TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments herein generally relate to vehicular transmission systems (synchromesh type), more particularly to a centering device which enables easy centering of shifter forks with reference to shifter rods in the vehicle transmission systems.

BACKGROUND

A shifter fork of a synchromesh type manual transmission system is mounted on the shifter rod in vicinity of a shift lever, and its free end is engaged in a groove of a clutch means (usually a coupling sleeve) rotating together with a main shaft. Upon gear shifting, the shifter fork is shifted together with the shifter rod so as to shift the clutch means (usually a coupling sleeve) and select a desired gear ratio.
[003] The shifter fork is subjected to severe wear and tear conditions, particularly if a large friction force acts on a part engaging a groove extending circumferentially through a peripheral surface thereof. This part is subject to unwanted wear in a short period of time to generate a gap, due to which the clutch is not fully moved. Thus, leading to an unsatisfactory meshing of the gear. The synchromesh transmission system needs to be fixed or restored to achieve required satisfactory meshing of the gear. The synchromesh transmission system requires centering of the synchro sleeve with the shifting fork for achieving smooth meshing of the gears which is done at OEM level using a line fitted machine which is operated by trained professionals.
[004] However, in-case of field repairs of synchromesh transmission systems, the centering process is done manually at dealerships/service centers by a mechanic. This manual centering process requires many measurements (using devices such as Verniercalipers) and multiple calculations to find the centering position or the alignment

position of the shifting fork at the sleeve centre. This manual process comprises many limitations such as, time consumption, possibility of human error, and requirement of skilled manpower. Further, if the centering or aligning is not correct, it may lead to gear slippage which could accelerate failures of the gearbox in the transmission system. Also, the centering machines required for the purpose of alignment are line fitted and are economically not viable for dealership/service stations.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a centering device which enables easy centering of shifter fork with reference to shifter rod in a vehicle transmission system. Further, there exists a need for a centering device for a vehicle transmission system, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a centering device which enables easy centering of shifter forks with reference to shifter rods in vehicle transmission systems.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a portable centering device which enables easy centering of shifter forks with reference to shifter rods in a vehicle transmission system.
[008] Still another object of embodiments herein is to provide a centering device for a vehicle transmission system which is light weight compared to the conventional centering devices and could be operated by a battery.
[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the 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
[0010] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a centering device for a vehicle transmission system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the centering device for a vehicle transmission system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method of providing a centering device for a vehicle transmission system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] 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.
[0015] The embodiments herein achieve a centering device which enables easy centering of shifter forks with reference to shifter rods in a vehicle transmission system. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a portable centering device which enables easy centering of a shifter fork with respect to the shifter rod in the vehicle transmission system. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGs.l through 3, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0016] A vehicle transmission system typically includes speed change gears, a mainshaft and a plurality of shift clutch means (which are movable longitudinally with respect to the mainshaft) to select speed ratios. The shift mechanism may include a fork support shaft or shifter rod extending parallel to the mainshaft in spaced relation therefrom, a plurality of interchangeable shift forks slidable along the shifter rods and extending from the shifter rods to the clutch means and a plurality of securing means. Each of the plurality of shifter forks can be flat planar members of substantially similar configuration and each securing means comprise a plurality of grub screw members. Further, the transmission system may

include a lever for selectively moving the shift forks to engage and disengage the associated clutch means.
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a centering device for a vehicle
transmission system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an
5 embodiment, the centering device (100) includes a frame (102), a moveable
member (104), a microcontroller (106), at least one sensor (108), a user
interface (112), at least slot (114) and at least one battery (not shown).
[0018] The centering device (100) includes the frame (102). The frame (102) is aligned to a gear box (200) of the vehicle (not shown). The
10 frame (102) defines a slot (114) of predetermined width, perpendicular to
an axis of at least one shifter rod (110). The slot (114) is configured to receive a portion (not shown) of the moveable member (104). The frame (102) is mounted to the gearbox (200) by a plurality of fastening members. Examples of the fastening members may be, but not limited to, a bolt and
15 nut and combination thereof. In an embodiment herein, the frame (102) is a
rigid structure with a D-shaped construction.
[0019] The centering device (100) includes the moveable member (104). The moveable member (104) is adapted to move within the space defined in the slot (114). The moveable member (104) is configured to slide
20 in the slot (114) in one of a left side and a right side with respect to an axis
of shifter rod (110) i.e. the moveable member (104) is adapted to move in a perpendicular direction to the axis of the at least one shifter rod (110). In an embodiment herein, the moveable member (104) includes a platform (not shown) upon which a microcontroller (106) is integrated. In an
25 embodiment, the microcontroller (106) and the moveable member (104) are
unitary. The axis of the moveable member (104) is perpendicular to the axis of the at least one shifter rod (110).
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[0020] Further, the centering device (100) includes the sensor (108).
The at least one sensor (108) is connected to the microcontroller (106).
Examples of sensor (108) can be, but not limited to, a Linear Variable
Differential Transformer (LVDT) sensor, a Differential Variable
5 Reluctance Transducer (DVRT) sensor, a position sensor, a Potentiometric
Position Sensor, a Capacitive Position Sensor, a Magneto-strictive Position
Sensor, an Eddy Current-Based Position Sensor, a Hall Effect-Based
Magnetic Position Sensor, and the like. The sensor (108) includes at least
one plunger or a contact member (108a) which is adapted to contact at least
10 one shifter rod (110).
[0021] In an embodiment, the gear box (200) of the vehicle may include at least one shifter rod (110). The at least one shifter rod (110) is connected to at least one shifter fork. The contact member (108a) is kept in contact with the at least one of the shifter rods (110) to measure the
15 alignment value of the shifterfork associated with the corresponding shifter
rod (110). The sensor (108) is configured to detect at least one movement of the at least one shifter rod (110). The sensor (108) is configured to transmit at least one input signal to the microcontroller (106) using at least one of a wired or wireless means, wherein the transmitted information
20 comprises of the detected at least one movement of the at least one shifter
rod (110).
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the centering device for
a vehicle transmission system, according to embodiments as disclosed
herein. The microcontroller (106) is configured to calculate an alignment
25 value (or a current alignment value or an error value) for the at least one
shifter fork w.r.t to the at least one shifter rod (110) based on the detected movement of the at least one shifter rod (110). Further, the microcontroller is configured to compare, whether the calculated alignment value for the at least one shifter fork w.r.t to the at least one shifter rod (110) matches with
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a predefined alignment range for the at least one shifter rod (110), which is
currently being evaluated. For example, the predefined alignment range
may vary from 0 mm to 0.2 mm. Furthermore, the microcontroller (106) is
adapted to notify at least one condition of the calculated alignment value
5 for the at least one shifter fork w.r.t. at the least one shifter rod (110). In an
embodiment, the at least one condition includes the calculated alignment value for the at least one shifter fork w.r.t. the at least one shifter rod (110) being within a predefined alignment range for the corresponding at least one shifter rod (110). In an embodiment, the at least one condition includes
10 the calculated alignment value for the at least one shifter fork w.r.t. the at
least one shifter rod (110) is not within the predefined alignment range for the corresponding at least one shifter rod (110). In an embodiment, the microcontroller is pre-programmed with predefined alignment range (error values). Further, the microcontroller (106) is configured to suggest, at least
15 one corrective value or an alignment value or an error value required to
attain a predetermined (or permissible) alignment value through the user interface (112). The microcontroller (106) is further configured to suggest, at least one direction of rotation for the grub screw member (116) (installed in the gear box arrangement) in near vicinity of the shifter rod (110) to
20 attain a predetermined (or permissible) alignment value. The
microcontroller (106) is also configured to suggest, an amount of rotation required for the screw (116) (installed in the gear box arrangement) to attain the permissible alignment value, through the user interface (112).
[0023] The user interface (112) includes one or more modes for
25 enabling a user to enter, view, modify, or interact with information (such as
the alignment range, notification of the at least one condition, and so on). Examples of the user interface (112) can be, but not limited to, a display, a touch screen, one or more switches, toggles, knobs, dials, visual indicators (such as lights, a graduated display/lights for indicating the degree of
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rotation/alignment, and so on), an audio indicator (such as an audio alarm, an audio signal indicating a match in alignment/rotation, and so on) and so on.
[0024] The user interface (112) can indicate if the calculated
5 alignment value for the at least one shifter rod (110) is within the
predefined alignment range for the shifter rod (110). Further, the user interface (112) can indicate if the calculated alignment value for the at least one shifter rod (110) is not within the predefined alignment range for the shifter rod (110). For example, the user interface (112) may provide a green
10 light which is configured to glow if the calculated alignment value for the
at least one shifter fork w.r.t the at least one shifter rod (110) is within the predefined alignment range for the corresponding shifter rod (110). Similarly, the user interface (112) may provide a red light which is configured to glow if the calculated alignment value for the at least one
15 shifter fork w.r.t the at least one shifter rod (110) is not within the
predefined alignment range for the corresponding shifter rod (110). Furthermore, the user interface (112) includes at least one reset button to initiate a new alignment or centering process.
[0025] The centering device (100) for the vehicle transmission
20 system includes the battery (not shown). The centering device (100) is
powered by at least one of an electrical supply and battery.
[0026] A method (300) for centering a shifter fork associated with a
shifter rod for a gear box (200) in a vehicle transmission system is
disclosed. The method (300) includes calculating, by a microcontroller
25 (106), an alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter
rod (110) based on a detected movement of said shifter rod (110). The method further includes determining, by said microcontroller (106), whether said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated
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with said shifter rod (110) is within a predefined alignment range for said
shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110), wherein said
microcontroller (106) is integrated with a moveable member (104) and said
movable member (104) is disposed on a frame (102). The method further
5 includes notifying, via a user interface (112), at least one condition of said
calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110).
[0027] The method (300) for centering at least one shifter fork with respect to the at least one shifter rod further includes detecting, by at least
10 one sensor (108), at least one movement of said shifter rod (110) engaged
with said at least one sensor (108). Further, the method includes transmitting, by said at least one sensor (108), at least one input signal to said microcontroller (106) indicating said detected at least one movement of said at least one shifter rod (110). The microcontroller (106) determines
15 at least one corrective value or an alignment value required to attain a
predetermined alignment value. Further, the microcontroller (106) determines at least one direction of rotation and an amount of rotation required for the grub screw to attain a predetermined alignment value.
[0028] The method (300) for centering at least one shifter fork with
20 respect to the at least one shifter rod for a gear box (200) in a vehicle
transmission system is explained below.
[0029] In an embodiment, the vehicle transmission system is
operated in a standard manner to measure the alignment values for
centering the at least one shifter fork with respect to the at least one shifter
25 rod for the gear box (200) in the vehicle transmission system. Initially, the
centering device is attached to the gear box of the vehicle transmission system with help of plurality of fasteners. After which the contact member (108a) is made to contact the at least one of the shifter rod (110). For
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example, consider a shifter rod responsible for shifting 3rd and 4th gear.
Place the shifter rod in Neutral Position and start a program on the
centering device by selecting the location of the sensor (108) corresponding
to the shifter rod. Move a gear lever to Left Hand Side until a movement
5 ends and press store button on the centering device. Further, move the lever
to Right Hand Side until a movement end and press store button on centering device (100). This stores two values of Neutral position (for example “N A & N B). This includes all the free play in neutral position. Now move the gear lever to 3rd gear. Move the lever to Left Hand Side
10 until a movement ends and press store button on the centering device (100).
Further, move the lever to Right Hand Side until a movement end and press store button on the centering device (100). This stores two values of 3rd position (for example “3 A & 3 B”). This includes all the free play in 3rd position. Similarly, repeat the same steps for 4th gear position. After that
15 press a process button on the centering device (100) to process all the
stored measurements. The microcontroller (106) is configured to process the measured values. The results are displayed on the screen of the centering device (100). If the shifter fork is centralized with coupling sleeve green indicator will glow, while, if the shifter fork is not centralized
20 with coupling sleeve red indicator will glow. In case of red indicator, the
display on centering device (100) guides an operator about the movement required to the shifter fork w.r.t the shifter rod. The movement is classified in direction as well as dimension in mm. The operator can adjust the 2 grub screws to align the shifter fork accordingly. Once the adjustment is
25 completed, the operator should follow the same process from the initial
step. The process ends on receiving green indication on the centering device.
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[0030] The method (300) for centering at least one shifter fork with respect to the at least one shifter rod for a reverse gear box in a vehicle transmission system is explained below
[0031] Initially, the centering device is attached to the gear box of
5 the vehicle transmission system with help of plurality of fasteners. Now
place the contact member (108a) to the at least one of the shifter rod (110) responsible for shifting reverse gear. Place the shifter rod in Neutral Position and start a program on the centering device by selecting the location of the sensor (108) corresponding to the reverse shifter rod. Move
10 a gear lever to Left Hand Side until a movement ends and press store button
on the centering device. Further, move the lever to Right Hand Side until a movement end and press store button on centering device (100). This stores two values of Neutral position (for example “N A & N B). Move the gear lever to reverse gear. Move the gear lever to Left Hand Side until a
15 movement ends and press store button on the centering device. Further,
move the lever to Right Hand Side until a movement end and press store button on centering device (100). This stores two values of reverse position (name “R A & R B). This includes all the free play in Reverse position. After that press a process button on the centering device (100) to process all
20 the stored measurements. The microcontroller (106) is configured to
process the measured values. The results are displayed on the screen of the centering device (100). If the shifter fork is centralized with coupling sleeve green indicator will glow, while, if the shifter fork is not centralized with coupling sleeve red indicator will glow. In case of red indicator, the
25 display on centering device (100) guides an operator about the movement
required to the shifter fork w.r.t the shifter rod. The movement is classified in direction as well as dimension in mm. The operator can adjust the 2 grub screws to align the shifter fork accordingly. Once the adjustment is completed, the operator should follow the same process from the initial
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step. The process ends on receiving green indication on the centering device.
[0032] Embodiments herein provide advantage such as centering device being portable, light weight, Battery operated, Easy to handle, smart, and inexpensive.
[0033] 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.lt is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

We claim:

A device (100) for centering a shifter fork associated with a shifter rod (110)
of a vehicle transmission system, said centering device (100) comprising:
a moveable member (104) slidably disposed on a frame (102);
a microcontroller (106) integrated to said moveable member (104); and
at least one sensor (108) operatively configured to engage with at least one shifter rod (110) of a gear box (200), wherein said sensor (108) is configured to transmit at least one input signal to a microcontroller (106) indicating at least one movement of said at least one shifter rod (110);
said microcontroller (106) configured to:
calculate an alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) based on said input signal;
compare, whether said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) is within a predefined alignment range for said at least one shifter rod (110); and
notify, via a user interface (112), at least one condition of said calculated alignment value for said at least one shifter rod (110).
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one condition
comprises
if said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) is within said predefined alignment range for said shifter rod (110); and
if said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) is not within said predefined alignment range for said shifter rod (110).
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (106)
is configured to determine at least one corrective value or an alignment value
required to attain a predetermined alignment value.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (106) is configured to determine at least one direction of rotation required for a grub screw to attain a predetermined alignment value.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said microcontroller (106) is configured to determine an amount of rotation required for said grub screw to attain said predetermined alignment value.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user interface (112) comprises at least one reset button.
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein axis of said moveable member (104) is perpendicular to an axis of said at least one shifter rod (110).
8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (102) is mounted to said gearbox (200) by a plurality of fastening members.
9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said frame (102) defines at least one slot (114) to receive a portion of said moveable member (104).

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said moveable member (104) is configured to slide in said slot (114) in one of left side and right side with respect to the axis of the shifter rod (110).
11. A method (300) for centering a shifter fork associated with a shifter rod in a gear box (200) in a vehicle transmission system, said method (300) comprises:
calculating, by a microcontroller (106), an alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) based on a detected movement of said shifter rod (110);
determining, by said microcontroller (106), whether said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) is within a predefined alignment range for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110), wherein said microcontroller (106) is integrated with a moveable member (104) and said movable member (104) is disposed on a frame (102); and
notifying, via a user interface (112), at least one condition of said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (HO).
12. The method (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said method comprises

detecting, by at least one sensor (108), at least one movement of said shifter rod (110) engaged with said at least one sensor (108); and
transmitting, by said at least one sensor (108), at least one input signal to said microcontroller (106) indicating said detected at least one movement of said at least one shifter rod (110).
13. The method (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said at least one
condition comprises
if said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) is within said predefined alignment range for said shifter fork; and
if said calculated alignment value for said shifter fork associated with said shifter rod (110) is not within said predefined alignment range for said shifter fork.
14. The method (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said microcontroller (106) determines at least one corrective value or an alignment value required to attain a predetermined alignment value.
15. The method (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said microcontroller (106) determines at least one direction of rotation required for a grub screw to attain a predetermined alignment value.
16. The method (300) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said microcontroller (106) determines an amount of rotation required for said grub screw to attain said the predetermined alignment value.