Claims:1. A system (100) for detecting actuation of a shifter lever (1) in a clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a housing (101) connectable to the clutchless manual transmission assembly;
a spring-loaded shaft (3) rotatably disposed in the housing (101), wherein the spring-loaded shaft (3) is associated with at least one sensor (4); and
at least one link (5) having a first end (5a) connected to the spring-loaded shaft (3) and a second end (5b) connectable the shifter lever (1), wherein, the at least one link (5) is configured to operate the spring-loaded shaft (3) corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever (1),
wherein, the at least one sensor (4) generates a signal corresponding to movement of the spring-loaded shaft in the housing (101) for detecting the actuation of the shifter lever (1).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a bracket (6) fixed to the housing (101), wherein, the bracket (6) comprises a provision (6a) for supporting the at least one link (5) between the spring-loaded shaft (3) and the shifter lever (1).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (4) is associated with an electronic control unit (7) to provide the signal.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring-loaded shaft (3) is loaded by a torsion spring.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one link (5) is a cable.

6. A gear shift detection mechanism (200) for a clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle, the mechanism (200) comprising:
a gate detection system (102), comprising:
a first spring-loaded shaft (8) rotatably disposed in a housing (101), wherein the first spring-loaded shaft (8) is associated with at least one first sensor (9);
at least one first link (10) having a first end (10a) connected to the first spring-loaded shaft (3) and a second end (10b) connectable a gate lever pin (11) coupled to a shifter lever (1), wherein, the at least one first link (10) is configured to operate the first spring-loaded shaft (8) corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever (1) during gate selection,
wherein, the at least one first sensor (9) generates a first signal (B) corresponding to a gate location of the shifter lever (1) based on the movement of the first spring-loaded shaft (8); and
a gear detection system (103), comprising:
a second spring-loaded shaft (12) rotatably disposed in the housing (101), wherein the second spring-loaded shaft (12) is associated with at least one second sensor (13);
at least one second link (14) having a first end (14a) connected to the second spring-loaded shaft (12) and a second end (14b) connectable the shifter lever (1), wherein, the at least one second link (14) is configured to operate the second spring-loaded shaft (12) corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever (1) during gear selection,
wherein, the at least one second sensor (4) generates a second signal (C) corresponding to a gear selection by the shifter lever (1) based on the movement of the second spring-loaded shaft (12).

7. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 6 comprises an electronic control unit (7) interfaced with the at least one first sensor (9) and the at least one second sensor (13).

8. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic control unit (7) is configured to determine gear position based on the first signal (B) and the second signal (C) received from the at least one first sensor (9) and the at least one second sensor (13).

9. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gate detection system (102) includes a first bracket (15) comprising a first provision (15a) for supporting the at least one first link (10) between the first spring-loaded shaft (8) and the gate lever pin (11).

10. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gear detection system (103) includes a second bracket (16) comprising a second provision (16a) for supporting the at least one second link (14) between the second spring-loaded shaft (12) and the shifter lever (1).

11. A clutchless manual transmission assembly comprising gear shift detection mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 6. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a transmission assembly for a vehicle. Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for detecting gear shift in a vehicle having a clutchless manual transmission assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, automobiles are provided with transmission assembly to transmit power generated by an engine to the wheels. The transmission assembly may be considered as one of the crucial components of the vehicle powertrain. The transmission assembly transfers torque or power received from the engine of the vehicle in a controlled manner to wheels of the vehicle.

Conventionally, the vehicles are equipped with manual transmission assemblies for transmission of torque from the engine to the wheels for movement of the vehicle. The conventional manual transmission assembly may have a gearbox having a plurality of gears for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels based on requirement. In such manual transmission assemblies, a driver may drive the vehicle in different gears by operating clutch. The efficiency and maintenance of these manual transmission assemblies may be dependent on skill of the driver. Thus, for optimum efficiency of the manual transmission, a skilled driver may be a genuine requisite. However, operating the vehicle with the manual transmission assembly, particularly in congestion conditions like traffic conditions becomes laborious, as the driver needs to operate the clutch frequently, which is undesirable.

With the advancement in the technology, many of the automobiles such as passenger vehicles, heavy duty vehicles, commercial vehicles and the like, are employed with clutchless manual transmission assembly [or auto-clutch manual transmission]. Unlike the traditional manual transmission assemblies, the clutchless manual transmission assembly may be configured to automatically actuate the clutch, when a gear is engaged by the driver. In such vehicles, the gear lever may be operated by the user into a plurality position gates to select a required gear and based on the input received from the user, the clutch may be actuated for gear engagement. These clutchless manual transmission assemblies may be nested with electronics for actuation of the clutch in various conditions. These electronics may include various sensors embedded at required locations in the powertrain compartment of the vehicle. The sensors may be associated with an electronic control unit, which may control the operation of the auto-clutch manual transmission. Thus, the electronic control unit, based on the signals or inputs received from the sensors control the clutch engagement or disengagement. This process, therefore enables smooth and effortless operation of the transmission system, without the need for driver to actuate the clutch, for operating the transmission system for gear shifts.

However, in vehicles having clutchless manual transmission assembly, the electronic control unit operates the clutch assembly only after receiving signals from the sensor based on the shifter lever reaching a specific end position to select a gear. Thus, there may be a delay in processing of the input signal and the corresponding control signal by the control unit [alternatively called as response time]. This delay in response time of the system may inherently affect the drivability of the vehicle, as the driver may feel sluggish and uncomfortable. Further, the delay in response time may prove catastrophic which is undesirable.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of conventional system and mechanisms are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a system and mechanism as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for detecting actuation of a shifter lever in a clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a housing connectable to the clutchless manual transmission assembly and a spring-loaded shaft rotatably disposed in the housing, wherein the spring-loaded shaft is associated with at least one sensor. The system also includes at least one link, having a first end connected to the spring-loaded shaft and a second end connectable to the shifter lever. The at least one link is configured to operate the spring-loaded shaft corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever. The at least one sensor is configured to generate a signal corresponding to movement of the spring-loaded shaft in the housing for detecting actuation of the shifter lever.

In an embodiment, the system comprises a bracket fixed to the housing. The bracket comprises a provision for supporting the at least one link between the spring-loaded shaft and the shifter lever.

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is associated with a control unit to provide the signal.

In an embodiment, the spring-loaded shaft is loaded by a torsion spring.

In an embodiment, the at least one link is a cable.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a gear shift detection mechanism for a clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a gate detection system and a gear detection system. The gate selection system includes a first spring-loaded shaft rotatably disposed in the housing, wherein the first spring-loaded shaft is associated with at least one first sensor. The gate selection system includes at least one first link having a first end connected to the first spring-loaded shaft and a second end connectable a gate lever pin coupled to a shifter lever. The at least one first link is configured to operate the first spring-loaded shaft corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever during gate selection. The at least one first sensor generates a first signal corresponding to a gate location of the shifter lever based on the movement of the first spring-loaded shaft. The gear detection system comprises a second spring-loaded shaft rotatably disposed in the housing, wherein the second spring-loaded shaft is associated with at least one second sensor. The gear selection system includes at least one second link having a first end connected to the second spring-loaded shaft and a second end connectable the shifter lever is provided. The at least one second link is configured to operate the second spring-loaded shaft corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever during gear selection. The at least one second sensor generates a second signal corresponding to a gear selection by the shifter lever based on the movement of the second spring-loaded shaft.

In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises an electronic control unit interfaced with the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to determine gear position based on the first signal and the second signal received from the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor.

In an embodiment, the gate detection system includes a first bracket comprising a first provision for supporting the at least one first link between the first spring-loaded shaft and the gate lever pin.

In an embodiment, the gear detection system includes a second bracket comprising a second provision for supporting the at least one second link between the second spring-loaded shaft and the shifter lever.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates exploded view of a system for detecting actuation of a shifter lever in a clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a gear shift detection mechanism for a vehicle having a clutchless manual transmission assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of section ‘A’ of Figure 2.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a gate detection system of Figure 2, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a magnified view of the gate detection system of Figure 4.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a gear selection system of Figure 2, in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a magnified view of the gear detection system of Figure 6.

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of a shifter gate of the clutchless manual transmission assembly, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the gear shift detection mechanism during operation, in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure a system for detecting actuation of a shifter lever and a gear shift detection mechanism, which may vary based on the configuration of the clutchless manual transmission assembly. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system and mechanism that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for detection of actuation of a shifter lever in a clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle. The system may be configured to detect the gate selection and the gear shift intention of the driver, based on actuation of the shifter lever, thereby reduce the response time of the system and the clutchless manual transmission assembly.

The system according to embodiments of the disclosure comprises a housing connectable to the clutchless manual transmission assembly and a spring-loaded shaft rotatably disposed in the housing. The spring-loaded shaft may be associated with at least one sensor, configured in the housing. The system also includes at least one link, having a first end connected to the spring-loaded shaft and a second end connectable to the shifter lever. The at least one link operates the spring-loaded shaft corresponding to actuation of the shifter lever in the clutchless manual transmission assembly. The at least one sensor may generate a signal corresponding to movement of the spring-loaded shaft in the housing. The at least one sensor may be associated with an electronic control unit for determining the gear position. The electronic control unit then operates the clutchless manual transmission assembly based on the determined gear position.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. The system and mechanism shown in figures are of one particular configuration, it is to be noted that slight variations in the configuration of the system and mechanism are to be considered as part of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be noted that the system and mechanism may be used in any vehicles such as passenger cars, light duty vehicles, heavy duty vehicles. However, for the purpose of simplicity, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which illustrates an exploded view of a system (100) for detection of actuation of a shifter lever (1) [shown in figure 2] in an clutchless manual transmission assembly of a vehicle. The system (100) may be configured to detect intention of the driver for shifting the gear in the clutchless manual transmission assembly, based on actuation of the shifter lever (1). The system (100) includes a housing (101) connectable to the clutchless manual transmission assembly. The housing (101) may be configured as a support structure to accommodate the components of the system (100). The housing (101) may be connected to the clutchless manual transmission assembly by a suitable joining technique such as temporary or permanent joining techniques. The system comprises a spring-loaded shaft (3) rotatably mounted in the housing (101), such that one end of the spring-loaded shaft (3) is connected to a spring (2) and the other end may be associated with at least one sensor (4). In an embodiment, the spring (2) may be connected such that, a first end (2a) of the spring (2) is fixed to the housing (101) and a second end (2b) of the spring (2) may be connected to the spring-loaded shaft (3). This configuration enables for the pivotal or rotary motion of the spring-loaded shaft (3) in the housing (101). In an embodiment, the spring (2) may be selected from at least one of torsion springs, coil springs and the like, which serves the requirement. In another embodiment, a flange may be configured in the housing (101) to facilitate assembly of the spring (2) with the spring-loaded shaft (3).

The system (100) further includes at least one link (5) having a first end (5a) and a second end (5b). The first end (5a) of the link (5) may be connected to the spring-loaded shaft (3) and the second end (5b) may be connected to the shifter lever (1) of the clutchless manual transmission assembly. The link (5) may operate the spring-loaded shaft (3) during actuation of the shifter lever (1). Thus, the at least one link (5) is connected to transfer motion of the shifter lever (1) to the spring-loaded shaft (3). In an embodiment, the spring-loaded shaft (3) may be pivotably operated in a clockwise direction and anti-clockwise direction, based on actuation of the shifter lever (1). In an embodiment, grooves may be provided at contact points on the spring-loaded shaft (3) and the shifter lever (1) to receive the at least one link (5). Further, a fastening mechanism may be provided such as but not limiting to bolt and nut arrangement, at contact points on the spring-loaded shaft (3) and the shifter lever (1) for fastening the at least one link (5). The at least one link (5) may be selected from a group including cables, wires, links and the like which serve the purpose of transfer of motion between the shifter lever (1) and the spring-loaded shaft (3).

The system also includes a bracket (6) fixed to the housing (101) at one end using suitable joining members such as but not limiting to fasteners. The other end of the bracket (6) may extend from the fixed end, and a provision (6a) may be provided at the other end for supporting the at least one link (5) between the spring-loaded shaft (3) and the shifter lever (1). In an embodiment, the bracket (6) may be configured in the substantially L-shape.

The at least one sensor (4) configured in the housing (101) may be associated with an electronic control unit (7) [shown in figure 2] and may be configured to generate a signal based on the direction of actuation of the spring-loaded shaft (3). The signal may be processed by the electronic control unit (7) for gear detection intention and shifting in the clutchless manual transmission assembly. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor (4) may be selected from a group such as but not limiting to a hall effect sensor, position sensor and the like, which serves the purpose of generating the signal based on the direction of actuation of the spring-loaded shaft (3). In another embodiment, the at least one sensor (4) may be a potentiometer.

Figure 2 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrates a schematic view of a gear shift detection mechanism (200) for a clutchless manual transmission assembly. The mechanism (200) may be configured to detect the gate selection and the intention of gear selection of the driver, for detecting gear shift. The gear shift detection mechanism (200) [enlarged view shown in Figure 3] includes a housing (101), which includes a gate detection system (102) [shown in Figures 5 and 6] and a gear detection system (103) [shown in Figures 7 and 8] for simultaneously detecting the gate selection and the intention of gear selection of the driver. The gate detection system (102) and the gear detection system (103) may be constituted by the system (100) as described above.

Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with figures 4 and 5, the gate detection system (102) includes a first spring-loaded shaft (8) rotatably mounted in the housing (101), such that, one end of the first spring-loaded shaft (8) is connected to a first spring (22) and the other end may be associated with at least one first sensor (9). In an embodiment, the first spring (22) may be connected such that, one end of the first spring (22) is fixed to the housing (101) and another end of the first spring (22) is connected to the first spring-loaded shaft (8). This configuration enables for the pivotal or rotary motion of the first spring-loaded shaft (8). In an embodiment, the first spring (22) may be selected from at least one of torsion springs, coil springs and the like, which serves the requirement. In another embodiment, a flange may be configured in the housing (101) to facilitate assembly of the first spring (22) with the first spring-loaded shaft (8).

The gate detection system (102) further includes at least one first link (10) having a first end (10a) and a second end (10b). The first end (10a) of the first link (10) is connected to the first spring-loaded shaft (10) and the second end (10b) may be connected to the shifter lever (1) of the clutchless manual transmission assembly, thereby operate the first spring-loaded shaft (8) during actuation of the shifter lever (1). In an embodiment, the second end (10b) of the first link (10) may be connected to a gate lever pin (11) extending from the shifter lever (1). Thus, the at least one first link (10) is connected to transfer motion of the shifter lever (1) to the first spring-loaded shaft (3). The first spring-loaded shaft (8) may be pivotably operated in a clockwise direction and anti-clockwise direction, based on actuation of the shifter lever (1).

In an embodiment, the first spring-loaded shaft (8) may be pivotably operated in clockwise direction when the shifter lever (1) is operated to the left from the neutral position and the spring-loaded shaft (8) may be pivotably operated in anti-clockwise direction when the shifter lever (1) is operated to the right from the neutral position. The right and left movement of the shifter lever (1) may correspond to gates [shown in Figure 8] in the clutchless manual transmission assembly.

In an embodiment, grooves or pins may be provided at contact points on the first spring-loaded shaft (8) and the shifter lever (1) to receive the at least one first link (10). In an embodiment, a fastening mechanism may be provided such as but not limiting to bolt and nut arrangement, at contact points on the first spring-loaded shaft (8) and the shifter lever (1) for fastening the at least one first link (10). Further, the at least one first link (10) may be selected from a group such as but not limiting to cables, wires and the like which serve the purpose of transfer of motion between the shifter lever (1) and the first spring-loaded shaft (8). The gate detection system (102) also comprises a first bracket (15) fixed in the housing (101), which includes a provision (15a) for supporting the at least one first link (10) between the first spring-loaded shaft (8) and the shifter lever (1). In an embodiment, the first bracket (15) may be selected from a group such as but not limiting to a flange, a projection and the like which serves the purpose of supporting the at least one first link (10).

The at least one first sensor (9) is associated with an electronic control unit (7) [shown in figure 2] and is configured to generate a first signal (B) based on the direction of actuation of the first spring-loaded shaft (8). In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor (9) may generate a positive signal when the first spring loaded shaft (8) is operated in a clockwise direction, and a negative signal when the first spring loaded shaft (8) is operated in an anti-clockwise direction. The signals from the first sensor (9) may be processed by the electronic control unit (7) for gate detection in the clutchless manual transmission assembly. In an embodiment, the at least one first sensor (9) may be selected from group such as but not limiting to a hall effect sensor, position sensor and the like, which serves the purpose of generating the first signal (B) based on direction of actuation of the first spring-loaded shaft (8). In another embodiment, the at least one first sensor (9) may be a potentiometer.

Now referring to figures 6 and 7 in conjunction with Figure. 3, the gear detection system (103) may be mounted adjacent to the gate detection system (102). The gear detection system (103) may include a second spring-loaded shaft (12) rotatably mounted in the housing (101), such that one end of the second spring-loaded shaft (12) is connected to a second spring (23) and the other end may be associated with at least one second sensor (13). In an embodiment, the second spring (23) may be connected such that, one end of the second spring (23) is fixed to the housing (101) and another end of the second spring (23) is connected to the second spring-loaded shaft (12). This configuration enables for the pivotal or rotary motion of the second spring-loaded shaft (12). In an embodiment, the second spring (23) may be selected from at least one of torsion springs, coil springs and the like, which serves the requirement. In another embodiment, a flange may be configured in the housing (101) to facilitate assembly of the second spring (23) with the second spring-loaded shaft (12).

The gear detection system (103) further includes at least one second link (14) having a first end (14a) and a second end (14b). The first end (14a) of the second link (14) may be connected to the second spring-loaded shaft (12) and the second end (14b) may be connected to the shifter lever (1) of the clutchless manual transmission assembly. The second link (14) may operate the second spring-loaded shaft (12) during actuation of the shifter lever (1). In an embodiment, the second end (14b) may be connected directly to the shifter lever (1) [shown in figure 9]. Thus, the at least one second link (14) may be configured to transfer motion of the shifter lever (1) to the second spring-loaded shaft (12). In an embodiment, the second spring-loaded shaft (12) may be pivotably operated between a clockwise direction and anti-clockwise direction, based on actuation of the shifter lever (1). The second spring-loaded shaft (12) may be pivotably operated in a clockwise direction when the shifter lever (1) is operated in the vertically upward direction from the neutral position. In an embodiment, the second spring-loaded shaft (12) is pivotably operated to anti-clockwise direction when the shifter lever (1) is operated in the vertically downward direction from the neutral position [as shown in figure 8]. The upward and downward movement of the shifter lever (1) may correspond to gears [shown in Figure 8] in the clutchless manual transmission assembly.

In an embodiment, grooves or pins may be provided at contact points on the second spring-loaded shaft (12) and the shifter lever (1) to receive the at least one second link (14). In an embodiment, a fastening mechanism may be provided such as but not limiting to bolt and nut arrangement, at contact points on the second spring-loaded shaft (12) and the shifter lever (1) for fastening the at least one second link (14). Further, the at least one second link (14) may be selected from a group such as but not limiting to cables, wires and the like which serve the purpose of transfer of motion between the shifter lever (1) and the second spring-loaded shaft (12). The gate detection system (102) also comprises a second bracket (16) fixed in the housing (101), which includes a provision (16a) for supporting the at least one second link (14) between the second spring-loaded shaft (12) and the shifter lever (1). In an embodiment, the second bracket (16) may be selected from a group such as but not limiting to a flange, a projection and the like which serves the purpose of supporting the at least one second link (14).

The at least one second sensor (13) is associated with the electronic control unit (7) [shown in figure 2] and is configured to generate a second signal (C) based on the direction of actuation of the second spring-loaded shaft (12). In an embodiment, the at least one second sensor (13) may generate a positive signal when the second spring loaded shaft (12) is operated in a clockwise direction and a negative signal when the second spring loaded shaft (12) is operated in an anti-clockwise direction. The signals from the at least one second sensor (13) may be processed by the electronic control unit (7) for gear detection in the clutchless manual transmission assembly. In an embodiment, the electronic control unit (7) may include a processing unit [not shown] for processing the second signal (C) received from the at least one second sensor (13). In an embodiment, the electronic control unit (7) may include at least one memory unit [not shown] for storing the data required for processing the second signal (C) received from the at least one second sensor (13). In an embodiment, the at least one second sensor (13) may be selected from group such as but not limiting to a hall effect sensor, position sensor and the like, which serves the purpose of generating the second signal (C) based on direction of actuation of the second spring-loaded shaft (12). In another embodiment, the at least one second sensor (13) may be a potentiometer.

Figure 9 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a perspective view of the gear shift detection mechanism (200) during operation. When a driver operates the shifter lever (1) from the neutral position, for example, say to first gear, initially the driver operates the shifter lever (1) towards the left side or first gate shown in Figure. 8. In this condition, due to the side movement of the shifter lever (1), to position RS, the first spring-loaded shaft (8) may be pivotably operated in a clockwise direction. Thus, the at least one first sensor (8) detects movement of the first spring-loaded shaft (8) and generate a corresponding first signal (B). The first signal (B) may be transmitted to the electronic control unit (7) for detection of the gate position of the shifter lever (1) and may accordingly operate the gearbox (18).

Subsequently, the driver operates the shifter lever (1) from RS position to vertically upward position to engage first gear. In this condition, due to the upward movement of the shifter lever (1), the second spring-loaded shaft (12) may be pivotably operated in a clockwise direction. Thus, the at least one second sensor (13) detects movement of the second spring-loaded shaft (8) and generate a corresponding second signal (C). The second signal (C) may be transmitted to the electronic control unit (7) for detection of gear position of the shifter lever (1) and may accordingly operate the gearbox to select 1st gear.

Similarly, when a driver operates the shifter lever (1) from the neutral position, for example, say to reverse gear, initially the driver operates the shifter lever (1) towards the right side or third gate is shown as GS in Figure. 8. In this condition, due to the side movement of the shifter lever (1), the first spring-loaded shaft (8) may be pivotably operated in an anticlockwise direction. Thus, the at least one first sensor (8) detects movement of the first spring-loaded shaft (8) and generate a corresponding first signal (B). The first signal (B) may be transmitted to the electronic control unit (7) for detection of the gate position of the shifter lever (1). This signal may be used by the ECU (7) to accordingly operate the gearbox.

Subsequently, the driver operates the shifter lever (1) from GS position to vertically downward position to engage reverse gear. In this condition, due to the downward movement of the shifter lever (1), the second spring-loaded shaft (12) may be pivotably operated in an anticlockwise direction. Thus, the at least one second sensor (13) detects movement of the second spring-loaded shaft (8) and generate a corresponding second signal (C). The second signal (C) may be transmitted to the electronic control unit (7) for detection of gear position of the shifter lever (1). This signal may be used by the ECU (7) to accordingly operate the gearbox to choose reverse gear.

The electronic control unit (7), based on the first signal (B) and the second signal (C), detects the gear shift intention of the driver. Accordingly, the electronic control unit (7) operates a clutch actuation assembly (19) to actuate a clutch and engage corresponding gears in the clutchless manual transmission assembly, thereby transmitting torque or power from an engine (17) to the gearbox (18) selectively. In an embodiment, the electronic control unit (7) may consider other operating parameters of the vehicle during gear shift in the clutchless manual transmission assembly.

In an embodiment, the electronic control unit (7) may include a processing unit [not shown] for processing the signal, the first signal (B) and the second signal (C) received from the at least one sensor (4), the at least one first sensor (9) and the at least one second sensor (13). In an embodiment, the electronic control unit (7) may include at least one memory unit [not shown] for storing the data required for processing the signal, the first signal (B) and the second signal (C), received from the at least one sensor (4), the at least one first sensor (9) and the at least one second sensor (13).

Advantages
The present disclosure provides a gear shift detection mechanism, which reduces the response time during gear shifts i.e. reduces the time estimate required for actuation of the clutch assembly during gear shifts in a clutchless manual transmission assembly.

The present disclosure provides a gear shift detection mechanism, which can be easily diagnosed in the event of failure or malfunction of either gear detection mechanism or gate detection mechanism.

The present disclosure provides a gear shift detection mechanism, which is robust, retrofittable and scalable based on the configuration of the clutchless manual transmission assembly.

The present disclosure provides a gear shift detection mechanism for the clutchless manual transmission assembly, which is cost effective, reliable and simple in design.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
REFERRAL NUMERALS DESCRIPTION
100 System for detecting actuation of shifter lever
102 Gate detection system
103 Gear detection system
200 Gear shift detection mechanism
1 Shifter lever
2 Spring
2a First end of spring
2b Second end of spring
3 Spring loaded shaft
4 Sensor
5 Link
5a First end of the link
5b Second end of the link
6 Bracket
6a Provision
7 Control unit/Electronic control unit
8 First spring-loaded shaft
9 First sensor
10 First link
10a First end of the first link
10b Second end of the first link
11 Gate lever pin
12 Second spring-loaded shaft
13 Second sensor
14 Second link
14a First end of the second link
14b Second end of the second link
15 First bracket
15a First provision
16 Second bracket
16a Second provision
17 Engine
18 Gearbox
19 Clutch actuation assembly
20 Gate selection cable
21 Gear selection cable
22 First spring
23 Second spring
RS Gate selection
GS Gear selection
N Neutral gear position
R Reverse gear position
B First signal
C Second signal