Patent Publication Number: US-2021190202-A1

Title: One bump rotary monostable shifter

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority of U.S. Ser. No. 62/949,515 filed Dec. 18, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to rotary shifter assemblies. More specifically, the present invention discloses a rotary shifter having single bump or one position monostable clockwise (cw) or counter clockwise (ccw) gear selection for successively shifting through Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Manual positions, this in combination with direct shift functionality in which the dial is held in either of the cw or ccw direction for shifting between either of direct-to-drive or direct-to-park configurations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art discloses a variety of rotary shifter configurations. A first example of this is set forth in CN 109973640 which discloses a monostable rotary knob selector with auto reset and which teaches a double torsional springs arranged in clockwise and counter-clockwise fashion. 
     DE 10 2005 002 086 teaches a rotary by wire shifter (see translation) with variations of slotted guides and end stops for shifting between gear positions. 
     CN 109505966 discloses a rotary shifter with multiple magnetic position indicating components. 
     CN 110185785 teaches a multi-steady state continuation rotation knob shifter with magnet and Hall type sensor. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,971,498 (Meyer) teaches a control device with adjustable stops to limit rotation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,581,718 to Muller teaches a rotary shifter within a motor vehicle application in which the shifter can include thin film (TFT) transistor functionality. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,334,949 to Fett teaches a motorized shifter knob with a variation of a ring gear arrangement (not monostable). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,863,526 to Hoskins discloses rotary switch shifter with programmable end stops and/or variable tactile feedback. 
     Finally, US 2015/0226317 to Provenza discloses a mono stable rotary transmission selection system including the selector being axially movable along a central axis between reference and axially depressed positions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses a rotary shifter assembly with monostable one bump functionality at opposite end stop positions and including a knob shaped handle rotatably supported over a housing. The handle can be either one piece or provided as upper and lower co-rotating components. 
     A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is incorporated into the housing and includes a sensor and a processor. A spur gear is supported within the housing and is actuated by the knob shaped handle. A magnet is supported upon the spur gear in proximity to the sensor and is influenced by a ring gear configured upon a lower circumference of the handle, so that rotation of the knob shaped handle causes displacement of the magnet relative to the PCBA sensor in order for the processor to instruct a change in shifter position. A display component is positioned upon the handle in communication with the PCBA for indicating a current shifter position of the assembly. 
     The knob shaped handle further includes an open interior incorporating the inner circumferential ring gear with inner circumferential teeth which mesh or inter-engage the opposing exterior teeth of said spur gear. The housing further includes a main housing secured upon a lower cover housing. An outward facing ledge of the housing supports the spur gear in combination with the circumferential extending ring gear. 
     The knob shaped handle further includes an interior extending actuating portion which, upon rotation, is displaceable a limited arcuate distance about the housing, a shift resistance/bias being exerted against the actuation portion in response to either of clockwise or counter clockwise rotation in order to provide mono stable shifting functionality. Direct shift functionality is provided from either Park to Drive or Drive to Park Shifter positions, in response to holding said rotary shaped knob in a maximum rotated clockwise or counter clockwise position. 
     In a first selected variant, a torsional spring is secured to the housing and has first and second legs alternatively abutting the interior extending actuating portion in response to rotation in either of clockwise or counter clockwise rotation. A fastener and spring retainer is provided for securing the torsional spring upon the housing. The open interior of the knob shaped handle further includes inner protuberances which seat within arcuate tracks configured within an outer perimeter of the housing for defining a range of rotation in either of clockwise or counter clockwise directions. The inner extending actuating portion further includes lateral extending wing portions alternatively abutting legs of the torsional spring. 
     In a second selected variant, a pair of spring loaded pawls are incorporated into a main housing, these abutting opposing sloping surfaces defined upon an inner circumferential profile of a rotatable handle in order to influence the handle to the center position when released from either of monostable clockwise or counter-clockwise rotated directions. Other features include the PCBA further having a processor which, upon receiving the signal from the magnet proximate located sensor, or from an external signal, resets the shifter assembly to the Park shifter position. 
     An illuminating component is associated with the graphical display and LED elements integrated into a surface display. The display can also include either of a thin film transistor display or an organic light emitting diode display. The graphical display further includes segmented LCD elements with LED backlight elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the rotary shifter according to the present invention incorporating each of a handle assembly, graphic display, torsion spring, main housing, ASM gear and magnet, PCBA and lower housing; 
         FIG. 2  is an assembled perspective of the rotary shifter such as depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an overhead plan view of the rotary shifter with the graphical display removed and illustrating the torsional spring placement upon the main housing depicting the single bump mono stable profile in combination with interior extending spring actuating portion associated with the rotatable handle assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a rotated and downward looking perspective of  FIG. 3  and depicting the interior of the rotary shifter from another angle; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional perspective of the main housing, gear and torsional spring components of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a further sectional and downward looking perspective of with other parts removed and showing the annular interior of the rotatable handle assembly with single bump actuating portion, in combination with the gear and PCBA; 
         FIG. 7  is a further side rotated and sectional perspective depicting the ASM gear and bottom interior mounted magnet arranged proximate a sensor integrated into the PCBA; 
         FIG. 8  is an overhead plan illustration similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  and showing the rotary shifter in a home position; 
         FIG. 9  is a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 8  and depicting the handle assembly being rotated in a clockwise direction so that inner protuberances of the handle abut end stop locations configured in the main housing concurrent with the rotary engagement of the spring actuating portion; 
         FIG. 10  is an alternate succeeding illustration to  FIG. 8  and depicting the handle assembly being rotated in a counter clockwise direction so that inner protuberances of the handle abut additional end stop locations configured in the main housing concurrent with the rotary engagement of the spring actuating portion in a counter direction to that depicted in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an overhead plan view of the inter-engagement of the planetary gear and handle assembly interior annular configured and integrated ring gear; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  with parts removed and depicting the planetary gear and ring gear engagement from another angle; 
         FIG. 13  is a vertical cutaway of the assembly as substantially shown in  FIG. 4  and depicting the manner in which the gear and underside supported magnet are arranged within the main housing in communication with underside located PCBA and sensor; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  provide a pair of overhead views of the assembly in the home position of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  provide a succeeding pair of overhead views of the assembly as shown in  FIG. 9  in the clockwise monostable actuated position for shifting from Park to Reverse position; 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  provide a further succeeding pair of overhead views of the assembly as shown in  FIG. 10  in the counter clockwise monostable actuated position for shifting back to the Park position; 
         FIG. 20  is a repeat overhead view of the assembly in the home position with  FIG. 21  subsequently depicting either of the cw or ccw directed monostable actuation of the rotary shifter; 
         FIGS. 22A-22E  depict a series of illustrations of the single bump operation of the rotary shifter between each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Manual operating gear positions; 
         FIG. 23  is repeat illustration of the shifter in the home position of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an illustration of the shifter rotated cw to the end stop position and held for a determined period of time (e.g. greater than two seconds) for accomplishing a direct shift operation according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 25A-25C  illustrate a succession of Park to Drive and return to Park shifter positions provided by the direct shift operation; 
         FIGS. 26A-26D  further illustrated a succession of Reverse to Drive to Manual to Park shifter positions provided by the direct shift operation; 
         FIG. 27  is a first shift indication feature for returning the shifter assembly to the Park position from any gear upon command; 
         FIG. 28  is a succeeding illustration to that shown in  FIG. 27  of the shifter display returned to the Park position; 
         FIG. 29  is a Park Lock illustration corresponding to an operator being required to depress the brake pedal to release the assembly from the Park position and such as in which the handle assembly can move but the gear remains in the Park position; 
         FIG. 30  is a Neutral Lock illustration corresponding to the functionality described in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is an illustration of a graphical display incorporated into the shifter of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded view of the rotary shifter according to a further embodiment of the present invention and which substitutes the return to center torsion spring of  FIG. 1  with a pair of spring loaded pawls incorporated into a main housing, these abutting opposing sloping surfaces defined upon an inner circumferential profile of a rotatable handle in order to influence the handle to the center position when released; 
         FIG. 33  is a top plan cutaway view through the handle assembly and showing the spring loaded pawls engaging the lower handle in the home position; 
         FIG. 34  is a corresponding top plan view to  FIG. 33  depicting the shifter display in the Park position; 
         FIG. 35  is a top plan cutaway view similar to  FIG. 33  and depicting the handle being rotated in a clockwise direction and corresponding to the spring loaded pawls interfacing with a first set of sloped surfaces configured upon an inner circumference of the handle; 
         FIG. 36  is a corresponding top plan view to  FIG. 35  depicting the shifter display in the Reverse position, with successive one bump clockwise displacements adapted to progressively shift the display through each of the Neutral, Drive and Manual positions; 
         FIG. 37  is a top plan cutaway view similar to  FIG. 33  and depicting the handle being rotated in a counter-clockwise direction and corresponding to the spring loaded pawls interfacing with a second set of sloped surfaces configured upon an inner circumference of the handle; 
         FIG. 38  is a corresponding top plan view to  FIG. 37  depicting the shifter display returned to the Park position; 
         FIG. 39  is a top plan cutaway view taken along line  39 - 39  in  FIG. 32  and illustrating the inside of the handle assembly including the ring gear configured upon an lower circumference of the handle which interfaces with and rotates the spur gear with end supported magnet, with rotation of the magnet relative to the PCB mounted sensor being communicated to the processor for instructing a shifter position change; and 
         FIG. 40  is a side or height extending cutaway of the assembled shifter of  FIG. 32  and illustrating the ASM spur gear and magnet, and PCBA mounted sensor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the attached illustrations, the present invention discloses a rotary shifter assembly, see as depicted at  10  in each of  FIGS. 1 and 2  according to a first embodiment, as well as at  150  in  FIGS. 32 and 40  in a second embodiment. In either version, the rotatable shifter provides single bump or one position monostable clockwise (cw) or counter clockwise (ccw) gear selection for successively shifting through Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Manual positions. As will be further disclosed, an additional direct shift feature includes the dial held in either of the cw or ccw direction for a determined time interval for shifting between either of direct-to-drive or direct-to-park configurations. 
     Referencing first  FIG. 1 , an exploded view is depicted of the rotary shifter according to the present invention. The shifter assembly includes each of a knob shaped handle assembly  12  (such including an upper knurled user gripping profile  13  configured upon its circumferential exterior). The handle  12  is rotatably supported upon a main housing  14 . A lower cover portion  16  of the housing includes an interior and annular support rim  17  for seating the underside of the main housing  14  and in order to sandwich a circular shaped printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)  18  therebetween. 
     An ASM or planetary gear (also termed a spur gear)  20  is supported within the main housing  14  and, upon being actuated by the knob shaped handle  12  (via a circumferentially configured ring gear as further described in  FIG. 6 , displaces an end mounted magnet  22  positioned in proximity to a sensor component  70  (see  FIG. 7 ) associated with the PCBA  18 . Although not shown, an alternate envisioned variant substitutes the planetary gear with end supported magnet in favor of incorporating a ring or hoop shaped magnet directly into a bottom perimeter of the rotatable knob, the ring shaped magnet displacing or riding over the sensor mounted to the PCBA in order to provide position sensing for the various shifter positions. 
     Other features include a torsion spring  24  which is secured upon the main housing  12  via a spring retainer  26  and fastener  28  and, as will be further described, provides the required shift resistance bias to either of clockwise (cw) or counter-clockwise (ccw) rotation of the handle in order to provide each of the monostable and direct shift functionalty. Also depicted at  30  is a graphic display component for incorporation into the assembly and, as will be subsequently described, can be provided in a variety of different applications not limited to any of thin film transistor (TFT), organic light emitting diode (OLED) or segmented displays. 
       FIG. 2  is an assembled perspective of the rotary shifter such as depicted in  FIG. 1  and which better illustrates additional structural features including upward projecting clasps or tabs  32 / 34  integrated into the lower housing cover portion  16  which engage an outer annular rim or ledge  36  of the rotatable knob  12 , and upon it being assembled over main housing body  14 . The main housing can also include bottom tabs  38  or the like which align with surface locations of the bottom cover  16  and which receive screws  40  or the like to secure the assembly together. Also depicted at  42  is transparent surface bezel  42  or the like for covering the display face of the graphic display component  30 . 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 3 , an overhead plan view is shown of the rotary shifter with the graphical display removed along with the upper knurled portion  13  for and to illustrate each of the torsional spring  24  placement upon the main housing  14  for depicting the single bump mono stable profile in combination with the interior extending spring actuating portion associated with the rotatable handle assembly.  FIG. 4  in combination provides a rotated and downward looking perspective of  FIG. 3  and again depicting the interior of the rotary shifter from another angle by which the interior extending actuating portion includes a radially inwardly projecting stem  44  which is integrally formed with an inner side wall location of the interiorly hollowed knob  12 , a pair of lateral extending wings  46  and  48  extending from the stem  44  and which are position in alternative abutting fashion with either of first  50  or second  52  extending legs of the interiorly mounted torsional spring  24 . 
     As further best depicted in  FIG. 5 , the washer shaped spring retainer  26  and fastener  28  secures the base portion of the torsion spring  24  so that its pair of end extending legs  50 / 52  straddle on either side of an upper surface embossment  54  of the main housing  14 . In this fashion, and as will be further described, clockwise rotation of the knob shaped handle  12  results in a shift resistance bias of the first torsional spring leg  50  against the lateral extending wing  46  of the knob inner extending portion  44 , with alternative counter clockwise rotation of the knob shaped handle  12  likewise resulting in a shift resistance bias exerted by the second torsional spring leg  52  against the lateral extending wing  48  of the inner extending portion  44 . 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional perspective of the main housing  14 , spur gear  20  and torsional spring  24  (including extending and shift resistance legs  50 / 52 ). In combination with  FIG. 4 , the upper annular defining perimeter of the main housing  14  further includes a pair of upper opposing and circumferentially spaced overhang locations  56  and  58 , which define therebetween a partial circumferential gap (arrow  59 ) which seats the inner projecting stem portion  44  of the handle  12  and establishes limited rotational ranges in either of the clockwise or counter clockwise directions. Reference is also made to  FIG. 13  which depicts the seating configuration of the interior arcuate resistance engagement portion (stem  44  and wings  46 / 48 ) relative an interior seating track profile (see at  80 ) defined within the upper surface configuration of the main housing  14 . 
     Also depicted in  FIG. 3 , in combination with succeeding  FIGS. 8-10 , are additional integrally formed and inner protuberances  60  and  62  associated with the annular interior of the knob  12 , these seating within limited arcuate slots  64  and  66  defined along the interior opposing profile of the inner housing  14  and, in combination with the circumferential gap seating the inner arcuate portion stem  44 , defining the specified range of clockwise (cw) or counter-clockwise (ccw) rotation of the shifter knob in either of the monostable or direct to Drive/direct to Park shift functionalities. 
       FIG. 5  again depicts the main housing  14  which includes a closed interior window or profile cutout, see perimeter  68 , defining an annular window through which partially projects a toothed exterior gear profile of the planetary or spur gear  20 . In combination,  FIG. 13  depicts a vertical cutaway of the assembly as substantially shown in  FIG. 4  and further illustrating the manner in which the planetary/spur gear  20  and underside supported magnet  22  are arranged within the main housing  12  in overhead proximity to the underside located PCBA  18  and sensor (see as further depicted at  70  in  FIG. 7 ). 
     As further shown, the main housing  14  can include an outward oriented or facing interior ledge  71  configuration, this further defining an interior pocket (again at  74  in  FIG. 13 ) for supporting the planetary gear  20  in combination with an inner circumferential ring gear profile (see ring gear teeth  72  as best shown in  FIG. 6 ) for inter-engaging the teeth (further shown at  73 ) of the planetary gear  20 . As best shown in  FIG. 13 , the ledge  71  includes a partial arcuate profile and can exhibit a smooth inner diameter  76  allowing for clearance of the spur gear  20  to rotate but still be properly positioned and supported by the ledge  71  and so that, in combination with the inner circumferential ring gear teeth  72  of the knob handle interior incorporated and circumferentially extending ring gear  72  support the planetary gear  20  in a limited orbital displacing fashion within the assembly interior and so that the magnet  22  supported at a lower stem mounted end of the planetary gear is caused to rotate/displace a limited range relative to the PCBA mounted sensor (see again at  70   FIG. 7 ) in order to facilitate a microprocessor portion of the PCBA  18  to issue a vehicle shift change instruction. 
       FIG. 6  is a further sectional and downward looking perspective of with other parts removed and showing the annular interior with ring gear profile  72  of the rotatable and knob shaped handle  12 , and further depicting the single bump actuating portion (stem  44  and wings  46 / 48 ), in combination with the gear and PCBA  18 .  FIG. 7  is a further side rotated and sectional perspective depicting the ASM gear  20  and bottom interior mounted magnet  22  arranged proximate the sensor  70  integrated into the PCBA  18 . Additional optional features can include a capacitor cap  78  associated with the PCBA  18  and which is used to assist with electronic power management. 
       FIG. 8  is an overhead plan illustration similar to that shown in  FIG. 4  and showing the rotary shifter in a home position, with  FIG. 9  providing a succeeding illustration to  FIG. 8  and depicting the handle assembly being rotated in a clockwise direction (arrow  79 ) so that the inner protuberances  60  and  62  of the handle abut a pair of first end stop locations  81 / 83  of the slots  64 / 66  configured in the main housing, and concurrent with the rotary engagement of the spring actuating portion (leg  50 ) by the associated wing  46  of the interior arcuate extending stem portion  44  of the knob  12 .  FIG. 10  is an alternate succeeding illustration to  FIG. 8  and depicting the handle assembly being rotated in a counter clockwise direction (arrow  85 ) so that inner protuberances  60 / 62  of the handle abut additional end stop locations configured in the interior slots  64 / 66  of the main housing, this concurrent with the rotary engagement of the spring actuating portion  52  by the other inner extending wing portion  48  and in a counter direction to that depicted in  FIG. 9  and until the inner protuberances  60 / 62  abut a second pair of opposite end stop locations  87 / 89  of the slots  64 / 66 . 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view cutaway of the knob assembly and housing and illustrating the inter-engagement of the planetary gear  20  and knob shaped handle  12  with the interior annular configured and integrated ring gear teeth  72 .  FIG. 12  again provides an illustration similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  with parts removed and depicting the planetary gear  20  and ring gear  72  engagement from another angle. 
       FIG. 31  is an illustration of the graphical display  30  incorporated into the present invention and which can include an illuminating component not limited to LED elements (not shown) integrated into a surface display for presenting a pixelated image. Alternatively, the illuminating component can include either of a thin film transistor display, an organic light emitting diode display or a segmented display including segmented LCD elements (likewise not shown) such as provided in combination with LED backlight elements. 
     A ribbon cable (as further described below at  86 ) extends from the display to a receiver location of the PCBA board assembly  18 . A side notch  35  in the PCBA  18  facilitates passage of the ribbon cable to the PCBA  18 . The ribbon  86  can include either integrated or separate power lines for operating the display, including illuminating the various shifter positions as identified for each of Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Manual positions. Other features can include an illuminating component associated with the graphical display further including any of LED elements and/or LCD segments integrated into a surface display for presenting a pixelated image. The illuminating component can include any of thin film transistor, organic light emitting diode or segmented display options, such including the segmented LCD elements such as provided in combination with LED backlight elements. 
     A closeout display is provided and encloses a display subassembly display surface  82  (this can also reference the surface bezel  42  identified in  FIG. 2 ) and a surrounding frame housing  84 . A lens (not shown) can also be provided for covering the display surface  82  in a manner which transparently reveals and protects the pixelated or segmented image provided by the display surface. 
     The graphical display communicates with the PCBA  18 , such as via a main microcontroller on the main PCBA via such as a serial communication protocol (LIN, SPI, 12C, etc.). Alternatively, a parallel interface is envisioned between the main microcontroller/PCB and the graphic display in substitution for the above listed serial communication options. In such an application, the main microcontroller/PCB to graphic display interface will initially be parallel, with the ribbon style cable (again at  86 ) extending from the graphic display and connecting into an input location for the PCB using the appropriate mating connector  88  which engages to a separate location on the PCBA  30  apart from the main underside connector  33  for connection to the vehicle. 
     In a segmented display configuration, the a separate wire set (at  87  and  89  associated with the separate connector  88 ) is provided for managing the LED s to the separate connector on the PCBA  18 , with the ribbon  86  managing the segments to the separate connector receiving. In a TFT/OLED configuration, a single ribbon (such as again shown at  86 ) is provided with the power lines included and which connects to the single location on the PCBA. 
     As further understood, the ribbon cable will have a wire for each individual LED/LCD segment controlled by the main microcontroller and so that subset areas of the display surface are illuminated based upon the collection of outputs provided from the PCBA  18 . Regardless of the type of graphic display employed, the display surface  82  will exhibit a desired arrangement of symbols which, in the illustrated embodiment, include an outer array of menu shifter positions (Park  90 , Reverse  92 , Neutral  94 , Drive  96  and Manual  98 ), this in combination with a central enlarged graphical depiction which is provided by the display of a selected one of the shifter positions (see by example for Drive as depicted at  100 ). 
     Having provided a structural description of the components of the variant  10 , additional description will now be had of the operating protocols for providing each of successive and single shift position shifting between each of the PRNDM gear positions according to the monostable functionality of the gear shifter in single position twist and release in either of the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions (corresponding to one bump operation of the rotary shifter), this in combination with rotate and hold direct shift functionality, such as for shifting directly from Park to Drive and Drive to Park positions. 
       FIGS. 14  provides an overhead view  102  of the assembly in the home position of  FIG. 8 , with  FIG. 15  subsequently depicting the graphical display installed in the same home position and a central enlarged depiction  103  referencing the shifter in the Park position.  FIGS. 16 and 17  provide a succeeding pair of overhead views  104  of the assembly as shown in  FIG. 9  in the clockwise monostable actuated position (see arrow  106 ) for shifting from Park to Reverse shifter positions (further referenced in  FIG. 17  by enlarged depiction  107  for Reverse).  FIGS. 18 and 19  provide a further succeeding pair of overhead views  108  of the assembly as shown in  FIG. 10  in the counter clockwise monostable actuated position (arrow  110 ) for shifting back to the Park position. In each instance, monostable one bump operation (i.e., return to center positioning) of the shifter knob  12  is provided by the dual action torsional spring  24  for providing shift resistance to the inner arcuate extending portion (stem  44  and wings  46 / 48 ) of the knob shifter  12 . 
       FIG. 20  is a repeat overhead view of the assembly in the home position, with  FIG. 21  subsequently depicting either of the cw or ccw directed monostable actuation of the rotary shifter as previously described in  FIGS. 16-17 and 18-19 . This is again provided by one bump or mono stable rotation of the knob  12  and by which the forced deflection of the selected torsion spring leg  50 / 52  occurs simultaneous with the inner protuberances  60 / 62  of the knob contacting the selected end-stop abutment locations of the slots  64  and  66  (again  FIG. 9 ). 
     In this manner, rotation of the knob  12  (such as in the clockwise direction) and subsequent release will cause the torsion spring to return the knob or handle to the home position, with the display indicating the next succeeding gear position from PRNDM. Rotation of the knob  12  in the counterclockwise direction further causes reverse shifting according to the above protocol. 
     Proceeding to  FIGS. 22A-22E , depicted are a series of illustrations of the single bump operation of the rotary shifter between each of Park  112  ( FIG. 22A ), Reverse  114  ( FIG. 22B ), Neutral  116  ( FIGS. 22C ), Drive  118  ( FIG. 22D ) and Manual  120  ( FIG. 22E ) operating gear positions. Again, a monostable (single bump) operation is provided in a clockwise direction for achieving each succeeding gear, with similar operation in a reverse (counter clockwise) direction causing return shifting in an opposite direction). 
       FIG. 23  is a repeat illustration of the shifter in the home position of  FIG. 3 , with  FIG. 24  providing an illustration of the shifter rotated clockwise (see again arrow  106 ) to the end stop position and held for a determined period of time (e.g. such as greater than two seconds) for accomplishing a direct shift operation according to a further operational feature of the present invention.  FIGS. 25A-25C  illustrate a succession of Park  122  to Drive  124  and return to Park  126  shifter positions provided by the direct shift operation, with  FIGS. 26A-26D  further illustrating a succession of Reverse  128  to Drive  130  to Manual  132  to Park  1234  shifter positions provided by the direct shift operation, and again by which the handle/knob  12  is rotated either cw  106  or ccw  110  and held for a non-limited and sustained period of time, such as which can include two seconds (200 milliseconds) or longer such as 500 milliseconds, such time being customer dependent based on the individual desire from the vehicle team. 
       FIG. 27  provides a representation  136  of an electronic return to park feature for returning the shifter assembly to the Park position from any gear upon command, with  FIG. 28  providing a succeeding illustration  138  to that shown in  FIG. 27  of the shifter display returned to the Park position. Unlike the preceding described embodiments, the return to park (RTP) protocol operates separately from the monostable one-bump or direct shift functionality and can result from an external sensor located in the vehicle sending an input to the PCBA mounted processor (such as in response to a vehicle door being opened, seatbelt not engaged, etc.,) for in turn putting the vehicle in the Park position  138 . 
       FIG. 29  is a Park Lock illustration, generally at  140  corresponding to an operator being required to depress a vehicle brake pedal (not shown) to release the assembly from the Park position, and such as in which the handle assembly can move but the gear position remains in the Park position.  FIG. 30  is a Neutral Lock illustration  142  corresponding to the functionality described in  FIG. 29 , and by which the shifter will maintain the neutral gear upon command given by an operator and in which, notwithstanding the handle assembly (knob  12 ) being rotated, the gear position remains in Neutral. 
     Proceeding to  FIG. 32 , an exploded view is again shown at  150  of the rotary shifter according to a further embodiment of the present invention and which substitutes the return to center torsion spring  24  of  FIG. 1  with a pair of pawls  152  and  154  and corresponding coil springs  156  and  158  which are integrated into a redesigned main housing  160  (these as will further described in  FIGS. 33, 35 and 37  abutting opposing sloping surfaces defined upon an inner circumferential profile of a rotatable handle in order to influence the handle to the center position when released). The main housing  160  also defines a perimeter defining window  161  from which partially projects the spur gear, again shown at  20  with end supported magnet  22  and outward meshing teeth  73 . 
     In comparison to that shown in  FIG. 1 , a number of redesigned components are provided and include a two piece handle assembly with an upper handle component  162  and a lower assemble-able handle component  164 . The upper component  162  can again exhibit a knurled exterior gripping profile  166  along with circumferential cutout location  168  which, upon assembly, seat annular rim protuberances  170  of the lower handle component  164 . As previously described, the handle or knob can be provided as a single piece as shown at  12  in the first variant of the assembly  10 . 
     A redesigned display component  172  includes a ribbon connector  174  (see also as previously described in  FIG. 31 ) which connects to the PCBA  18 . Reference is also made to the preceding description regarding alternate design options for TFT/OLED or segmented display variations for the graphic display component. 
     An outer housing  176  is provided with lower engagement tabs  178  for assembling over projecting locations  180  associated with an annular outer base portion  182  of the main (inner) housing  160 . A redesigned lower housing cover  184  receives fasteners  186  for securing to the annular bottom of the outer housing  176  and inner main housing  160  and in order to sandwich therebetween the PCBA  18 . A chrome ring  188  (or other decorative finishing) secures the upper display surface  172  of the graphic display component to the upper handle component  162 . The ring  188  includes annular spaced clips  190  which seat within a circular recess or trough  192  defined within the surface of the upper handle component  162  for securing the display surface. A transparent lens  193  can be integrated into the top surface of the upper rotatable handle component  162  and beneath which is positioned the graphic display component  172 . 
     As an alternate option to the torsional spring  24 , the pawls  152 / 154  and associated pawl springs  156 / 158  seat within apertures (one of which is shown at  194  in  FIG. 32 ) defined within the annular wall of the main housing  160 . The interior of the main housing  160  further includes a pair of pockets for receiving the springs  156 / 158  and for seating the pawls  152 / 154  and so that only a sloping exterior portion of the pawls  152 / 154  project radially outwardly from circumferential exterior of the main housing. 
       FIG. 33  is a top plan cutaway view through the handle assembly and showing the spring loaded pawls  152 / 154  engaging the inter-assembled lower handle component  164  in the home position. This corresponds to the Park position  200  referenced in  FIG. 34 . 
     As previously described, the lower handle component  164  includes abutting opposing sloping surfaces (see as depicted in non-limiting fashion as one hundred and eighty degree offset peaked profile locations  196  and  198 ), these defined upon an inner circumferential profile of the lower knob component  164 . Regardless of the direction of rotation imparted by rotation of the handle component  164 , the projecting locations of the pawls  152 / 154  are compressed and, upon being released, the handle/knob assembly is return rotated to the center position. 
     A pair of redesigned inner protuberances  202 / 204  (compare to as shown at  60 / 62  in the first variant) are provided with the knob component  164  and displace relative to offset opposing end stops  206 / 208  defined in the main housing  160  and so that, depending upon the direction of rotation of the knob, the protuberances  202 / 204  can only display a limited degree until abutting contact is established. Other variants can envision the spring loaded pawls  152 / 154  being redesigned to incorporate any end stop structure, such as which can be done without the need for separate protuberances and arcuate defined end stops, in order to define the limits of mono stable rotation of the knob  164 . 
       FIG. 35  is a top plan cutaway view similar to  FIG. 33  and depicting the handle/lower knob component  164  being rotated in a clockwise direction (arrow  210 ) and corresponding to the spring loaded pawls  152 / 154  interfacing with a first subset set of communicating sloped surfaces  212 / 214  associated with the peaked locations  196 / 198  configured upon an inner circumference of the handle.  FIG. 36  is a corresponding top plan view to  FIG. 35  depicting the shifter display in the Reverse position  216 , with successive one bump clockwise displacements adapted to progressively shift the display through each of the Neutral, Drive and Manual positions. 
       FIG. 37  is a top plan cutaway view similar to  FIG. 33  and depicting the handle/lower knob component  164  being rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, this corresponding to the spring loaded pawls  152 / 154  interfacing with a second set of communicating sloped surfaces  218 / 220  configured upon an inner circumference of the lower handle/knob component  164 .  FIG. 38  is a corresponding top plan view to  FIG. 37  depicting the shifter display returned to the Park position  222 . Each of  FIGS. 33, 35 and 36  further depict a cutout location (see at  224  in  FIG. 33 ) for permitting passage therethrough of the display component ribbon  174  connected to the PCBA  18 . 
       FIG. 39  is a top plan cutaway view taken along line  39 - 39  in  FIG. 32  and illustrating the inside of the handle/rotatable knob assembly including a similar ring gear  226  configured upon an lower circumference of the rotatable lower knob or handle component  164 . The ring gear includes inner teeth  228  which interfaces with and rotates the spur gear  20  with end supported magnet  22 , with rotation of the magnet relative to the PCB mounted sensor (again at  70  in  FIG. 40 ) being communicated to the processor associated with the PCBA  18  for instructing a shifter position change. 
       FIG. 40  is a side or height extending cutaway of the assembled shifter of  FIG. 32  and illustrating the ASM spur gear  20  and magnet  22 , and PCBA mounted sensor  70 . 
     In this manner, the present invention according to either of the variants  10  and  150  discloses an effective assembly for providing operator interface for a transmission gear selection as well as haptic operator feedback (i.e. through the shift resistance architecture), while shifting through the gear positions in any of monostable or direct gear shifting operations as previously described. Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and drawings are further understood to be supportive of the disclosure, the scope of which being defined by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. 
     The foregoing disclosure is further understood as not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. 
     In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as  including ,  comprisingz, 21  ,  incorporating ,  consisting of ,  have ,  is  used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. 
     Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, and the like) are only used to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other. 
     Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to,  first ,  second ,  third ,  primary ,  secondary ,  main  or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader&#39;s understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. 
     It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a particular application. Additionally, any signal hatches in the drawings/figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically specified.