Motor Vehicle Control Element Crankshaft Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for motor vehicles lack advanced functionality, particularly in locking and positioning systems, and do not adequately address requirements for switching speed, robustness, and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
The actuator incorporates a drive connected to a crankshaft and connecting rod, allowing for manual movement blocking and release, with a non-positive or positive connection to the handle, enabling a single drive to implement both functions, and includes an electric motor with a worm gear for compact operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single drive is used to control the crankshaft and connecting rod for both locking and unlocking functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the locking system may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate the crankshaft to move the connecting rod between front and rear end positions to lock the handle, and also rotate the crankshaft a full revolution to automatically reset the handle to its initial position. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate drives needed while maintaining reliable locking and resetting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the connecting rod's position along the crankshaft's rotation path. By controlling the crankshaft's rotation angle, the connecting rod can be positioned at different locations to achieve either locking (at extreme positions) or automatic resetting (through full rotation), allowing the single drive to adapt to different operational requirements
2Reliability
If the connecting rod is positioned at extreme locations on the crankshaft rotation path for locking, then locking robustness is improved, but the switching speed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the connecting rod at extreme locations on the crankshaft rotation path where the mechanical advantage is maximized for locking. By preparing the system in advance with the connecting rod at these optimal positions, the locking action becomes more robust while the controlled rotation speed maintains acceptable switching performance
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 configuration enhances the actuator's functionality, improves user ergonomics, and provides extended capabilities for shift-by-wire switching devices, such as automatic resetting and enhanced switching speed and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
The electric motor can drive the crankshaft via a gearbox. For a compact arrangement, the gearbox can be a worm gear drive.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control element (1), in particular a switching device for manually activating and/or triggering functions in a motor vehicle. The control element (1) comprises a handle (2), wherein the handle (2) is supported on a support (3) in such a way that the handle (2) can be manually moved. A drive (5) is provided for the control element (1). The drive (5) is operatively connected to the handle (2) by means of a crankshaft (6) and a connecting rod (7) and/or can be brought into operative connection with the handle in such a way that, by means of the drive (5), the handle (2) can be positioned in a non-manual manner and/or the manual movement of the handle (2) can be blocked and/or the manual movement of the handle (2) can be enabled.