Electromechanical Actuator Magnet Support Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical actuators for vehicle parking lock systems are complex to assemble, particularly due to the need for precise screwing of the magnet support within the actuator, which requires counting rotations and generates handling complexities.

Innovation Solution

The proposed electromechanical actuator features a simplified assembly design where a sub-assembly of the torque output element and magnet support is integrated into the housing, with a plate locking the magnet support in rotation, allowing for easier assembly and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the magnet support is screwed into the actuator from the torque output element, then the magnet support can be securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires counting rotations to achieve specific positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of magnet supportVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is divided into separate modules: the magnet support is pre-assembled on the torque output element as a sub-assembly, which is then integrated into the housing. This segmentation allows independent preparation of components, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining secure mounting through the modular connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet support is pre-positioned and secured on the torque output element before integration into the housing. This preliminary action ensures correct positioning and secure mounting is achieved during the sub-assembly phase, eliminating the need for complex rotation counting during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If a plate is used to lock the magnet support in rotation, then the magnet support positioning is simplified, but additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate serves multiple functions: it locks the magnet support in rotation, provides a mounting surface for the sensor, and acts as a structural element of the housing. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the plate by eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function, sensor mounting function, and structural support function are merged into a single plate component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts while achieving multiple objectives, simplifying assembly without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the magnet support can pass through the axial opening of the housing, then assembly is facilitated, but the magnet support size is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmagnet support size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet support is designed to pass through the housing in the axial dimension rather than requiring lateral insertion. This dimensional approach allows the magnet support to maintain its functional size while facilitating assembly through the available axial opening, effectively using the housing's dimensional characteristics to simplify assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design simplifies the assembly process by allowing a sub-assembly to be integrated into the housing, reducing handling complexities and improving assembly efficiency while maintaining effective operation.

Implementation Method 1

The first roto-linear mechanism is a screw and nut system. The screw part is located on the main shaft, more precisely at one of its ends. The nut part can be directly the magnet support or indirectly linked to the magnet support.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The main shaft is connected to the electric motor by means of a pinion wheel system to rotate the main shaft. The pinion is located on the shaft of the electric motor and the wheel is located on the torque output element, i.e. the main shaft.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the electronic card comprises a sensor which faces a magnet mounted on a support coupled to the second end of the main shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4563845A1Electromechanical actuator
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 VALEO EMBRAYAGES SAS
  • EP4563845A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4563845A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4563845A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electric motor (3) housed in a housing (2), the electric motor (3) acting on a torque output element adapted to be coupled with an element of a transmission box of a motor vehicle, the torque output element being connected to the electric motor (3) by drive means (4), the torque output element being a main shaft (7) configured to rotate about its axis of rotation (X) with a first end (7a) and a second end (7b), the actuator (1) further comprises an electronic card (13) located in the housing (2), the electronic card (13) comprises a sensor (14) which faces a magnet (17) mounted on a support (16) coupled to the second end (7b) of the main shaft (7) by means of a first roto-linear mechanism (15), said magnet support (16) being locked in rotation relative to the housing (2) by means of a plate (30) attached and fixed to the housing (2).