Jul.27, 2013
While many people get used to drive automatics they forget how to drive with a manual transmssion. However Ford engineer wants to make a manual transmission a bit easier to adjust to, with a new 3D printed shift knob that tells you when to shift based on haptic feedback.
Ford Engineer Zachary Nelson uses a haptic vibration motor from a Microsoft Xbox 360 game controller to create an OpenXC shift knob that vibrates when a driver shifts gears in a Ford Mustang. The motor is then stuffed into a custom shift knob he printed on a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic so whenever the driver should shift the shift knob will vibrate.
He also installed an Arduino controller and connected an Android tablet with a mini-USB port and a Bluetooth receiver. When fully assembled, the 3D-printed shift knob uses Ford's OpenXC research platform to link devices to the car via Bluetooth, and shares vehicle data from the on-board diagnostics port. Zach tests his prototype in a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that vibrates at the optimal time to change gears. According to Wired, he can also program the knob to vibrate as the engine approaches redline or its most efficient shift point (to save the most fuel).
While this idea might not be useful for a lot of us, with 3D printing it is possible for people to try to make more custom parts for their cars. As car makers release some of designs of products and allow the community to further develop them, we also expect a booming business in custom car parts designs.
Watch the video below:
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
Maybe you also like:
- Disney develops richly expressive 3D printed eyes for robots
- This $200 3D printed bot can crack your phone's PIN in 20 hours
- World's First 3D Printed Ink Cartridges
- And Vinyly turns your ashes into a playable record
- 3D replicas of Van Gogh masterpieces
- Always losing your keys? Belgian insurance firm helps you with 3D scanning
- Prosthetics become musical instruments
- Vets are using 3D printing to help pets
- 3D printed Sonic-Ear makes your iPad sound louder
- Accord: 3D printed personalized earbuds
- Bone inspired 3D printed pumps by London designer Chaemin Hong
- Comic-Con 3D Printing Experience to feature Predator Alien holding fan's severed head
- Get a 3D print of your unborn baby's face
- Easton LaChappelle's TED Talk - 3D printed, brain-powered robo-arm
hi dear how can i buy this digital gear knob plz update me about price and mode of payment
yy wrote at 7/27/2013 9:28:31 PM:
'Murica