selectiehendel

Selectiehendel is a Dutch term that translates to "selector lever" or "shift lever" in English. It refers to a control mechanism used in various mechanical systems, most commonly in vehicles, to select different operating states or gears.

In the context of automobiles, a selectiehendel is the lever that a driver uses to engage or disengage the transmission and choose forward gears, reverse gear, or neutral. The exact design and operation of a selectiehendel can vary significantly depending on whether the vehicle has a manual or automatic transmission. Manual transmissions typically feature a gearstick that is directly linked to the gearbox, allowing the driver to manually select each gear. Automatic transmissions may use a similar-looking lever, but its function is to select driving modes such as Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), Drive (D), and sometimes lower gears or sport modes.

Beyond automobiles, selectiehendels can be found in other machinery. For instance, in industrial equipment, they might be used to switch between different operational speeds, functions, or power sources. The principle remains the same: a lever provides a physical interface for selecting one option from a set of predefined choices. The design often prioritizes ergonomic use and clear visual indication of the selected position. The term emphasizes the function of selecting or choosing between different operational states.