Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to power transmission units in vehicles and more particularly, to systems and methods for monitoring (sensing and notifying) range gear position in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor.
BACKGROUND
[002] Agriculture has a tremendous need for tractors having various characteristics. In some tractors, a power transmission unit (drivetrain) includes a speed transmission unit, a range transmission unit and a creeper range transmission unit, each of which is provided as a separate unit that includes a separate shift lever for controlling such transmission units. In some tractors, the range transmission unit includes a set of low range gears and a set of high range gears. In other tractors, the range transmission unit includes a set of medium range gears in addition to the low range gear set and the high range gear set. The creeper range transmission unit may include a set of creeper range gears. Usually, an in-line range gear shifting pattern is provided separately for the range transmission unit and the creeper range transmission unit. Further, the power transmission unit of tractor incurs high cost due to more number of components, and the power transmission unit consumes more packaging space since the speed transmission unit, the range transmission unit and the creeper range transmission units are provided as separate units. Furthermore, providing a single integrated modular system for monitoring the range gear positions of both the range transmission unit and the creeper range transmission unit is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for systems and methods for monitoring range gear positions in the vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide systems for monitoring (sensing and notifying) range gear positions in a vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide methods for monitoring range gear position in the vehicle.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to integrate creeper range gears in a range transmission unit of the vehicle thereby reducing the overall cost of the vehicle as well as consume less packaging space.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the systems which monitor a low range gear position, a medium range gear position, a high range gear position and a creeper range gear position in the range transmission unit of the vehicle.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a H gate shifting pattern for the range transmission unit having a neutral range position, the low range gear position, the medium range gear position, the high range gear position and the creeper range gear position.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the range gear monitoring systems which are reliable and incur less cost.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the systems which notify the determined range gear position as selected by the user using a range shift lever.
[0011] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1A and fig. 1B depicts a perspective view and a top view of a system for monitoring range gear position of a range transmission unit of a vehicle, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 2A and fig. 2B illustrates a cam which is dis-engaged from a first sensor and a second sensor when a range shift lever is in a neutral range position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2C illustrates a low and creeper range shift rail which is dis-engaged from a third sensor when the range shift lever is in the neutral range position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3A and fig. 3B illustrates the cam which is engaged with the first sensor, and the cam is dis-engaged from the second sensor when the range shift lever is in a low range gear position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 3C illustrates the low and creeper range shift rail which is engaged with the third sensor when the range shift lever is in the low range position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 4A and fig. 4B illustrates the cam which is dis-engaged from the first sensor and the second sensor when the range shift lever is in a creeper range gear position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 4C illustrates the low and creeper range shift rail which is engaged with the third sensor when the range shift lever is in the creeper range gear position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 5A and fig. 5B illustrates the cam which is engaged with the first sensor and the second sensor when the range shift lever is in a medium range gear position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 5C illustrates the low and creeper range shift rail which is dis-engaged from the third sensor when the range shift lever is in the medium range position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 6A and fig. 6B illustrates the cam which is dis-engaged from the first sensor, and the cam is engaged with the second sensor when the range shift lever is in a high range gear position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 6C illustrates the low and creeper range shift rail which is dis-engaged from the third sensor when the range shift lever is in the high range position, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 7 illustrates the first sensor and the second sensor mounted into a transmission housing, where the first sensor and the second sensor are located near a first side and a second side of the cam respectively, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 8 illustrates a H gate range gear shifting pattern for the range shift lever of the range transmission unit, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 9 depicts a block diagram showing the controller unit in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and an indicating module of the system, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 10 depicts a perspective view of a range shift mechanism of the range transmission unit, according to first and second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0028] Fig. 11 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method for monitoring the range gear position in the vehicle, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0029] Fig. 12 depicts a block diagram of a system for monitoring range gear position in a vehicle, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0030] Fig. 13A illustrates a first target and a second target which are affixed to a low and creeper range shift rail, and a medium and high range shift rail respectively, where the first target is away from detection zone of a first non-contact sensor and a fourth non-contact sensor, and the second target is away from a detection zone of a second non-contact sensor and a third non-contact sensor when a range shift lever is in a neutral range position, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0031] Fig. 13B illustrates the first non-contact sensor which detects the presence of the first target when the range shift lever is moved to a low range gear position, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0032] Fig. 13C illustrates the fourth non-contact sensor which detects the presence of the first target when the range shift lever is moved to a creeper range gear position, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0033] Fig. 13D illustrates the second non-contact sensor which detects the presence of the second target when the range shift lever is moved to a medium range gear position, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0034] Fig. 13E illustrates the third non-contact sensor which detects the presence of the target when the range shift lever is moved to a low range gear position, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0035] Fig. 14 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method for monitoring the range gear position in the vehicle, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0037] The embodiments herein achieve systems and methods for monitoring range gear positions in the vehicle. Further, embodiments herein achieve a H gate shifting pattern for the range transmission unit having a neutral range position, the low range gear position, the medium range gear position, the high range gear position and the creeper range gear position. Referring now to the drawings Figs. 1 through 14, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0038] Fig. 1A and fig. 1B depict a perspective view and a top view of a system (100) for monitoring range gear position of a range transmission unit of a vehicle, according to first embodiment as disclosed herein. In the first embodiment, the system (100) includes a cam (102), a first sensor (104), a second sensor (106), a third sensor (108), a controller unit (110) (as shown in fig. 9) and an indicating module (112) (as shown in fig. 9). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (100) is explained herein with below reference to monitoring a neutral range position (N), a low range gear position (L), a creeper range gear position (C), a medium range gear position (M) and a high range gear position (H) of a range transmission unit of an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the elements of the system (100) for monitoring range gear positions in any other agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0039] The cam (102) is integrated on a range shift arm (10AR) (as shown in fig. 7) of the range transmission unit. The range shift arm (10AR) is mounted onto one end of a range shift shaft (10AS) (as shown in fig. 10) and is movably connected to a range shift lever (10L) (as shown in fig. 10) of the range transmission unit. The range shift arm (10AR) is adapted to receive a bottom end of the range shift lever (10L). The cam (102) defines a first groove (102A) (as shown in fig.2A) on a first side (102Y) (as shown in fig. 2A) of the cam (102). The first groove (102A) of the cam (102) is adapted to provide a space between a front end of the first sensor (104) and the cam (102) thereby maintaining the cam (102) to not contact the first sensor (104) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a neutral range position (N). The cam (102) defines a second groove (102B) (as shown in fig. 2A) on a second side (102Z) (as shown in fig. 2A) of the cam (102). The second groove (102B) of the cam (102) is adapted to provide a space between a front end of the second sensor (106) and the cam (102) thereby maintaining the cam (102) to not contact the second sensor (106) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the neutral range position (N).
[0040] The first sensor (104) is mounted into a transmission housing (10H) (as shown in fig. 7) of the range transmission unit and is located near the first side (102Y) of the cam (102). The first sensor (104) is configured to generate and send a first signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) (as shown in fig. 3A and fig. 3B) in response to a movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a low range gear position (L) (as shown in fig. 8). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the first sensor (104) can be considered to be a contact type sensor such as but not limited to a switch. For example, the first sensor (104) is configured to be moved to an ON position (electric circuit closed) in which the first sensor (104) is configured to send the first signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) (as shown in fig. 3A and fig. 3B) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to the low range gear position (L). Further, the first sensor (104) is configured to be moved to an OFF position (electric circuit open) in which the first sensor (104) is configured to cut off the first signal to the controller unit (110) upon disengagement of the cam (102) from the first sensor (104) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) away from the low range gear position (L).
[0041] The second sensor (106) is mounted into the transmission housing (10H) of the range transmission unit and is located near the second side (102Z) of the cam (102). The second sensor (106) is opposite to the first sensor (104). The second sensor (106) is configured to generate and send a second signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the second sensor (106) (as shown fig. 6A and fig. 6B) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a high range gear position (H) (as shown in fig. 8). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second sensor (106) can be considered to be a contact type sensor such as but not limited to a switch. For example, the second sensor (106) is configured to be moved to an ON position (electric circuit closed) in which the second sensor (106) is configured to send the second signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the second sensor (106) (as shown in fig. 6A and fig. 6B) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to the high range gear position (H). Further, the second sensor (106) is configured to be moved to an OFF position (electric circuit open) in which the second sensor (106) is configured to cut off the second signal to the controller unit (110) upon disengagement of the cam (102) from the second sensor (106) in response to movement of the range shift lever (10L) away from the high range gear position (H).
[0042] The first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) are configured to generate and send a third signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) (as shown in fig. 5A and fig. 5B) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a medium range gear position (M) (as shown in fig. 8). For example, the first sensor and the second sensor (106) are configured to be moved to the ON position (electric circuit closed) in which the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) are configured to send the third signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) (as shown in fig. 5A and fig. 5B) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to the medium range gear position (M). Further, the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) are configured to be moved to the OFF position (electric circuit open) in which the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) are configured to cut off the third signal to the controller unit (110) upon disengagement of the cam (102) from the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) in response to movement of the range shift lever (10L) away from the high range gear position (M).
[0043] The third sensor (108) is mounted into the transmission housing (10H) and is located near a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) (as shown in fig. 4C). The low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) defines a groove (10YG) (as shown in fig. 2C, fig. 5C and fig. 6C) adapted to provide a space between a front end of the third sensor (108) and the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) when the range shift lever (10L) is in the neutral range position (N) or the medium range gear position (M) or the high range gear position (H). The third sensor (108) is configured to generate and send a fourth signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with the third sensor (108) (as shown in fig. 4C) in response to a movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a creeper range gear position (C) (as shown in fig. 8). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the third sensor (108) can be considered to be a contact type sensor such as but not limited to a switch. For example, the third sensor (108) is configured to be moved to a first ON position (electric circuit closed) in which the third sensor (108) is configured to send the fourth signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with the third sensor (108) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to the creeper range gear position (C). Further, the third sensor (108) is configured to be moved to a second ON position (electric circuit closed) in which the third sensor (108) is configured to send a fifth signal/pulse to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with the third sensor (108) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) to the low range gear position (L). Further, the third sensor (108) is configured to be moved to an OFF position (electric circuit open) in which the third sensor (108) is configured to cut off the fourth signal or the fifth signal to the controller unit (110) upon disengagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) from the third sensor (108) in response to the movement of the range shift lever (10L) away from the creeper range gear position (C) or the low range gear position (L). Further, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the groove (10YG) in form of an elongated groove such that the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) does not contact/engage the third sensor (108) thereby the fifth signal is not generated and sent by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L).
[0044] The controller unit (110) is in communication with the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108). The controller unit (110) is configured to determine the range gear position of the range transmission unit based on a lookup table (T1) in accordance with the signals received from the sensors (104, 106, 108). For example, the controller unit (110) determines the range gear position by comparing the signals received from the sensors (104, 106, 108) against the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T1).

Input Output
First sensor (104) Second sensor (106) Third sensor (108)
Neutral range position (N) 0 0 0 0
Low range gear position (L) 1 0 1 1
Creeper range gear position (C) 0 0 1 1
Medium range gear position (M) 1 1 0 1
High range gear position (H) 0 1 0 1

Table 1: Lookup table (T1) indicates predefined data of the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108) for determining the range gear position.
[0045] The lookup table (T1) is stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the controller unit (110). The predefined data provided in the lookup table (T1) includes input data of the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108), and a corresponding output data for determining the range gear position.
[0046] From table 1, in the neutral range position (N), the input of the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108) are represented as zero (0) which corresponds to signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) due to dis-engagement of the cam (102) from the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106), and the dis-engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) from the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the neutral range position (N). Further, the controller unit (110) is configured to determine the neutral range position (N) based on the lookup table (T1) in accordance with signal cut off by the sensors (104, 106, 108) to the controller unit (110).
[0047] Further, from table 1, in the low range gear position (L), the input of the first sensor (104) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the first signal (electric power ON signal) sent by the first sensor (104) to the controller unit (110) in response to the engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L). Further, in the low range gear position (L), the input of the second sensor (106) is represented as zero (0) which corresponds to signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110) due to dis-engagement of the cam (102) from the second sensor (106) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L). Further, in the low range gear position (L), the input of the third sensor (108) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the fifth signal (electric power ON signal) sent by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) due to engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L). It is also within the scope of the invention to provide the input of the third sensor (108) as zero (0) which corresponds to the signal cut off by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) due to non-engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with respect to the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L). Further, the controller unit (110) is configured to determine the low range gear position (L) based on the lookup table (T1) in accordance with the first signal sent by the first sensor (104) to the controller unit (110), and no signal is sent by the second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110). Further, the controller unit (110) may consider the fifth signal received from the third sensor (108) in addition to the first signal received from the first sensor (104) for determining the low range gear position (L) if the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) engages the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L).
[0048] Further, from table 1, in the creeper range gear position (C), the input of the first sensor (104) is represented as zero (0) which corresponds to the signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the first sensor (104) to the controller unit (110) due to dis-engagement of the cam (102) from the first sensor (104) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the creeper range gear position (C). Further, in the creeper range gear position (C), the input of the second sensor (106) is represented as zero (0) which corresponds to the signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110) due to dis-engagement of the cam (102) from the second sensor (106) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the creeper range gear position (C). Further, in the creeper range gear position (C), the input of the third sensor (108) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the fourth signal (electric power ON signal) sent by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) in response to the engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the creeper range gear position (C). Furthermore, the controller unit (110) is configured to determine the creeper range gear position (C) based on the lookup table (T1) in accordance with the fourth signal sent by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110), and no signals are sent by the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110).
[0049] Further, from table 1, in the medium range gear position (M), the input of the first sensor (104) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the third signal (electric power ON signal) sent by the first sensor (104) to the controller unit (110) in response to the engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the medium range gear position (M). Further, in the medium range gear position (M), the input of the second sensor (106) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the third signal (electric power ON signal) sent by the second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110) in response to the engagement of the cam (102) with the second sensor (106) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the medium range gear position (M). Further, in the medium range gear position (M), the input of the third sensor (108) is represented as zero (0) which corresponds to signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the medium range gear position (M). Further, the controller unit (110) is configured to determine the medium range gear position (M) based on the lookup table (T1) in accordance with the second signal sent by the first and second sensors (104, 106) to the controller unit (110), and no signal is sent by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110).
[0050] Further, from table 1, in the high range gear position (H), the input of the first sensor (104) is represented as zero (0) which corresponds to signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the first sensor (104) to the controller unit (110) due to dis-engagement of the cam (102) from the first sensor (104) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the high range gear position (H). Further, in the high range gear position (H), the input of the second sensor (106) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the second signal (electric power ON signal) sent by the second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110) in response to the engagement of the cam (102) with the second sensor (106) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the high range gear position (H). Further, the input of the third sensor (108) is zero (0) which corresponds to signal cut off (electric power OFF signal) by the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110) due to dis-engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) from the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (L) is moved to the high range gear position (H). Further, the controller unit (110) is configured to determine the high range gear position (H) in accordance with the second signal sent by second sensor (106) to the controller unit (110), and no signal is sent by the first sensor (104) and the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110).
[0051] The third sensor (108) can be removed from the system (100) in geographical locations where creeper range gear is not required and accordingly, the input of the third sensor (108) from the lookup table (T1) can be removed. The indicating module (112) is in communication with the controller unit (110). The indicating module (112) is adapted to indicate one of the neutral range position (N) or the low range gear position (L) or the creeper range gear position (C) or the medium range gear position or the high range gear position based on instructions received from the controller unit (110) in accordance with range gear position determined by the controller unit (110). The indicating module (112) is integrated on one of an instrument cluster or a dashboard of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to integrate the indicating module (112) on any other vehicular component without otherwise deterring the intended function of the indicating module (112) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the indicating module (112) is considered to be one of a light module or a display unit. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide audio device or any other devices as the indicating module (112) to indicate/ notify the range gear position without otherwise deterring the intended function of the indicating module (112) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0052] Fig. 11 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (200) for monitoring range gear position in a range transmission unit of the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (200) is explained herein below with reference to monitoring (sensing and notifying) range gear position of the range transmission unit in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (200) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (200) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (200) for monitoring range gear positions in any other agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles. At step (202), the method (200) includes sending, by at least one of a first sensor (104) and a second sensor (106), at least one signal to a controller unit (110) upon engagement of a cam (102) with at least one of the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) in response to a movement of a range shift lever (10L) to a selected range gear position. At step (204), the method (200) includes, receiving, by the controller unit (110), the at least one signal from at least one of the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106). At step (206), the method (200) includes, comparing, by the controller unit (110), the at least one signal received from at least one of the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) with a predefined data provided in a lookup table (T1). At step (208), the method (200) includes, determining, by the controller unit (110), the range gear position of the range transmission unit of the vehicle based on the comparison of the at least one signal received from at least one of the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) with the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T1).
[0053] The method step (202) includes, sending, by the first sensor (104), a first signal to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) in response to a movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a low range gear position (L).
[0054] Further, the method step (202) includes, sending, by the second sensor (104), a second signal to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the second sensor (106) in response to a movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a high range gear position (H).
[0055] Furthermore, the method step (202) includes, sending, by the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106), a third signal to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of the cam (102) with the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) in response to a movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a medium range gear position (M).
[0056] The method step (208) includes, determining, by the controller unit (110), the low range gear position (L) based on the comparison of the first signal received from the first sensor (104) with the predefined data provided in the look up table (T1).
[0057] Further, the method step (208) includes, determining, by the controller unit (110), the medium range gear position (M) based on the comparison of the third signal received from the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106) with the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T1).
[0058] Furthermore, the method step (208) includes, determining, by the controller unit (110), the high range gear position (H) based on the comparison of the second signal received from the second sensor (106) with the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T1).
[0059] Further, the method (200) includes sending, by a third sensor (108), a fourth signal to the controller unit (110) upon engagement of a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with the third sensor (108) in response to a movement of the range shift lever (10L) to a creeper range gear position (C). Furthermore, the method (200) includes, determining, by the controller unit (110), the creeper range gear position (C) based on the comparison of the fourth signal received from the third sensor (108) with the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T1).
[0060] Further, the method (200) includes, cutting off, by the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108), the signals to the controller unit (110) upon dis-engagement of the cam (102) from the first sensor (104) and the second sensor (106), and dis-engagement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) from the third sensor (108) when the range shift lever (10L) is in the neutral range position (N). Further, the method (200) includes, determining, by the controller unit (110), the neutral range position (N) based on the predefined data provided in the look up table (T1) in accordance with the signal cut off by the first sensor (104), the second sensor (106) and the third sensor (108) to the controller unit (110).
[0061] At step (210), the method (200) includes, sending, by the controller unit (110), a range gear position signal to an indicating module (112) upon determining the range gear position. At step (212), the method (200) includes, indicating, by the indicating module (112), one of the neutral range position (N) or the low range gear position (L) or the creeper range gear position (C) or the medium range gear position (M) or the high range gear position (H) based on the range gear position signal received from the controller unit (110) in accordance with the range gear position determined by the controller unit (110).
[0062] Fig. 12 depicts a block diagram of a system (300) for monitoring range gear position in a vehicle, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein. In the second embodiment, the system (300) includes a first non-contact sensor (302), a second non-contact sensor (304), a third non-contact sensor (306), a fourth non-contact sensor (308), a first target (310), a second target (312), a controller unit (314) and an indicating module (316). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the system (200) is explained herein with below reference to monitoring a neutral range position (N), a low range gear position (L), a creeper range gear position (C), a medium range gear position (M) and a high range gear position (H) of a range transmission unit of an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the elements of the system (300) for monitoring range gear positions in any other agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles without otherwise deterring the intended function of the system (300) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0063] The first non-contact sensor (302) is in communication with the controller unit (314). The first non-contact sensor (302) is adapted to detect the presence of the first target (310) (as shown in fig. 13B) due to movement of the first target (310) to a detection zone of the first non-contact sensor (302) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a low range gear position (L). For example, the first target (310) is moved and positioned in front of the first non-contact sensor (302) (as shown in fig. 13B) due to movement of a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) (as shown in fig. 13B) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the low range gear position (L). The first non-contact sensor (302) is configured to send a first signal to the controller unit (314) on detecting the first target (310).
[0064] The second non-contact sensor (304) is in communication with the controller unit (314). The second non-contact sensor (304) is adapted to detect the presence of the second target (312) (as shown in fig. 13D) due to movement of the second target (312) to a detection zone of the second non-contact sensor (304) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a medium range gear position (M). For example, the second target (312) is moved and positioned in front of the second non-contact sensor (304) (as shown in fig. 13D) due to movement of a medium and high range shift rail (10Z) (as shown in fig. 13D) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the medium range gear position (M). The second non-contact sensor (304) is configured to send a second signal to the controller unit (314) on detecting the second target (312).
[0065] The third non-contact sensor (306) is in communication with the controller unit (314). The third non-contact sensor (306) is adapted to detect the presence of the second target (312) (as shown in fig. 13E) due to movement of the second target (312) to a detection zone of the third non-contact sensor (306) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a high range gear position (H). For example, the second target (312) is moved and positioned in front of the third non-contact sensor (306) (as shown in fig. 13E) due to movement of the medium and high range shift rail (10Z) (as shown in fig. 13E) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the high range gear position (H). The third non-contact sensor (306) is configured to send a third signal to the controller unit (314) on detecting the second target (312).
[0066] The fourth non-contact sensor (308) is in communication with the controller unit (314). The fourth non-contact sensor (308) is adapted to detect the presence of the first target (310) (as shown in fig. 13C) due to movement of the first target (310) to a detection zone of the fourth non-contact sensor (308) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a creeper range gear position (C). For example, the first target (310) is moved and positioned in front of the fourth non-contact sensor (308) (as shown in fig. 13C) due to movement of the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) (as shown in fig. 13CV) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to the creeper range gear position (C). The fourth non-contact sensor (308) is configured to send a fourth signal to the controller unit (314) on detecting the first target (310).
[0067] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each of the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (304) and the fourth non-contact sensor (304) are considered to be infra-red (IR) proximity sensor. It is also within the scope of the invention to use any other types of non-contact sensors in place of infra-red proximity sensors or use a combination of contact sensors and non-contact sensors for sensing range gear position.
[0068] In the second embodiment, the first target (310) is affixed to the low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) (as shown in fig. 13A). In another second embodiment, the first target (310) can be affixed to one of a low and creeper range shift bush (10YB) or a low and creeper range shift fork (10YF) (as shown in fig. 10) or a low and creeper range shift sleeve or a range shift finger (10YR) or the range shift arm (10AR). It is also within the scope of the invention to affix the first target (310) on any other range shift member or components of the range transmission unit depending on the design and configuration of the range transmission/ vehicle. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the first target (310) is considered to be a metal strip. In the second embodiment, the first target (310) is common for the first non-contact sensor (302) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308). It is also within the scope of the invention to use separate targets for the first non-contact sensor (302) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308).
[0069] In the second embodiment, the second target (312) is affixed to the medium and high range shift rail (10Z) (as shown in fig. 13A). In another second embodiment, the second target (312) can be affixed to one of a medium and high range shift bush (10ZB) or a medium and high range shift fork (10ZF) (as shown in fig. 10) or a medium and high range shift sleeve or the range shift finger (10YF) or the range shift arm (10AR). It is also within the scope of the invention to affix the second target (312) on any other range shift member or components of the range transmission unit depending on the design and configuration of the range transmission/ vehicle. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second target (312) is considered to be a metal strip. In the second embodiment, the second target (310) is common for the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306). It is also within the scope of the invention to use separate targets for the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306).
[0070] The controller unit (314) is in communication with the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308). The controller unit (314) is configured to determine the range gear position of the range transmission unit based on a lookup table (T2) in accordance with the signals received from the sensors (302-308). For example, the controller unit (314) determines the range gear position by comparing the signals received from the sensors (302-308) against the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2).
Input Output
First non-contact sensor (302) Second non-contact sensor (304) Third non-contact sensor (306) Fourth non-contact sensor (308)
Neutral range position (N) 0 0 0
0 0
Low range gear position (L) 1 0 0
0 1
Creeper range gear position (C) 0 0 0
1 1
Medium range gear position (M) 0 1 0
0 1
High range gear position (H) 0 0 1
0 1
Table 2: Lookup table (T2) indicates predefined data of the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) for determining the range gear position.
[0071] From table 2, in the low range gear position (L), the input of the first non-contact sensor (302) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the first signal sent by the first non-contact sensor (302) to the controller unit (314), and the input for the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) are represented as zero (0) which corresponds to no signals are sent by the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314). Therefore, the controller unit (314) is configured to determine the low range gear position (L) based on predefined data provided in a lookup table (T2) in accordance with first signal sent by the first non-contact sensor (302) to the controller unit (314), and no signals are sent by the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314).
[0072] From table 2, in the medium range gear position (M), the input of the second non-contact sensor (304) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the second signal sent by the second non-contact sensor (304) to the controller unit (314), and the input for the first non-contact sensor (302), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) are represented as zero (0) which corresponds to no signals are sent by the first non-contact sensor (302), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314). Thus, the controller unit (314) is configured to determine the medium range gear position (M) based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the second signal sent by the second non-contact sensor (304) to the controller unit (314), and no signals are sent by the first non-contact sensor (302), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314).
[0073] From table 2, in the high range gear position (H), the input of the third non-contact sensor (306) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the third signal sent by the third non-contact sensor (306) to the controller unit (314), and the input for the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) are represented as zero (0) which corresponds to no signals are sent by the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314). Thus, the controller unit (314) is configured to determine the high range gear position (H) based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the third signal sent by the third non-contact sensor (306) to the controller unit (314), and no signals are sent by the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314).
[0074] From table 2, in the creeper range gear position (C), the input of the fourth non-contact sensor (308) is represented as one (1) which corresponds to the fourth signal sent by the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314), and the input for the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306) are represented as zero (0) which corresponds to no signals are sent by the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306) to the controller unit (314). Thus, the controller unit (314) is configured to determine the creeper range gear position (C) based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the fourth signal sent by the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314), and no signals are sent by the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306) to the controller unit (314) .
[0075] The first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) are adapted to cut off signals to the controller unit (314) due to movement of targets (310, 312) (as shown in fig. 13A) away from detection zone of the non-contact sensors (302-308) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a neutral range position (N). From table 2, in the neutral range position (N), the input of the first non-contact sensor (302), the second non-contact sensor (304) and the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) are represented as zero (0) which corresponds to signal cut off by the second non-contact sensor (304), the third non-contact sensor (306) and the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314). Thus, the controller unit (314) is configured to determine the neutral range position (N) based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the signal cut off by the sensors (302, 304, 306, 308) to the controller unit (314). Further, the controller unit (314) is configured to send a range gear position signal to the indicating module (316) upon determining range gear position.
[0076] The fourth non-contact sensor (308) can be removed from the system (300) in geographical locations where creeper range gear is not required. The indicating module (316) is in communication with the controller unit (314). The indicating module (316) is adapted to indicate one of the neutral range position (N) or the low range gear position (L) or the creeper range gear position (C) or the medium range gear position (M) or the high range gear position (H) based on the range gear position signal received from the controller unit (314) in accordance to the range gear position determined by the controller unit (314). The indicating module (316) is integrated on an instrument cluster or a dashboard of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to integrate the indicating module (316) on any other vehicular component without otherwise deterring the intended function of the indicating module (316) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the indicating module (316) is considered to be one of a light module or a display unit. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide audio device or any other devices as the indicating module (316) to indicate/ notify the range gear position without otherwise deterring the intended function of the indicating module (316) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0077] Fig. 14 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (400) for monitoring range gear position in a range transmission unit of the vehicle, according to second embodiment as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (400) is explained herein below with reference to monitoring (sensing and notifying) range gear position of the range transmission unit in an agricultural vehicle such as but not limited to a tractor. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (400) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (400) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (400) for monitoring range gear positions in any other agricultural machines or any other off-road vehicles or any other vehicles. At step (402), the method (400) includes detecting, by a first non-contact sensor (302), a first target (310) when a range shift lever (10L) is moved to a low range gear position (L), and sending, by the first non-contact sensor (302), a first signal to a controller unit (314) on detecting the first target (310). At step (404), the method (400) includes, receiving, by the controller unit (314), the first signal from the first non-contact sensor (302), and determining, by the controller unit (314), the low range gear position (L) of the vehicle based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the first signal sent by the first non-contact sensor (302) to the controller unit (314).
[0078] At step (406), the method (400) includes, detecting, by a second non-contact sensor (304), a second target (312) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a medium range gear position (M), and sending, by the second non-contact sensor (304), a second signal to the controller unit (314) on detecting the second target (312). At step (408), the method (400) includes, receiving, by the controller unit (314), the second signal from the second non-contact sensor (304), and determining, by the controller unit (314), the medium range gear position (M) of the vehicle based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the second signal sent by the second non-contact sensor (304) to the controller unit (314).
[0079] At step (410), the method (400) includes, detecting, by a third non-contact sensor (306), the second target (312) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a high range gear position (H), and sending, by said third non-contact sensor (306), a third signal to said controller unit (314) on detecting the second target (312). At step (412), the method (400) includes, receiving, by the controller unit (314), the third signal from the third non-contact sensor (306), and determining, by the controller unit (314), the high range gear position (H) of the vehicle based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the third signal sent by the third non-contact sensor (306) to the controller unit (314).
[0080] At step (414), the method (400) includes, detecting, by a fourth non-contact sensor (308), the first target (310) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a creeper range gear position (C), and sending, by the fourth non-contact sensor (308), a fourth signal to the controller unit (314) on detecting the first target (310). At step (416), the method (400) includes, receiving, by the controller unit (314), the fourth signal from the fourth non-contact sensor (308), and determining, by the controller unit (314), the creeper range gear position (C) of the vehicle based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the fourth signal sent by the fourth non-contact sensor (308) to the controller unit (314).
[0081] Further, the method (400) includes, cutting off, by the non-contact sensors (302-308), signal to the controller unit (314) when the range shift lever (10L) is moved to a neutral range position (N). Furthermore, the method (400) includes, determining, by the controller unit (314), the neutral range position (N) of the vehicle based on the predefined data provided in the lookup table (T2) in accordance with the signal cut off by the non-contact sensors (302-308) to the controller unit (314).
[0082] Further, the method (400) includes, sending, by the controller unit (314), a range gear position signal to an indicating module (316) upon determining one of the neutral range position (N) or the creeper range gear position (C) or the low range gear position (L) or the medium range gear position (M) or the high range gear position (H). Furthermore, the method (400) includes, indicating, by the indicating module (316), one of the neutral range position (N) or the low range gear position (L) or the creeper range gear position (C) or the medium range gear position (M) or the high range gear position (H) based on the range gear position signal received from the controller unit (314) in accordance with the range gear position determined by the controller unit (314).
[0083] The technical advantages of the systems (100, 200) for monitoring range gear position in the vehicle are as follows. The systems (100, 200) are modular such that it detects a neutral range position (N), a low range gear position (L), a creeper range gear position (C), a medium range gear position (M) and a high range gear position (H) of a range transmission unit of the vehicle. The systems (100, 200) are reliable and incurs less cost. Integrating creeper range gears in the range transmission unit reduces the overall cost of the vehicle as well as consumes less packaging space. The systems (100, 200) are configured to notify the determined range gear position as selected by the user using a range shift lever (10L).
[0084] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, C , C , C , Claims:We claim,
1. A system (100) for monitoring range gear position in a vehicle, said system (100) comprising:
a cam (102);
a controller unit (110);
a first sensor (104) adapted to send a first signal to said controller unit (110) on engagement of said cam (102) with said first sensor (104) when a range shift lever (10L) is moved to a low range gear position (L); and
a second sensor (106) adapted to send a second signal to said controller unit (110) on engagement of said cam (102) with said second sensor (106) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a high range gear position (H).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) are adapted to send a third signal to said controller unit (110) on engagement of said cam (102) with said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a medium range gear position (M);
said controller unit (110) is configured to determine said low range gear position (L) based on a predefined data provided in a look up table (T1) in accordance with said first signal sent by said first sensor (104) to said controller unit (110);
said controller unit (110) is configured to determine said medium range gear position (M) based on said predefined data provided in said lookup table (T1) in accordance with said third signal sent by said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) to said controller unit (110);
said controller unit (110) is configured to determine said high range gear position (H) based on said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1) in accordance with said second signal sent by said second sensor (106) to said controller unit (110); and
said lookup table (T1) is stored in a memory unit of said controller unit (110).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said cam (102) is integrated on a range shift arm (10AR), wherein said range shift arm (10AR) is mounted onto one end of a range shift shaft (10AS), wherein said range shift arm (10AR) is movably connected to said range shift lever (10L);
said first sensor (104) is mounted into a transmission housing (10H) and is located near a first side (102Y) of said cam (102);
said second sensor (106) is mounted into said transmission housing (10H) and is located near a second side (102Z) of said cam (102);
said first sensor (104) is located opposite to said second sensor (106);
said first sensor (104) is at least a switch; and
said second sensor (106) is at least a switch.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said system (100) includes a third sensor (108) adapted to send a fourth signal to said controller unit (110) on engagement of a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with said third sensor (108) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a creeper range gear position (C),
wherein
said controller unit (110) is configured to determine said creeper range gear position (C) based on said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1) in accordance with said fourth signal sent by said third sensor (108) to said controller unit (110);
said third sensor (108) is mounted into said transmission housing (10H) and is located near said low and creeper range shift rail (10Y); and
said third sensor (108) is at least a switch.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein when said first sensor (104), said second sensor (106) and said third sensor (108) are adapted to cut off signals to said controller unit (110) on dis-engagement of said cam (102) from said first and second sensors (104, 106), and disengagement of said low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) from said third sensor (108) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to said neutral range position (N); and
said controller unit (110) is configured to determine said neutral range position (N) based on said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1) in accordance with signal cut off by said sensors (104, 106, 108) to said controller unit (110).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said system (100) includes an indicating module (112) configured to be in communication with said controller unit (110),
wherein
said controller unit (110) is configured to send a range gear position signal to said indicating module (112) upon determining range gear position;
said indicating module (112) is adapted to indicate one of said neutral range position (N) or said low range gear position (L) or said creeper range gear position (C) or said medium range gear position (M) or said high range gear position (H) based on said range gear position signal received from said controller unit (110) in accordance with determined said range gear position by said controller unit (110);
said indicating module (112) is integrated on an instrument cluster or a dashboard of the vehicle; and
said indicating module (112) is at least one of a light module or a display unit.

7. A method (200) for monitoring range gear position in a vehicle, said method (200) comprising:
sending, by at least one of a first sensor (104) and a second sensor (106), at least one signal to a controller unit (110) upon engagement of a cam (102) with at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) in response to a movement of a range shift lever (10L) to a selected range gear position;
receiving, by said controller unit (110), said at least one signal from at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106);
comparing, by said controller unit (110), said at least one signal received from at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) with a predefined data provided in a look up table (T1); and
determining, by said controller unit (110), said range gear position of the vehicle based on the comparison of said at least one signal received from at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) with said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1).

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said sending, by at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106), said at least one signal to said controller unit (110) upon engagement of said cam (102) with at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) in response to the movement of said range shift lever (10L) to said selected range gear position, includes,
sending, by said first sensor (104), a first signal to said controller unit (110) upon engagement of said cam (102) with said first sensor (104) in response to a movement of said range shift lever (10L) to a low range gear position (L);
sending, by said second sensor (104), a second signal to said controller unit (110) upon engagement of said cam (102) with said second sensor (106) in response to a movement of said range shift lever (10L) to a high range gear position (H); and
sending, by said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106), a third signal to said controller unit (110) upon engagement of said cam (102) with said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) in response to a movement of said range shift lever (10L) to a medium range gear position (M).

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said determining, by said controller unit (110), said range gear position of the vehicle based on the comparison of said at least one signal received from at least one of said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) with said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1), includes,
determining, by said controller unit (110), said low range gear position (L) based on the comparison of said first signal received from said first sensor (104) with said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1);
determining, by said controller unit (110), said medium range gear position (M) based on the comparison of said third signal received from said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106) with said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1); and
determining, by said controller unit (110), said high range gear position (H) based on the comparison of said second signal received from said second sensor (106) with said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (200) includes,
sending, by a third sensor (108), a fourth signal to said controller unit (110) upon engagement of a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) with said third sensor (108) in response to a movement of said range shift lever (10L) to a creeper range gear position (C);
determining, by said controller unit (110), said creeper range gear position (C) based on the comparison of said fourth signal received from said third sensor (108) with said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1);
cutting off, by said first sensor (104), said second sensor (106) and said third sensor (108), said signals to said controller unit (110) upon dis-engagement of said cam (102) from said first sensor (104) and said second sensor (106), and dis-engagement of said low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) from said third sensor (108) when said range shift lever (10L) is in said neutral range position (N); and
determining, by said controller unit (110), said neutral range position (N) based on said predefined data provided in said look up table (T1) in accordance with said signal cut off by said first sensor (104), said second sensor (106) and said third sensor (108) to said controller unit (110).

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said method (200) includes,
sending, by said controller unit (110), a range gear position signal to an indicating module (112) upon determining said range gear position; and
indicating, by said indicating module (112), one of said neutral range position (N) or said low range gear position (L) or said creeper range gear position (C) or said medium range gear position (M) or said high range gear position (H) based on said range gear position signal received from said controller unit (110) in accordance with said range gear position determined by said controller unit (110).

12. A system (300) for monitoring range gear position in a vehicle, said system (300) comprising:
a first non-contact sensor (302) adapted to detect a first target (310) and send a first signal to a controller unit (314) when a range shift lever (10L) is moved to a low range gear position (L);
a second non-contact sensor (304) adapted to detect a second target (312) and send a second signal to said controller unit (314) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a medium range gear position (M); and
a third non-contact sensor (306) adapted to detect said second target (312) and send a third signal to said controller unit (314) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a high range gear position (H).

13. The system (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said controller unit (314) is configured to determine said low range gear position (L) based on predefined data provided in a lookup table (T2) in accordance with said first signal sent by said first non-contact sensor (302) to said controller unit (314);
said controller unit (314) is configured to determine said medium range gear position (M) based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with said second signal sent by said second non-contact sensor (304) to said controller unit (314); and
said controller unit (314) is configured to determine said high range gear position (H) based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with said third signal sent by said third non-contact sensor (306) to said controller unit (314).

14. The system (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said system (300) comprises a fourth non-contact sensor (308) adapted to detect said first target (310) and send a fourth signal to said controller unit (314) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a creeper range gear position (C);
said controller unit (314) is configured to determine said creeper range gear position (C) based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with said fourth signal sent by said fourth non-contact sensor (308) to said controller unit (314);
said first non-contact sensor (302), said second non-contact sensor (304), said third non-contact sensor (306) and said fourth non-contact sensor (308) are adapted to cut off signals to said controller unit (314) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a neutral range position (N); and
said controller unit (314) is configured to determine said neutral range position (N) based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with signal cut off by said sensors (302, 304, 306, 308) to said controller unit (314).

15. The system (300) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first non-contact sensor (302) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor;
said first target (310) is at least a metal strip which is affixed to one of a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) or a low and creeper range shift bush (10YB) or a low and creeper range shift fork (10YF) or a low and creeper range shift sleeve or a range shift finger (10YR) or said range shift arm (10AR);
said second non-contact sensor (304) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor;
said third non-contact sensor (306) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor;
said fourth non-contact sensor (308) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor; and
said second target (312) is at least a metal strip which is affixed to one of a medium and high range shift rail (10Z) or a medium and high range shift bush (10ZB) or a medium and high range shift fork (10ZF) or a medium and high range shift sleeve or said range shift finger (10YF) or said range shift arm (10AR).

16. The system (300) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said system (300) includes an indicating module (316) configured to be in communication with said controller unit (314),
wherein
said controller unit (314) is configured to send a range gear position signal to said indicating module (316) upon determining range gear position;
said indicating module (316) is adapted to indicate one of said neutral range position (N) or said low range gear position (L) or said creeper range gear position (C) or said medium range gear position (M) or said high range gear position (H) based on said range gear position signal received from said controller unit (314) in accordance with range gear position determined by said controller unit (314);
said indicating module (316) is integrated on an instrument cluster or a dashboard of the vehicle; and
said indicating module (316) is at least one of a light module or a display unit.

17. A method (400) for monitoring range gear position in a vehicle, said method (400) comprising:
detecting, by a first non-contact sensor (302), a first target (310) when a range shift lever (10L) is moved to a low range gear position (L), and sending, by said first non-contact sensor (302), a first signal to a controller unit (314) on detecting said first target (310);
receiving, by said controller unit (314), said first signal from said first non-contact sensor (302), and determining, by said controller unit (314), said low range gear position (L) of the vehicle based on predefined data provided in a lookup table (T2) in accordance with said first signal sent by said first non-contact sensor (302) to said controller unit (314);
detecting, by a second non-contact sensor (304), a second target (312) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a medium range gear position (M), and sending, by said second non-contact sensor (304), a second signal to said controller unit (314) on detecting said second target (312); and
receiving, by said controller unit (314), said second signal from said second non-contact sensor (304), and determining, by said controller unit (314), said medium range gear position (M) of the vehicle based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with said second signal sent by said second non-contact sensor (304) to said controller unit (314).

18. The method (400) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said method (400) includes,
detecting, by a third non-contact sensor (306), said second target (312) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a high range gear position (H), and sending, by said third non-contact sensor (306), a third signal to said controller unit (314) on detecting said second target (312);
receiving, by said controller unit (314), said third signal from said third non-contact sensor (306), and determining, by said controller unit (314), said high range gear position (H) of the vehicle based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with said third signal sent by said third non-contact sensor (306) to said controller unit (314);
detecting, by a fourth non-contact sensor (308), said first target (310) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a creeper range gear position (C), and sending, by said fourth non-contact sensor (308), a fourth signal to said controller unit (314) on detecting said first target (310);
receiving, by said controller unit (314), said fourth signal from said fourth non-contact sensor (308), and determining, by said controller unit (314), said creeper range gear position (C) of the vehicle based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with said fourth signal sent by said fourth non-contact sensor (308) to said controller unit (314);
cutting off, by said non-contact sensors (302-308), signals to said controller unit (314) when said range shift lever (10L) is moved to a neutral range position (N); and
determining, by said controller unit (314), said neutral range position (N) of the vehicle based on predefined data provided in said lookup table (T2) in accordance with the signal cut off by said non-contact sensors (302-308) to said controller unit (314).

19. The method (400) as claimed in claim 18, wherein said method (400) comprises, sending, by said controller unit (314), a range gear position signal to an indicating module (316) upon determining one of said neutral range position (N) or said creeper range gear position (C) or said low range gear position (L) or said medium range gear position (M) or said high range gear position (H); and
indicating, by said indicating module (316), one of said neutral range position (N) or said low range gear position (L) or said creeper range gear position (C) or said medium range gear position (M) or said high range gear position (H) based on said range gear position signal received from said controller unit (314) in accordance with said range gear position determined by said controller unit (314),
wherein
said first non-contact sensor (302) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor;
said first target (310) is at least a metal strip which is affixed to one of a low and creeper range shift rail (10Y) or a low and creeper range shift bush (10YB) or a low and creeper range shift fork (10YF) or a low and creeper range shift sleeve or a range shift finger (10YR) or said range shift arm (10AR);
said second non-contact sensor (304) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor;
said third non-contact sensor (306) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor;
said fourth non-contact sensor (308) is an infra-red (IR) proximity sensor; and
said second target (312) is at least a metal strip which is affixed to one of a medium and high range shift rail (10Z) or a medium and high range shift bush (10ZB) or a medium and high range shift fork (10ZF) or a medium and high range shift sleeve or said range shift finger (10YF) or said range shift arm (10AR).