Patent ID: 9447866
Filing Date: 2016-09-20
CPC Classification: F16H,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A shift control device for an automatic transmission, comprising: a shift control bracket mounted to a vehicle; a shift control member configured for manipulation by an operator so as to effect control over a shift mechanism of a vehicle transmission, the shift control member mechanically coupled to the shift mechanism of the vehicle transmission by a cylindrical link comprising a tension member disposed within a cylindrical compression member, the cylindrical link being configured such that the tension member moves along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical link as the vehicle transmission is shifted from a first gear position to a second gear position; a piezoelectric element disposed between the compression member and the tension member and configured and arranged to provide a mechanical resistance to movement of the tension member relative to the compression member; and an artificial feel mechanism mechanically coupled to the shift control member for providing tactile feedback through the shift control member, the artificial feel mechanism comprising: a sensor, a controller, and the piezoelectric element; the sensor being configured and arranged for detecting a position of the shift mechanism of the vehicle transmission and sending a signal that is indicative of the position of the shift mechanism; the controller being configured for receiving the signal, determining, based on the signal, a control voltage to be applied to the piezoelectric element, and providing the control voltage to the piezoelectric element; and the piezoelectric element being configured and arranged so as to receive the control voltage and to apply a mechanical force that depends upon the control voltage and that is configured and applied so as to mechanically resist movement of the shift control member relative to the shift control bracket.