Coupling Mechanism Parking Lock Interlock for EV Drivetrains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle systems require multiple actuators for controlling the coupling and parking lock mechanisms, leading to increased control effort and complexity, while also necessitating additional components that increase weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A single actuating device with an actuator is used to switch between coupling and decoupling positions of the electric drive motor and to move the parking lock element, incorporating a retention area to ensure the parking lock is engaged only after the coupling position is set, thereby reducing the need for multiple actuators and simplifying the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a parking lock device is integrated into the transmission case without a separate coupling mechanism, then the number of parts is reduced, but the parking lock device becomes accessible from the interior of the vehicle and can be manipulated by unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the parking lock device and the transmission case. This coupling mechanism has a first portion integrated into the transmission case and a second portion that extends through the transmission case wall to the exterior, creating a secure mechanical link that prevents unauthorized manipulation while maintaining integration benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the parking lock device is integrated into the transmission case, then spatial requirements are reduced, but the coupling mechanism requires additional mounting space and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial requirementsVSAvoidcoupling mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural support, creates the mounting interface for the parking lock device, and extends through the transmission case wall to provide secure external attachment. This consolidation reduces the need for separate mounting brackets and fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4466474B1Motor vehicle having a coupling mechanism and a functionally secured parking lock device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4466474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4466474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4466474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (K) comprising at least one electric drive machine (10) for driving the motor vehicle (K) and comprising at least one coupling mechanism (20) which can be switched at least between a coupling position (KS), in which the electric drive machine (10) is coupled to a drive wheel (100) of the motor vehicle (K) so as to transmit torque, and a decoupling position (ES) in which the electric drive machine (10) is decoupled from the drive wheel (100). The motor vehicle further comprises a parking lock device (90) which has at least one parking lock element (92) that can be moved between a parking lock position (P1), in which the at least one parking lock element (92) at least indirectly blocks a rotation of the drive wheel (100), and an unlocking position (P2) in which the at least one parking lock element (92) releases the rotation of the drive wheel (100). The motor vehicle (K) has in addition at least one actuation device (22) with an actuator (24), which is designed to actuate a clutch (40) of the coupling mechanism (20), which clutch has at least one switching element (62) and is used to switch between the coupling position (KS) and the decoupling position (ES), and is designed to move the at least one parking lock element (92) between the parking lock position (P1) and the unlocking position (P2). The switching element (62) has a retaining region (65) preventing the parking lock element (92) from moving into the parking lock position (P1) as long as the lock has not been adjusted to the coupling position (KS).