Electromagnet Latching Lock for Readjustment Without Coil Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking arrangements for parking locks and parking brakes face challenges with large installation space requirements and insufficient reliability for temperature-induced readjustment functions, particularly due to permanent electromagnetic holding forces that prevent reliable readjustment.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnet with an armature that can be fixed in a stable, permanent-magnetic end position, combined with a spring element supported on bearing bases that allow movement relative to the armature and armature rod, enabling readjustment without energizing the coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent electromagnetic holding force is used to maintain the locked position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ability to perform temperature-induced readjustment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent functional components: an electromagnet for primary locking and a spring-loaded latching mechanism for maintenance locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, enabling readjustment while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latching mechanism acts as an intermediary that takes over the locking function after the electromagnet has engaged. This intermediary mechanism maintains the locked position through mechanical means rather than continuous electromagnetic force, allowing the electromagnet to be de-energized for readjustment purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the armature is moved from its locking position for readjustment, then the temperature-induced readjustment function is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to unintended movement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latching mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the ratchet tooth as soon as the armature moves into the locking position. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking function is maintained continuously without gaps, preventing unintended movement during readjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides a cushioning force that keeps the latching mechanism in readiness to engage. This spring force ensures that even if the armature is temporarily moved, the latching mechanism will quickly re-engage to prevent unintended movement, providing a safety buffer against failures.
3Reliability
If a bistable solenoid with armature rod is used for locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the installation space requirement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The armature rod is extracted as a separate component from the traditional bistable solenoid design. By removing the need for a long-stroke bistable solenoid, the overall installation space is reduced while the locking function is maintained through the spring-loaded latching mechanism that engages with the ratchet gear.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a solenoid to directly move the locking component over a long stroke, the invention inverts the approach by using a short-stroke electromagnet to trigger a spring-loaded latching mechanism. This reversal of the mechanical advantage approach reduces the required installation space while maintaining locking reliability.
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 allows for reliable readjustment of the locking arrangement without the need for energizing the electromagnet, improving safety by preventing unintended vehicle movement during readjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a selectively energizable coil (16) for adjusting the armature (103)
Implementation Method 2
an armature (103), which can be fixed in at least one stable and permanent-magnetic end position
Implementation Method 3
a spring element (110) that pretensions the latching means (106) into the latching position (S1) and allows the latching means (106) to be restored into the release position (S2)
Data Source
AI summary
A locking arrangement has an electromagnet having an armature and an armature rod, a component which is rotatable about an axis in a first direction of rotation and in an opposite second direction of rotation and has circumferential engagements, a latching means with a restoring surface, which is connected to the armature rod and is adjustable between a latching position and a release position, a spring element which pretensions the latching means into the latching position and allows the latching means to be restored into the release position. The rotatable component can act on the restoring surface during rotation in the second direction of rotation to bring the latching means into the release position counter to the spring force of the spring element.