indicative of an applied
`pressure while a second value, such as 0 volts, may be indica-
`tive of no pressure being applied to the pedal pressure sensor
`52). Alternatively, the output signal may be proportional to
`the amount of pressure applied to pedal pressure sensor.
`In one embodiment, the pedal pressure sensor 52 may be
`operable to detect when an operator of the vehicle positions
`his o