Actuating Means for Park Lock Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park lock arrangements for vehicles with automatic transmissions or electric motors are large and heavy, lacking in compactness and efficiency in switching between release and lock positions.
Innovation Solution
A non-symmetric, compact actuating means with flat bearing surfaces and a rectangular cross-section, allowing straight longitudinal movement and enhanced force handling capacity, along with a support roller to manage radial forces when the vehicle is parked on a slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional conical bushing actuator is used to pivot the parking pawl, then the park lock arrangement can achieve reliable locking, but the actuating means becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a non-symmetric actuating means with a rectangular cross-section instead of a conventional symmetric conical bushing. The actuating means features a flat upper bearing surface and a flat lock section bearing surface that are substantially parallel to each other, creating an asymmetric geometry that enables straight longitudinal movement while reducing weight and size compared to traditional conical designs
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating means is segmented into distinct functional sections: an upper bearing surface for supporting the actuating means, a lock section with a lock section bearing surface for engaging the parking pawl in the lock position, and a release section with a release section bearing surface for engaging the parking pawl in the release position. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while contributing to the overall compact design
2Strength
If a compact actuating means with flat bearing surfaces is used, then the force handling capacity is improved, but the complexity of ensuring proper alignment and contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by making the upper bearing surface and the lock section bearing surface substantially parallel to each other. This parallel arrangement ensures uniform contact and force distribution across the bearing surfaces, simplifying alignment requirements and reducing the complexity of ensuring proper engagement while maintaining high force handling capacity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, efficient actuating means that improves the force handling capacity and compactness of the park lock arrangement, ensuring secure locking and easy operation, while withstanding radial forces during slope parking.
Implementation Method 1
A support roller may be provided, which will support the actuating means and will take up any radial force acting on the actuating means, for example when the vehicle is parked on a slope.
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuating means for a park lock arrangement, where the actuating means is arranged to switch between a release position and a lock position, where the actuating means comprises a lock section provided with a lock section bearing surface adapted to bear against an actuation end of a park pawl in the lock position, where the lock section bearing surface is flat. The advantage of the invention is that a compact and cost-effective actuating means for a park lock arrangement with is provided.