Integrated Clutch and Parking Lock Actuator With Three Control Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator arrangements for motor vehicle drive trains are complex and require multiple components, leading to increased installation space and manufacturing costs, as well as reduced reliability and service life due to the need for multiple electrical interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional actuator arrangement that integrates clutch and parking lock actuation using a single actuator with a movable actuator actuator capable of three positioning positions, allowing for simultaneous operation of the clutch and parking lock, and featuring a power transmission mechanism to divide the actuator movement into separate paths for each function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate actuators are used for clutch and parking lock actuation, then each function can be independently controlled, but the number of components and electrical interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the clutch actuator and parking lock actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. The actuator housing contains both the clutch actuator element and parking lock actuator element, which are mechanically linked through a common drive mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of components and electrical interfaces while maintaining the ability to independently control both functions through a single control unit that can direct power to either actuator element as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both clutch actuation and parking lock actuation. The actuator includes a universal drive mechanism that can transfer power selectively to either the clutch actuator element or the parking lock actuator element based on control signals. This universal design allows one component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing system complexity while preserving independent control capabilities.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate actuators are used for clutch and parking lock actuation, then each function can be independently controlled, but the installation space and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the clutch actuator and parking lock actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. The actuator housing contains both the clutch actuator element and parking lock actuator element, which are mechanically linked through a common drive mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of components and electrical interfaces while maintaining the ability to independently control both functions through a single control unit that can direct power to either actuator element as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator elements are arranged in a nested or compact configuration within the actuator housing. The clutch actuator element and parking lock actuator element share common structural components and are positioned to minimize overall footprint. This nested arrangement allows both actuator functions to coexist in a single compact unit, significantly reducing the installation space required compared to separate actuators while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate actuators are used for clutch and parking lock actuation, then each function can be independently controlled, but the reliability and service life decrease due to multiple electrical interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the clutch actuator and parking lock actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. The actuator housing contains both the clutch actuator element and parking lock actuator element, which are mechanically linked through a common drive mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of components and electrical interfaces while maintaining the ability to independently control both functions through a single control unit that can direct power to either actuator element as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both clutch actuation and parking lock actuation. The actuator includes a universal drive mechanism that can transfer power selectively to either the clutch actuator element or the parking lock actuator element based on control signals. This universal design allows one component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing system complexity while preserving independent control capability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3814658B1Actuator arrangement and electric drive with an actuator arrangement of this kind
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 GKN AUTOMOTIVE LTD
  • EP3814658B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3814658B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3814658B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator arrangement for operating a clutch and a parking lock in a drivetrain of a vehicle, comprising: a clutch (3) having a clutch actuation element (7) which is designed to drivingly engage or to disengage from each other a clutch input part (5) and a clutch output part (6); a parking lock (4) having a locking element (18), which can be transferred into a locking position to lock a locking wheel (17), and into a release position to release the locking wheel (17), and a parking lock actuation element (19) for actuating the locking element (18); a controllable actuator (11) having a movable actuator control element (27) which can be transferred into at least three control positions and is operatively connected to the clutch actuation element (7) and the parking lock actuation element (19) in such a manner that the parking lock (4) is closed in a first control position (S1), the clutch (3) is engaged in a second control position (S2) and the clutch (3) and the parking lock (4) are disengaged in a third control position (S0).