MEMBER

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates, generally, to automotive transmission systems and, more specifically, to a rotary shifter assembly for changing gears in a vehicle transmission.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Conventional automotive powertrain systems known in the art include an engine in rotational communication with a transmission. The engine generates rotational torque which is selectively translated to the transmission which, in turn, translates rotational torque to one or more wheels. The transmission multiplies the rotational speed and torque generated by the engine through a series of predetermined gear sets, whereby changing between gear sets enables a vehicle to travel at different vehicle speeds for a given engine speed. Thus, the gear sets of the transmission are configured such that the engine can operate at particularly desirable rotational speeds so as to optimize performance and efficiency.

[0003] There are a number of different types of automotive transmissions known in the art. As such, changing between gear sets can be accomplished in a number of different ways, depending on the type of transmission. For example, so-called "manual" transmission systems typically include a clutch disposed between the engine and transmission for modulating engagement therebetween, and a shifter for changing between gear sets. The clutch and shifter are both mechanically connected to the manual transmission and are driver-actuated. In operation, the driver can manipulate the clutch and shifter to move the transmission between a freewheel "neutral" configuration, a "reverse" gear, and one or more forward gears, such as "first," "second," "third," "forth," etc. Thus, the driver determines when to change between gear sets and operates the shifter and clutch "manually".

[0004] So-called "automatic" transmission systems, on the other hand, require substantially less driver input and use an electronic transmission controller that drives one or more solenoids to effect changing between forward gear sets. Solenoids are also used to modulate engagement between the engine and transmission. In conventional automatic transmission systems, modulation is achieved using a hydraulic torque converter. However, modern transmission systems may replace the torque converter with one or more electronically and/or hydraulically actuated clutches (sometimes referred to in the art as a "dual clutch" automatic transmission). In addition, conventional manual transmissions may be automated, whereby electronic actuators are used to shift between gear sets and modulate the clutch without relying exclusively on operator interaction. Irrespective of how modulation is effected, automatic transmission systems rely on the transmission controller to determine when to change between forward gear sets. Thus, the transmission controller "automatically" modulates engagement between the engine and transmission and shifts between forward gear sets.

[0005] Despite the convenience afforded by automatic transmission systems in changing between forward gear sets, driver interaction is still required to select between different vehicle operating modes, such as "park," "reverse," "neutral," "drive," and/or "sport/manual." To that end, the automatic transmission system also includes a shifter assembly in communication with the transmission and/or transmission controller.

[0006] Historically, shifter assemblies used with automatic transmissions were mechanically connected to the transmission via one or more linkages and/or cables. However, given the trend in the art of utilizing electronic actuators to control automatic transmission systems, modern shifter assemblies are increasingly designed as "drive-by-wire" so as to control the transmission electronically and without mechanical linkages and/or cables. By eliminating mechanical linkages and cables connected to the transmission, electronic shifter assemblies provide significant advantages with respect to packaging size, weight, orientation, and placement within the vehicle. Moreover, electronic shifter assemblies provide opportunities for controlling transmission systems with enhanced functionality and features.

[0007] While shifter assemblies known in the prior art have generally performed well for their intended purpose, there remains a need in the art for an improved electronic shifter assembly that strikes a substantial balance between packaging size, component cost, manufacturability, functionality, usability, and ergonomics.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

[0008] The assembly includes a shaft member defining an axis. The shaft member is movable between at least a first position and a second position along the axis. The assembly further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) defining an aperture to receive the shaft member as the shaft member moves from the first position to the second position. The assembly additionally includes at least one sensor embedded in the PCB and disposed adjacent the aperture to detect the shaft member moving between the first and second positions relative to the aperture.

[0009] One embodiment of the assembly also provides a method for operating the assembly. The method includes the steps of moving the shaft member between at least the first position and a second position along the axis, receiving the shaft member through the aperture of the PCB as the shaft member moves from the first position to the second position, and detecting the shaft member moving between the first and second positions relative to the aperture. [0010] One embodiment of a shifter assembly is provided. The shifter assembly includes a housing. The shifter assembly further includes a shaft member disposed in the housing. The shaft member defines an axis and is moveable between at least a first position and a second position along the axis. The shifter assembly additionally includes a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the housing. The PCB defines an aperture for receiving the shaft member as the shaft member moves from the first position to the second position. The shifter assembly also includes a knob supported by the housing and being movable along the axis. The shifter assembly further includes a shifter interface supported by the housing and coupled to the shaft member. The shifter interface is coupled to the knob and is moveable along the axis in response to movement of the knob. Movement of the shifter interface along the axis causes the shaft member to move between the first and second positions. The shifter assembly further includes at least one sensor embedded in the PCB and disposed adjacent the aperture. The sensor is configured to detect the shaft member moving between the first and second positions relative to the aperture. The at least one sensor is configured to produce at least one electrical signal in response to detecting movement of the shaft member with the electrical signal being utilized to actuate at least one of a shifter mode, shifter gear, and a shifter position.

[0011] The assembly overcomes the disadvantages in the related art in an assembly for utilizing an electrical signal to actuate a shifter mode, shifter gear, shifter position or other various electronically actuated automotive systems in a vehicle.

[0012] In this way, the assembly of the present invention provides improved functionality and usability in connection with automotive systems and, at the same time, reduces the cost and complexity to produce the assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a shaft member and a printed circuit board (PCB), with the PCB defining a first aperture and including a sensor, showing the shaft member in a first position.

[0015] Figure IB is a perspective view of the shaft member and the PCB, with the PCB defining the first aperture and including the sensor, showing the shaft member in a second position.

[0016] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the shaft member and the PCB, with the PCB defining the first aperture and a second aperture and including the sensor, when the shaft member is in the first position.

[0017] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the shaft member and the PCB, with the PCB defining the first aperture and the second aperture and including the sensor, when the shaft member is in the second position.

[0018] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the shaft member and the PCB, with the PCB defining the first aperture and the second aperture and including an alternative sensor, when the shaft member is in the first position.

[0019] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the shaft member and the PCB, with the PCB defining the first aperture and the second aperture and including the alternative sensor, when the shaft member is in the second position.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembly. [0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the assembly according to an alternative embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly according to the alternative embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7A is a bottom view of the assembly, with a rod in a first orientation.

[0024] Figure 7B is a bottom view of the assembly, with the rod in a second orientation.

[0025] Figure 7C is a bottom view of the assembly, with the rod in a third orientation.

[0026] Figure 7D is a bottom view of the assembly, with the rod in a fourth orientation.

[0027] Figure 7E is a bottom view of the assembly, with the rod in a fifth orientation.

[0028] Figure 8 is a section view of the assembly showing the shaft member in the first position.

[0029] Figure 9 is a section view of the assembly showing the shaft member in the second position.

[0030] Figure 10 is a section view of the assembly showing the shaft member in the first position according to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 is a section view of the assembly showing the shaft member in the second position according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12A is a front view of the shaft member.

Figure 12B is a front view of the shaft member according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the shifter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of the shifter assembly of Figure 13, showing a knob, a housing, and a detent mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an assembly 20 including a shaft member 22 being movable between at least a first position 24 and a second position 26 is generally shown in Figures 1 A and IB. Generally, the assembly 20 is used to send signals to various electronically actuated systems of a vehicle. By way of non-limiting example, the assembly 20 could be used to control transfer case assemblies, all-wheel-drive systems, differential torque biasing systems, operating modes of an automatic transmission employing one or more electrical actuators, or any other type of automotive system or sub-system, without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, while the assembly 20 is adapted for use with automotive passenger vehicles, it will be appreciated that the assembly 20 could be used in connection with any type of vehicle, such as heavy-duty trucks, trains, airplanes, ships, construction vehicles or equipment, military vehicles or any other type of vehicle that utilizes a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) including a rotary device having a push function. Although the shaft member 22 in Figures 1 A and IB is hollow, it is to be appreciated that the shaft member 22 could be solid in other embodiments.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 A and IB, the assembly 20 further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 28 defining an aperture 30 to receive the shaft member 22 as the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26. Figure 1 A shows the shaft member in the first position and Figure IB shows the shaft member in the second position. The assembly 20 additionally includes at least one sensor 32 embedded in the PCB 28 and disposed adjacent the aperture 30 to detect the shaft member 22 moving between the first 24 and second 26 positions relative to the aperture 30. The shaft member 22 defines an axis A and is movable along the axis A. [0037] One embodiment provides for a method of operating the assembly 20. The method includes the steps of moving the shaft member 22 between at least a first 24 and a second position 26 along the axis A, receiving the shaft member 22 through the aperture 30 of the PCB 28 as the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26, and detecting the shaft member 22 moving between the first 24 and second 26 positions relative to the aperture 30.

[0038] The sensor 32 may be one of a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, photoelectric sensor, and magnetoresi stive sensor. In one embodiment, magnetoresistive sensors may include anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) sensors, tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors, or the like. Such magnetoresistive sensors detect changes in electrical resistance of a material of the shaft member 22 when an external magnetic field is applied to the shaft member 22. In another example, the sensor 32 may be an inductive sensor configured with an induction loop. Inductance of the loop changes as conductive objects approach the induction loop. Changes of the inductance are captured by monitoring electrical current. In other examples, the sensor 32 may be a photoelectric sensor, infrared sensor, or the like. Such photoelectric sensors are configured to detect distance, absence, or presence of the shaft member 22 by using a light transmitter and receiver. Those skilled in the art appreciate that the sensor 32 may have configurations other than those specifically described herein.

[0039] In one embodiment shown in Figures 1A-2B, the sensor 32 is configured using vias surrounding the aperture for electrical connections.

[0040] In another embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the sensor 32 is configured using plated walls around the aperture for electrical connections. It is to be appreciated that any configuration may be used for electrical connections without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] In one embodiment, the assembly 20 may be in electrical communication with one or more electronic control units (not shown, but generally known in the art). The electronic control units may drive one or more actuators to effectuate specific automotive features. More specifically, the sensor 32 may send signals to the electronic control units to effectuate specific automotive features.

[0042] The assembly 20 may further comprise the steps of producing at least one electrical signal with the sensor 32 in response to detecting movement of the shaft member 22 with the sensor 32 and utilizing the electrical signal to actuate at least one of a shifter mode, shifter gear, and a shifter position.

[0043] In one embodiment shown in Figures 1A and IB, the shaft member 22 is substantially cylindrical. This is for exemplary purposes. It is to be appreciated that the shaft member 22 may be any size or shape without departing from the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the aperture 30 is substantially arcuate. This is for exemplary purposes. It is to be appreciated that the aperture 30 may be any size or shape without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0044] The shaft member 22 may be spaced from the aperture 30 in the first position 24 and the aperture 30 may receive the shaft member 22 in the second position 26. The assembly 20 may comprise the steps of spacing the shaft member 22 from the aperture 30 in the first position 24 and receiving the shaft member 22 in the aperture 30 in the second position 26. The PCB 28 may define a first surface 34 that faces the shaft member 22 in the first position 24. The PCB 28 may define a second surface 36 opposite the first surface 34 that faces away from the shaft member 22 in the first position 24. The PCB 28 may define a thickness between the first surface 34 and the second surface 36. The second position 26 may be further defined such that the shaft member 22 intersects both the first surface 34 and the second surface 36. The second position 26 may additionally be defined such that the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24, through both the first 34 and second surfaces 36, and extends past the second surface 36. This configuration enables a mechanical debounce feature, which may eliminate the possibility of the sensor 32 sending a flickering signal as a result of rapid successive contact between two connections or failing to detect the shaft member 22 if the aperture 30 receives the shaft member 22 between the first surface 34 and the second surface 36 of the PCB 28.

[0045] In another embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the aperture 30 may receive the shaft member 22 in both the first 24 and second 26 positions. The assembly 20 may comprise the step of receiving the shaft member 22 in the aperture 30 of the PCB 28 when in both the first 24 and second 26 positions

[0046] As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the PCB 28 may define a plane B and the shaft member 22 may be configured to move along the axis A transverse to the plane B. The shaft member 22 may be spaced from the plane B in the first position 24 and may intersect the plane B in the second position 26. The step of moving the shaft member 22 may further be defined as moving the shaft member 22 along the axis A transverse to the plane B, spacing the shaft member 22 from the plane B in the first position 24, and intersecting the plane B with the shaft member 22 in the second position 26.

[0047] In another embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the shaft member 22 may intersect the plane B in both the first 24 and second 26 positions. The assembly 20 may comprise the step of intersecting the plane B with the shaft member 22 when the shaft member 22 is in both the first 24 and second 26 positions.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2A-3B, the assembly 20 may further define the aperture 30 as a first aperture 30 and the PCB 28 may define at least a second aperture 38 to receive the shaft member 22 as the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The assembly 20 may further comprise the step of receiving the shaft member 22 in the second aperture 38 as the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The assembly 20 may further comprise the step of detecting the shaft member 22 moving between the first 24 and second 26 positions relative to the second aperture 38. The shaft member 22 may be received in the first 30 and second 38 apertures simultaneously or consecutively. The first 30 and second 38 apertures may be separated from one another. The PCB 28 may define a first continuous perimeter around the first aperture 30 and a second continuous perimeter around the second aperture 38.

[0049] In another embodiment shown in Figures 2A-3B, the sensor 32 may further be defined as a first sensor 32 and the assembly 20 may further include at least a second sensor 40 embedded in the PCB 28. The second sensor 40 may be disposed adjacent the second aperture 38 to detect the shaft member 22 moving between the first 24 and second 26 positions relative to the second aperture 38. The first 32 and second 40 sensors may allow for the assembly 20 to offer a redundancy feature. The redundancy feature allows the first 32 and second 40 sensors to send identical or distinct signals to one or more electronic control units. The redundancy feature may further restrict the electronic control units to require identical or distinct signals to effectuate a specific automotive feature. [0050] In another embodiment shown in Figures 2A-3B, the shaft member 22 may define a first end 42 and a second end 44 opposite the first end 42. The shaft member 22 may further define recesses 46 at the first end 42 to further define a first 48 and a second 50 protrusion extending along the axis A. The first aperture 30 of the PCB 28 may receive the first protrusion 48 and the second aperture 38 of the PCB 28 may receive the second protrusion 50 in the second position 26. The assembly 20 may further comprise the step of simultaneously receiving the first protrusion 48 in the first aperture 30 of the PCB 28 and receiving the second protrusion 50 in the second aperture 38 of the PCB 28 as the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 and the second position 26. The shaft member 22 may define a length 52 between the first end 42 and the second end 44. It is to be appreciated that any number of apertures may be used in combination with any number of protrusions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0051] The shaft member 22 may define grooves on a surface facing toward the axis A or away from the axis A. The grooves may be parallel with the axis A. In one example, a rotationally fixed component relative to the axis A may define a protrusion that may be received in the groove to restrict the shaft member 22 from rotating about the axis A. In another example, the PCB 28 may define a protrusion that may be received in the groove to restrict the shaft member 22 from rotating about the axis A.

[0052] As shown in Figures 12 A and 12B, the shaft member 22 may define a width 54 perpendicular to the axis A.

[0053] As illustrated in Figure 12A, the width 54 of the shaft member 22 may be uniform along the length 52 of the shaft member 22.

[0054] In another embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the width 54 of the shaft member 22 may vary along the length 52 of the shaft member 22. When the shaft member 22 is received in the aperture 30 in both the first 24 and second 26 positions, a varying width 54 along the length 52 of the shaft member 22 may allow the sensors 32,40 to detect a change in position of the shaft member 22 relative to the aperture 30 while the shaft member 22 is still received in the aperture 30. The shaft member 22 shown in Figure 12B includes four different combinations of varying width 54 along the length 52 of the shaft member 22. These combinations allow for multiple phases of detection of the shaft member 22 moving through the PCB 28. It is to be appreciated that the shaft member 22 may include any number of varying widths and combinations thereof along the length 52 of the shaft member 22 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the assembly 20 may include a rod 56 that may be slidably coupled to the shaft member 22 and disposed along the axis A. More specifically, the shaft member 22 may be configured to move along the axis A between the first 24 and second position 26 relative to the rod 56. The rod 56 may be spaced from the PCB 28 by a predetermined distance as the shaft member 22 moves between the first 24 and second 26 positions. The rod 56 may be configured to rotate about the axis A between at least a first orientation 58 and a second orientation 60 independent of the movement of the shaft member 22. The assembly 20 may comprise the step of rotating the rod 56 about the axis A between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60. Said differently, the rod 56 may be configured to rotate about the axis A and the shaft member 22 may be configured to move along the axis A and both the rod 56 and the shaft member 22 may be configured to rotate and move, respectively, independently of each other. The shaft member 22 may be hollow and disposed around the rod 56.

[0056] The rod 56 may define a first end 62 and a second end 64 opposite the first end 62 and a length 66 between the first end 62 and the second end 64. In one example, the length 66 of the rod 56 may be four times longer than the length 52 of the shaft member 22. It is to be appreciated that any proportionality between the length 66 of the rod 56 and the length 52 of the shaft member 22 may exist without departing from the scope of the invention. The shaft member 22 may be proximal to the first end 62 of the rod 56.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first end 42 of the shaft member 22 and the first end 62 of the rod 56 may be closer in proximity to the PCB 28 than the second end 44 of the shaft member 22 and the second end 64 of the rod 56. The first 42 and second 44 ends of the shaft member 22 may be configured to move axially away from the second end 64 of the rod 56 when the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The second end 44 of the shaft member 22 may move between the first 62 and second 64 ends of the rod 56 as the shaft member 22 moves along the axis A.

[0058] The assembly 20 may include an actuator to move the shaft member 22 along the axis A relative to the rod 56.

[0059] As shown in Figures 8-11, the rod 56 may define an inner chamber 68 and the assembly 20 may include a bias lever 70 disposed along the axis A and at least partially within the inner chamber 68. The inner chamber 68 may further be defined as a cavity extending along the axis A from the second end 64 of the rod 56 to a depth proximal to the first end 62 of the rod 56.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the bias lever 70 may define a first end 72 and a second end 74 opposite the first end 72 and a length 76 between the first end 72 and the second end 74. The first end 72 of the bias lever 70 may be closer to the first end 62 of the rod 56 than the second end 74 of the bias lever 70. The bias lever 70 may define a pin bore 78 extending transverse to the axis A. The assembly 20 may further include a pin 80 coupled to the bias lever 70 and disposed within the pin bore 78 transverse to the axis A. The bias lever 70 and the pin 80 may be configured to move along and rotate about the axis A. The assembly 20 may further comprise the steps of moving the bias lever 70 and the pin 80 along the axis A and rotating the bias lever 70 and the pin 80 about the axis A.

[0061] The rod 56 may define slots 82 in communication with the inner chamber 68 and the pin 80 may extend through the slots 82. The assembly 20 may further comprise the steps of moving the pin 80 along the axis A to mechanically abut the shaft member 22 to move the shaft member 22 from the first position 24 to the second position 26 and rotating the pin 80 about the axis A to mechanically abut the rod 56 to move the rod 56 between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60. The rod 56 may further define the slots 82 as being elongated along the axis A. The rod 56 may further define slot walls 84 enclosing the slots 82 and being transverse to said axis A. The pin 80 may move along the axis A with the bias lever 70 to mechanically abut the shaft member 22 to move the shaft member 22 from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The pin 80 may rotate about the axis A to mechanically abut the slot walls 84 of the rod 56 to rotate the rod 56 between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60.

[0062] The assembly 20 may further include a compression spring 86 or any other biasing element fit for the purpose of urging the shaft member 22 away from the PCB 28 and into the first position 24. The compression spring 86 may be disposed around the rod 56 and along the axis A. More specifically, the compression spring 86 may be coupled to the shaft member 22 and urge the shaft member 22 toward the first position 24. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the compression spring 86 could be configured differently, or omitted entirely, without departing from the scope of the invention. [0063] As shown in Figures 8-1 1, the assembly 20 may include a magnet 88 coupled to the first end 62 of the rod 56. The rod 56 may define a recess 90 on the first end 62 and extending into the rod 56 toward the second end 64 of the rod 56. The magnet 88 may further be defined as being received in the recess 90 of the rod 56.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7A-7E, the magnet defines a first plane C and a second plane D parallel to the first plane C. The magnet 88 may rotate in conjunction with the rod 56 about the axis A between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60. The assembly 20 may further comprise the step of rotating the magnet 88 in conjunction with the rod 56 about the axis A between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60. As the magnet 88 and the rod 56 rotate about the axis A between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60, the angular orientation of the shaft member 22 remains the same.

[0065] As shown in Figures 8-11, the assembly 20 may include a third sensor 92 embedded in the PCB 28. The third sensor 92 may be configured to detect orientation of the magnet 88, which relates to the orientation of the rod 56. The assembly 20 may comprise the step of detecting orientation of the magnet 88 with the third sensor 92. The third sensor 92 may be disposed between the first 30 and second 38 apertures. The third sensor 92 may send signals to an electronic control unit to actuate specific automotive features. In one example, the specific automotive features may be gear positions in a shifter assembly. The configuration of the magnet 88 and the third sensor 92 may mitigate interference between signals sent by the first 32 and second 40 sensors as the shaft member 22 moving along the axis A between the first position 24 and the second position 26 and the rod 56 rotating about the axis A between the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60. [0066] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 13, the assembly 20 is a shifter assembly 94. It is to be appreciated that the shifter assembly 94 is schematic in nature and various components have been eliminated or generalized. The shifter assembly 94 includes a housing 96. The housing 96 may be formed from a plurality of elements that interlock or otherwise cooperate to accommodate and support various components of the shifter assembly 94. The shaft member 22 and the PCB 28 are disposed within the housing 96. The shifter assembly 94 further includes a knob 98 supported by the housing 96 and being movable along the axis A. The shifter assembly 94 additionally includes a shifter interface 100 supported by the housing 96 and coupled to the shaft member 22 and the knob 98.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11, the shifter interface 100 is movable along the axis A in response to movement of the knob 98. Movement of the shifter interface 100 along the axis A causes the shaft member 22 to move between the first 24 and second 26 positions. The at least one sensor 32 is configured to produce at least one electrical signal in response to detecting movement of the shaft member 22. The electrical signal being utilized to actuate at least one of a shifter mode, a shifter gear, and a shifter position.

[0068] The sensor 32 may be one of a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, photoelectric sensor, and magnetoresi stive sensor.

[0069] The shifter assembly 94 may be in electrical communication with one or more electronic control units (not shown, but generally known in the art). The electronic control units may drive one or more actuators to effectuate specific automotive features. More specifically, the sensor 32 may send signals to the electronic control units to effectuate specific automotive features. [0070] In one embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1B, the shaft member 22 is substantially cylindrical. This is for exemplary purposes. It is to be appreciated that the shaft member 22 may be any size or shape without departing from the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the aperture 30 is substantially arcuate. This is for exemplary purposes. It is to be appreciated that the aperture 30 may be any size or shape without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] The shaft member 22 may be spaced from the aperture 30 in the first position 24 and the aperture 30 may receive the shaft member 22 in the second position 26. The PCB 28 may define a first surface 34 that faces the shaft member 22 in the first position 24. The PCB 28 may define a second surface 36 opposite the first surface 34 that faces away from the shaft member 22 in the first position 24. The PCB 28 may define a thickness between the first surface 34 and the second surface 36. The second position 26 may be further defined such that the shaft member 22 intersects both the first surface 34 and the second surface 36. The second position 26 may additionally be defined such that the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24, through both the first 34 and second surfaces 36, and extends past the second surface 36. This configuration enables a mechanical debounce feature, which may eliminate the possibility of the sensor 32 sending a flickering signal as a result of rapid successive contact between two connections or failing to detect the shaft member 22 if the aperture 30 receives the shaft member 22 between the first surface 34 and the second surface 36 of the PCB 28.

[0072] In another embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the aperture 30 may receive the shaft member 22 in both the first 24 and second 26 positions.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the PCB 28 may define a plane B and the shaft member 22 may be configured to move along the axis A transverse to the plane B. The shaft member 22 may be spaced from the plane B in the first position 24 and may intersect the plane B in the second position 26.

[0074] In another embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the shaft member 22 may intersect the plane B in both the first 24 and second 26 positions.

[0075] As shown in Figures 2A-3B, the shifter assembly 94 may further define the aperture 30 as a first aperture 30 and the PCB 28 may define at least a second aperture 38 to receive the shaft member 22 as the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The shaft member 22 may be received in the first 30 and second 38 apertures simultaneously or consecutively. The first 30 and second 38 apertures may be separated from one another. The PCB 28 may define a first continuous perimeter around the first aperture 30 and a second continuous perimeter around the second aperture 38.

[0076] In another embodiment shown in Figures 2A-3B, the sensor 32 may further be defined as a first sensor 32 and the shifter assembly 94 may further include at least a second sensor 40 embedded in the PCB 28. The second sensor 40 may be disposed adjacent the second aperture 38 to detect the shaft member 22 moving between the first 24 and second 26 positions relative to the second aperture 38. The first 32 and second 40 sensors may allow for the shifter assembly 94 to offer a redundancy feature. The redundancy feature may allow the first 32 and second 40 sensors to send identical or distinct signals to one or more electronic control units. The redundancy feature may further restrict the electronic control units to require identical or distinct signals to effectuate a specific automotive feature.

[0077] In another embodiment shown in Figures 2A-3B, the shaft member 22 may define a first end 42 and a second end 44 opposite the first end 42. The shaft member 22 may further define recesses 46 at the first end 42 to further define a first 48 and a second protrusion 50 extending along the axis A. The first aperture 30 of the PCB 28 may receive the first protrusion 48 and the second aperture 38 of the PCB 28 may receive the second protrusion 50 in the second position 26. The shaft member 22 may define a length 52 between the first end 42 and the second end 44. It is to be appreciated that any number of apertures may be used in combination with any number of protrusions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0078] The shaft member 22 may define grooves on a surface facing toward the axis A or away from the axis A. The grooves may be parallel with the axis A. In one example, a rotationally fixed component relative to the axis A may define a protrusion that may be received in the groove to restrict the shaft member 22 from rotating about the axis A. In another example, the PCB 28 may define a protrusion that may be received in the groove to restrict the shaft member 22 from rotating about the axis A.

[0079] As shown in Figures 12 A and 12B, the shaft member 22 may define a width 54 perpendicular to the axis A.

[0080] As illustrated in Figure 12A, the width 54 of the shaft member 22 may be uniform along the length 52 of the shaft member 22.

[0081] In another embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the width 54 of the shaft member 22 may vary along the length 52 of the shaft member 22. When the shaft member 22 is received in the aperture 30 in both the first 24 and second 26 positions, a varying width 54 along the length 52 of the shaft member 22 may allow the sensors 32,40 to detect a change in position of the shaft member 22 relative to the aperture 30 while the shaft member 22 is still received in the aperture 30. The shaft member 22 shown in Figure 12B includes four different combinations of varying width 54 along the length 52 of the shaft member 22. These combinations allow for multiple phases of detection of the shaft member 22 moving through the PCB 28. It is to be appreciated that the shaft member 22 may include any number of varying widths and combinations thereof along the length 52 of the shaft member 22 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0082] As shown in Figure 5, the shifter interface 100 may include a rod 56 that may be slidably coupled to the shaft member 22 and disposed along the axis A. More specifically, the shaft member 22 may be configured to move along the axis A between the first 24 and second 26 positions relative to the rod 56. The rod 56 may be spaced from the PCB 28 by a predetermined distance as the shaft member 22 moves between the first 24 and second 26 positions. The rod 56 may be configured to rotate about the axis A between at least a first orientation 58 and a second orientation 60 independent of the movement of the shaft member 22. Said differently, the rod 56 may be configured to rotate about the axis A and the shaft member 22 may be configured to move along the axis A and both the rod 56 and the shaft member 22 may be configured to rotate and move, respectively, independently of each other. The shaft member 22 may be hollow and disposed around the rod 56.

[0083] The rod 56 may define a first end 62 and a second end 64 opposite the first end 62 and a length 66 between the first end 62 and the second end 64. In one example, the length 66 of the rod 56 may be four times longer than the length 52 of the shaft member 22. It is to be appreciated that any proportionality between the length 66 of the rod 56 and the length 52 of the shaft member 22 may exist without departing from the scope of the invention. The shaft member 22 may be proximal to the first end 62 of the rod 56.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first end 42 of the shaft member 22 and the first end 62 of the rod 56 may be closer in proximity to the PCB 28 than the second end 44 of the shaft member 22 and the second end 64 of the rod 56. The first 42 and second 44 ends of the shaft member 22 may be configured to move axially away from the second end 64 of the rod 56 when the shaft member 22 moves from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The second end 44 of the shaft member 22 may move between the first 62 and second 64 ends of the rod 56 as the shaft member 22 moves along the axis A.

[0085] The shifter assembly 94 may include an actuator to move the shaft member 22 along the axis A relative to the rod 56.

[0086] As shown in Figures 8-11, the rod 56 may define an inner chamber 68 and the shifter interface 100 may include a bias lever 70 disposed along the axis A and at least partially within the inner chamber 68. The inner chamber 68 may further be defined as a cavity extending along the axis A from the second end 64 of the rod 56 to a depth proximal to the first end 62 of the rod 56.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, the bias lever 70 defines a first end 72 and a second end 74 opposite the first end 72 and a length 76 between the first end 72 and the second end 74. The first end 72 of the bias lever 70 is closer to the first end 62 of the rod 56 than the second end 74 of the bias lever 70. The bias lever 70 may define a pin bore 78 extending transverse to the axis A. The shifter interface 100 may further include a pin 80 coupled to the bias lever 70 and disposed within the pin bore 78 transverse to the axis A. The bias lever 70 and the pin 80 may be configured to move along and rotate about the axis A.

[0088] The rod 56 may define slots 82 in communication with the inner chamber 68 and the pin 80 may extend through the slots 82. The rod 56 may further define the slots 82 as being elongated along the axis A. The rod 56 may further define slot walls 84 enclosing the slots 82 and being transverse to said axis A. The pin 80 may move along the axis A with the bias lever 70 to mechanically abut the shaft member 22 to move the shaft member 22 from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The pin 80 may rotate about the axis A to mechanically abut the slot walls 84 of the rod 56 to move the rod 56 between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60.

[0089] As shown in Figure 14, the knob 98 may be coupled to the bias lever 70 and a user may selectively move the knob 98 along the axis A which, in turn, moves the pin 80 along the axis A to mechanically abut the shaft member 22 to move the shaft member 22 from the first position 24 to the second position 26. The user may also selectively rotate the knob 98 about the axis A which, in turn, rotates the pin 80 about the axis A to mechanically abut the slot walls 84 of the rod 56 to rotate the rod 56 between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60.

[0090] The shifter assembly 94 may further include a compression spring 86 or any other biasing element fit for the purpose of urging the shaft member 22 away from the PCB 28 and into the first position 24. The compression spring 86 may be disposed around the rod 56 and along the axis A. More specifically, the compression spring 86 may be coupled to the shaft member 22 and urge the shaft member 22 toward the first position 24. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the compression spring 86 could be configured differently, or omitted entirely, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0091] As shown in Figures 8-11, the shifter assembly 94 may include a magnet 88 coupled to the first end 62 of the rod 56. The rod 56 may define a recess 90 on the first end 62 and extending into the rod 56 toward the second end 64 of the rod 56. The magnet 88 may further be defined as being received in the recess 90 of the rod 56.

[0092] As shown in Figures 7A-7E, the magnet 88 defines a first plane C and a second plane D parallel to the first plane C. The magnet 88 may rotate in conjunction with the rod 56 about the axis A between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60. As the magnet 88 and the rod 56 rotate about the axis A between at least the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60, the rotational orientation of the shaft member 22 remains the same.

[0093] As shown in Figures 8-11, the shifter assembly 94 may include a third sensor 92 embedded in the PCB 28. The third sensor 92 may be configured to detect orientation of the magnet 88, which relates to the orientation of the rod 56. The third sensor 92 may be disposed between the first 30 and second 38 apertures. The configuration of the magnet 88 and the third sensor 92 may mitigate interference between signals sent by the first 32 and second 40 sensors as the shaft member 22 moves along the axis A between the first position 24 and the second position 26 and the rod 56 rotating about the axis A between the first orientation 58 and the second orientation 60.

[0094] As shown in Figure 14, the shifter assembly 94 may include a detent mechanism 102 that may cooperate with the rod 56 so as to define a plurality of orientations of the rod 56. To that end, the detent mechanism 102 may include a detent wheel 104 and a spring-loaded detent plunger 106. The rod 56 may define splines 108 proximal to the second end 64 of the rod 56. The rod 56 and the detent wheel 104 may be mounted to one another via the spline 108 arrangement proximal to the second end 64 of the rod 56. The spline 108 arrangement ensures angular correspondence between the detent wheel 104 and the rod 56. It should be appreciated that the rod 56 and detent wheel 104 may be formed from any number of components that cooperate or interlock in any suitable way, with or without the use of the spline 108 arrangement, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0095] The detent wheel 104 may have a plurality of radially spaced detents each representing respective orientations of the rod 56. The spring-loaded detent plunger 106 may selectively engage one of the detents so as to at least partially resist rotation of the rod 56. Thus, the detent plunger 106 holds the rod 56 in the respective orientation of the rod 56 until the user applies enough rotational torque to overcome the detent plunger 106 and move to the adjacent orientation. Each detent may have a curved, tapered, and angled profile. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the detent wheel 104 could have any number of detents with any suitable shape, profile or configuration, without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, while a single detent mechanism 102 with a single detent plunger 106 may be utilized in the representative embodiment illustrated herein, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable number of detent mechanisms, configured in any suitable way, could be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0096] As shown in Figure 2, the spring-loaded detent plunger 106 may be operatively attached to the housing 96. However, it will be appreciated that the detent plunger 106 could be operatively attached to any part of the shifter assembly 94, in any suitable manner sufficient to engage the detent wheel 104.

[0097] In this way, the assembly 20 of the present invention provides improved functionality and usability in connection with conventional automatic transmission systems and, at the same time, reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing the assembly 20.

[0098] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.