Drive Train Self-Locking Coupling for Integrated Parking Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive trains for motor vehicles with electrical machines require additional costly and space-consuming actuators for parking brake functionality, which also need protection against damage and theft.
Innovation Solution
A drive train configuration that utilizes a coupling device to self-lock the transmission, blocking the power takeoff shaft through a gear ratio different from 1, thereby eliminating the need for external actuators and allowing for compact and protected integration of the coupling device within the electrical machine or transmission housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radially engaging ratchet parking brake is mounted on the shaft, then a parking brake function is achieved, but the design space requirement increases and cost increases due to additional actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parking brake function with the existing transmission components by mounting the ratchet on the shaft that is already present in the drive train. This integration eliminates the need for separate parking brake actuators and reduces overall design space requirements while maintaining the parking brake function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft in the drive train is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits power during operation and serves as the mounting base for the ratchet parking brake mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and actuators, thereby reducing design space and cost.
2Reliability
If a radially engaging ratchet parking brake with actuator is mounted on the shaft, then a parking brake function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the parking brake mechanism with existing transmission components, eliminating the need for separate, costly actuators. By utilizing the existing shaft and gear structure, the design reduces component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking brake mechanism is designed to utilize the existing rotational motion and structural components of the drive train. The ratchet engages with the existing shaft geometry, eliminating the need for additional powered actuators and reducing manufacturing cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the coupling device is integrated in the housing of the electrical machine or transmission, then protection against damage and theft is improved, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is integrated into the existing housing structure of the electrical machine or transmission. This consolidation provides protection against damage and theft by eliminating exposed external components, while the integration into existing housing planes minimizes additional arrangement complexity.
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 solution provides a space-saving and cost-effective means to implement a parking brake function, while also enhancing protection against damage and theft by integrating the necessary components within a protected housing.
Implementation Method 1
the gear ratio of the transmission being different from 1. As will be further explained below, in this way it is possible to arrange the components needed for the blocking
Data Source
AI summary
A drive train for a motor vehicle has an electrical machine and a transmission, the drive shaft of which is coupled to the rotor of the electrical machine, wherein the drive train comprises a coupling device which is adapted to couple the drive shaft of the transmission to a power takeoff shaft of the transmission in order to block a rotation of the power takeoff shaft.