FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and Rule 13]
TITLE: “A SYSTEM FOR ACTUATION OF GEARS IN A TRANSMISSION OF A VEHICLE ”
Name and Address of the Applicant: TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to transmission system for an engine. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a system for actuating gears in a transmission of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
In a vehicle, a transmission or a gearbox, acts as the medium that transmits power generated by an engine to wheels via a mechanical system of gears and gear trains. The transmission allows a person to apply power to a vehicle in a controlled manner, in order to efficiently move the vehicle. There are different types of transmission system such as manual transmission system or Automated transmission system. There are different types of automatic transmission systems which are termed as Conventional Automatic Transmission (AT), Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT), Semi-Automatic Transmission (SAT) or Clutchless Manual Transmission (CMT). The automatic manual transmission primary function is to automate manual transmissions, which means that the task of pressing the clutch and shifting gears via a stick no longer rests with the driver. The Automated Manual Transmission is mechanically similar to a manual transmission, except that the sensors and actuators perform the clutch work and shift gears. In an AMT manual gearshifts are allowed, when needed, by pushing forward the gear lever for upshift and pulling it backward for downshift.
The auto clutch transmission or semi-automatic transmission is a type of transmission which is electronically switched between modes and allows a control unit to take over and engage the clutch in order to perform shifting of the gears, or may allow full manual control of clutch and gear shifting by the driver. This type of transmission allows the driver to automatically engage the clutch while shifting,

taking away much of the possibility of gear damage caused by incorrect shifting and clutch engagement.
In the conventional auto clutch transmission, a button is provided to be engaged to shift the gear knob from one position to another. For example, from park mode to drive mode or reverse mode or vice versa. In the auto clutch mechanism, button engagement gives command to the transmission controller which engaes the clutch automatically and allows for the gear shift. Also, the transmission controller senses the force or travel of the gear knob and based on that actuates the clutch and allows for the gear shift. The conventional auto clutch transmission needs input from the driver to sense the intent of the gearshift. In the transmission, post input from the drive, clutch is disengaged with an actuator and the driver will be able to shift the gear. In the conventional mechanism, shift intent input is received to the controller in following ways: (a) Driver presses the button on the shift lever / gearshift knob (b) Sense the force at gearshift knob and travel of the gearshift lever.
AT, AMT and DCT have conventional shifter of Automatic transmission or Mono stable shifer mechanism. This shifter mobe between different mode with much less shift effort. The major drawback of the conventional shifter mechanismis inconvenience to the driver to press the button during every gearshift. Also, unintentional shifts may be sensed due to high ‘g’ force on the gearshift knob due to road undulations. In case of AT, AMT, DCT shifter (conventional or mono stable), if the weight of the gear knob is high, then for example at the bump or speed breaker there is a possibility that gear knob shifts automatically as the effort required for shifting the gear knob is low.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the conventional systems are overcome by system and method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system and method 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 actuation of gears in a transmission of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprising a capacitive touch panel positioned on a knob of a gear shifter within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the capacitive touch panel determines capacitive touch activity. A position sensor connected to the shifter and configured to determine position of the gear or mode position. The position sensor output is connected to the control unit. A control unit connected with the capacitive touch panel. The control unit is configured to receive input from the capacitive touch panel and the position sensor on engagement of gear / mode and to actuate the gear shift / mode shift and engage the gear / mode based on the input from the touch panel and the position sensor.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for actuating gears in a transmission system of a vehicle. The method comprises steps of detecting a capacitive touch by a capacitive touch panel positioned on a knob of a gear shifter, receiving by a hall effect sensor a signal from the capacitive touch panel; determining by a control unit, position of a gear / mode by a signal received by a gear / mode position sensor and actuating the gear shift and engage the gear based on the input from the touch panel and the position sensor.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the capacitive touch panel and the hall effect sensor is connectable by an optic cable capable of transferring signals.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the position sensor is positioned proximal to a distal end of a lever and is configured to detect gear / mode engagement.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the half effect sensor is configured to receive input from the optic cable and transmits to the control unit .
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the system comprises an auto override switch is provided in the system and is configured to override the touch panel
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the capacitive touch panel is connected with the control unit through an interface circuit wherein the interface circuit comprise the optic cable , and a PCB .
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the optic cable is connected to a ball pin of the gear shifter.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the ball pin is positioned at the distal end of the lever .
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the hall effect sensor is positioned proximate to the ball pin and is configured to sense the position of gear knob.
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 THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics 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 figures. One or more embodiments are now

described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a gear lever in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a system for actuation of gears in a transmission of a vehicle via the gear lever in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates rear view of the system for actuation of gears in a transmission of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a prespective view of the system for actuation of gears in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 illustrates the layout of the system for actuation of gears in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. 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 assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in 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 present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives 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 and modify various features of the system or method, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be a part of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings only show those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ordinary skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system and method 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, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or the device.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Figures 1-4 illustrates a system (1) for actuation of gears in a transmission of a vehicle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (1) for actuating gears may be related to an automatic transmission such as conventional Automatic (AT), Dual Clutch Automatic (DCT), Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT), Semi-Automatic Transmission (SAT) or Clutchless Manual Transmission (CMT) or any other automatic transmission with conventional or mono stable shifter. The system (1) for actuating the gear comprises a gear shifter (2) and a control unit (3). The

gear shifter (2) is connected to the control unit (3) to enable the actuation of gears mode and shift the gears / mode based on the requirement.
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the gear / mode shifter (2) which is part of the system (1). The gear / mode shifter (2) comprises a gear knob (4), a sleeve (5) and a lever (6). The gear knob (4) may have markings such as P-R-N-D where P stands for Park or R-N-D or 1-2-3-4-5-6-R. In the park position the transmission is mechanically locked in position for parking of the vehicle. R stands for reverse i.e.,a reverse gear within the transmission is engaged in order to traverse the vehicle in a reverse direction. N stands for neutral, where no gears are engaged. D stands for drive with forward motion where one or more gears in the transmission may be engaged for moving the vehicle in a forward direction. These combinations or markings may change from transmission to transmission and the same shall not be considered as limitation. For example, a low range automatic gearbox may have different markings such as L1, L2 and even in some cases S mode mabe present for spirited driving of the vehicle.
In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a capacitive touch panel (7) is positioned on the top of the gear knob (4) of the gear shifter (2). The capacitive touch panel (7) is configured to determine the capacitive touch activity on the touch panel. In one such scenario, the user or the driver may touch the capacitive touch panel (7) located on the gear knob (4). The sleeve (5) of the gear shifter (2) may be a hollow structure and is configured to secure all the components of the gear / mode shifter (2). The sleeve (5) is having a first end (8) which secures to the gear knob (4). A second end (9) of the sleeve (5) is present opposite to the first end (8) and through which the lever (6) passes and connects with the gear knob (4). A connector (10) configured with a spring (11) enables the connection of the lever (6) with the gear knob (4). The lever (6) of the gear shifter (2) is defined with a proximate end (12) which connects with the gear knob (4) and a distal end (13) which is secured in the control unit (3).

As shown in figures 2-4, the capacitive touch panel (7) is connected with the control unit (3) through an interface circuit (14) which may send a signal through communication cable (15) to the control unit (3). An interface circuit may comprise of a communication cable (15), a hall effect sensor (17), a position sensor (19) and a PCB (16). The interface circuit (14) is configured to covert the touch signal generated by the touch of the driver to the CAN, LIN or digital signal or analog signal.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication cable (15) may be an optical cable (15). However, the communication cable is not limited only to optical cable and may be any form of communication cable such as fiber optic cables, networking cables or any other suitable table. The communication cable (15) is connected to a ball pin (18) of the gear shifter (2). The ball pin (18) is positioned at the distal end (13) of the lever (6). The hall effect sensor (17) is positioned proximate to the ball pin (18) and is configured to sense the position of gear knob (4) in order to receive the confirmation that the gear shifter (2) movement has been initiated by the driver. The hall effect sensor (17) is connected with the PCB (16) to send out a signal to the control unit.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a position sensor (19) is configured to detect the position of the gear, such as a first gear or a second gear, or mode such as P, R, N, D and transmits the data as electric signal to the control unit (3). The position sensor (19) is positioned proximal to a distal end (13) of the lever (6) to detect gear / mode engagement.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure the control unit (3) is configured to receive signal from the position sensor (19) and from the capacitive touch panel (7). The control unit (3) processes the input from capacitive touch panel (7) to determine whether the shift of the gear knob (4) is a valid input and based on this determination the control unit (3) may allow the shifting of the gear / mode. The control unit (3) also receives signal from the gear / mode position sensor (19) and based on the input from the position sensor (19), the shifting of the gear / mode is initiated.

The control unit (3) based on the input from the capacitive touch panel (7) and position sensor (19) actuates the transmission unit (20) and allows the shifting of gear. The control unit (3) detects the signal, and the gear / mode is shifted using feedback of the capacitive touch (7) and the position sensor (19). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system (1) may comprise an auto override switch which is provided in the system (1) and is configured to override the capacitive touch panel (7) based on the requirement of the driver.
The following paragraphs describes the mode of operation of system as illustrated in figure 4 and figure 5
As explained in the above paragraphs, the capacitive touch panel (7) is a finer /palm sensitive touch panel which detects the human touch of the finger and palm. At the time of driving the vehicle and in order to shift the gear / mode, the driver touches the gear knob (4). Once the driver’s hand or palm or finger comes in contact with the capacitive touch panel (7), the capacitive touch panel (7) detects the touch and transmits the touch in the form of input to the communication cable (15). When the shift lever is mode the position sensor (19) will change the position and this will be sensed by hall effect sensor (17). This signal will be sent further to the PCB (17) The PCB (1) which is in contact with the hall effect sensor (16) and touch panel (7) converts the signal into CAN or digital signal and transmits to the control unit. The control unit (3) is programmed with a predetermined operation functions which determines whether the shift of the gear / mode is initiated by the driver. In case, there is an unintentional shift of the gear knob (4), the control unit (3) detects that the signal is not received from the capacitive touch panel (7) and may not actuate the transmission unit (20) to shift the gear / mode. The “unintentional shift” may be termed as a shift of the gear knob without touching of the touch sensitive panel. The driver will be informed of such “unintentional shift” thorugh instrument cluster and voice command.

As shown in block diagram illustrated in figure 5, the capacitive touch panel (7) detects the human touch of the finger and palm and through the communication cable (15) and PCB (16), the control unit (3) receives input from the capacitive touch panel (7). As explained above, the position sensor (19) also senses the position of the gear shifter (2). The hall effect sensor (17) located proximate to the position sensor (19) detects the position of the gear/mode and provides input to the control unit (3) through PCB (16). Thus, the control unit (3) receives input from capacticve touch panel (7) and from the position sensor (19) and based on the input, the control processes whether the inputs received from the touch panel (7) and position sensor (19) are intentional shift or unintentional shift. Based on the predetermined operation functions of the control unit, the control unit may actuate the transmission unit (20) to shift the gear / mode, when the shift of the gear / mode is initiated by the driver. In case of unintentional shift, the control unit may not actuate the the transmission unit (20) to shift the gear / mode and prevents accidental shifting of gears while driving of the vehicle.
In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the integration of capacitive touch panel (7) with the control enables the shift of the gear only when the driver intents to shift the gear and avoids the shifting of gear due to unintentional shift. The system (1) disclosed in the present disclosure, detect the intent of driver more precisely as compared to conventional system thereby, assists in delivery of robust and reliable auto clutch system.
In an embodiment, one of the advantage that is achieved is, to provide a touch operated gear which avoids the accidental shifting of gears. Due to touch sensitive panel only valid input is received for shifting the gears / mode. This leads to the smooth driving of the vehicle as the shifting of the gears / mode are not accidental or unintentional. While preferred aspects and example configurations have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various further modifications and additional configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations herein disclosed are illustrative

of the preferred nature of the invention and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention.
It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system and a method of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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.

Reference numerals:

System for actuation of gears (1)
Gear shifter (2)
Control unit (3)
Gear Knob (4)
Housing (5)
Lever (6)
Capacitive touch panel (7)
First end of housing (8)
Second end of the housing (9)
Connector (10)
Spring (11)
Proximate end of lever (12)
Distal end of lever (13)
Interface circuit (14)
Communication or optic cable (15)
PCB (16)
Hall effect sensor (17)
Ball Pin (18)
Position sensor (19)
Transmission unit (20)

We Claim :
1. A system (1) for actuation of gears in a transmission of a vehicle, the system
(1) comprising
a capacitive touch panel (7) positioned on a gear knob (4) of a gear shifter (2) within a cabin of the vehicle, wherein the capacitive touch panel (7) determines capacitive touch activity;
a position sensor (19) connected to the a control unit (3) and configured to determine position of the gear or mode position ;
the control unit (3) connected with the capacitive touch panel (7)
wherein the control unit (3) is configured
to receive input from the capacitive touch panel (7) and the
position sensor (19) on engagement of gear / mode ;
to actuate the gear / mode shift and engage the gear /mode
based on the input from the capacitive touch panel (7) and the
position sensor (19).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the capacitive touch panel (7) and
the hall effect sensor (17) is connectable by an optic cable (15) capable of
transferring signals.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the position sensor (19) is positioned proximal to a distal end (13) of a lever (6) and is configured to detect gear / mode engagement.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the half effect sensor (17) is configured to receive input from the optic cable (15) and transmits to the control unit (3).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the system (1) comprises an auto
override switch is provided in the system and is configured to override the
capacitive touch panel (7).

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the capacitive touch panel (7) is connected with the control unit (3) through an interface circuit (14) wherein the interface circuit comprise the optic cable (15), the hall effect sensor (17), and a PCB (16).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1 the optic cable (15) is connected to a ball pin (18) of the gear shifter (2).
8. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ball pin (18) is positioned at the distal end (13) of the lever (6).
9. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hall effect sensor (17) is
positioned proximate to the ball pin (18) and is configured to sense the position
of gear knob (4).
10. A method for actuating gears in a transmission system of a vehicle wherein
the method comprises steps of :
detecting a capacitive touch by a capacitive touch panel (7) positioned on a gear knob (4) of a gear shifter (2) ;
receiving by a hall effect sensor (17) a signal from the capacitive touch panel (7);
determining by a control unit (3), position of a gear by a signal received by a gear position sensor (19) ;
actuating the gear shift and engage the gear based on the input from the capacitive touch panel (7) and the position sensor (19).