Integrated Clutch and Parking Lock Actuation for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with electric drive machines and parking lock devices require complex control systems and multiple servo motors for operating coupling mechanisms and parking lock elements, leading to increased complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with an actuating device that combines the functions of actuating a clutch and displacing a parking lock element using a single actuator, such as an electric motor, pneumatic, or hydraulic device, allowing for low-complexity and low-weight operation by integrating the clutch and parking lock element actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple servo motors are used to operate coupling mechanisms and parking lock elements, then the operational reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation of the coupling mechanism clutch and the parking lock element into a single integrated actuating device. This actuator performs both functions through different operational modes or positions, eliminating the need for separate servo motors and reducing control complexity while maintaining operational reliability through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both clutch actuation and parking lock element displacement. This universal actuator can operate in different modes to achieve coupling/decoupling and parking/unlocking functions, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the control system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple servo motors are used to operate coupling mechanisms and parking lock elements, then the operational reliability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuation functions into a single actuating device, thereby reducing the total weight of the system. Instead of having separate servo motors for the coupling mechanism and parking lock, one integrated actuator performs both functions, directly reducing the weight of moving components.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal actuator design allows a single component to perform multiple functions (clutch actuation and parking lock operation), eliminating the need for additional heavy servo motors and reducing the overall system weight while maintaining full operational capability.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to actuate both clutch and parking lock element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of clutch and parking lock actuation into a single device is designed with independent control pathways or operational modes that ensure one function's operation does not compromise the other. The actuator can be controlled to perform clutch engagement/disengagement and parking lock activation/deactivation separately or in sequence, maintaining reliability through structured control logic.
4Reliability
If separate actuating devices are used for clutch and parking lock element, then the operational reliability is improved, but the weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by consolidating two separate actuating functions into one integrated actuator. This reduces the total weight of the system by eliminating redundant components while maintaining the ability to perform both clutch and parking lock operations through the single actuator's multiple operational capabilities.
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 improved control and reduced complexity with high operational reliability, enabling efficient torque transmission and parking lock functionality while minimizing weight and energy dependency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (24) which is designed, on the one hand, to actuate a clutch (40) of the coupling mechanism (20)... and is designed, on the other hand, to displace the at least one parking lock element (92)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising at least one electric drive machine and a coupling mechanism switchable between a coupling position, where the electric drive machine is coupled to a drive wheel so as to transmit torque, and a decoupling position where the electric drive machine is decoupled from the wheel. A parking lock device has a parking lock element movable between a parking lock position, where the parking lock element blocks a rotation of the wheel, and an unlocking position in which the parking lock element releases rotation of the wheel. An actuation device comprises an actuator to actuate a clutch of the coupling mechanism, said clutch having a switching element pretensioned by spring force on a housing of the coupling mechanism and used to switch between the coupling position and the decoupling position, and which moves the parking lock element between the parking lock position and the unlocking position.