Electromagnetic Park Lock Shifter with Magnetic Repulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current park lock systems for automatic transmissions generate distracting noise and suffer from friction-related deterioration due to solenoid actuation, which affects the quality and reliability of the locking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A park lock system utilizing a blocking member with hard magnetic properties and an electromagnet with a ferromagnetic core, where the electromagnet generates a magnetic field in like polarity to the permanent magnet to pivot the blocking member between locked and unlocked positions, reducing noise and complexity by minimizing moving parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solenoid actuator is used to mechanically displace the blocking member, then the park lock system can hold the shifter in park mode, but it generates distracting noise and suffers from friction-related deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidnoise and friction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical solenoid actuator with an electromagnetic system. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that directly interacts with the magnetically responsive blocking member, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and friction-based actuation. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable locking while eliminating noise and friction-related deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the blocking member. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnetic field serves as the mediating force that actuates the blocking member. This intermediary approach maintains the functional relationship while eliminating the harmful mechanical friction and noise associated with direct solenoid actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a solenoid actuator mechanically displaces the blocking member, then the park lock function is achieved, but the system complexity and friction-related deterioration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical displacement mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic field-based system. The electromagnet and magnetically responsive blocking member create a direct magnetic interaction that eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable park lock function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If an electromagnet generates a magnetic field in like polarity to repel the permanent magnet, then the blocking member moves to the unlocked position, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifter operation smoothnessVSAvoidelectromagnet energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet operates in a periodic manner, generating magnetic fields only when needed for actuation (when transitioning between locked and unlocked positions). This periodic operation rather than continuous operation reduces energy consumption while still achieving smooth shifter operation when actuation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The solution effectively reduces noise and extends the system's lifespan by eliminating friction and simplifying the mechanism, allowing for quiet and reliable operation of the shifter between locked and unlocked positions.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnet is configured to generate a magnetic field in like polarity to the magnet portion of the blocking member that causes the blocking member to move away from the core member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

generate a magnetic field in like polarity to the permanent magnet that causes the blocking member to move to the unlocked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 3

The electromagnet also includes a core member proximate the magnetic portion of the blocking member and comprises a ferromagnetic material attracted by the magnetic portion for holding the blocking member in the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10088040B2Shifter with electromagnetic park lock system

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 GHSP INC

AI summary

A park lock system for a shifter of an automatic transmission, according to one embodiment, includes a blocking member pivotal between a locked position to prevent movement of the shifter and an unlocked position for allowing movement of the shifter. At least a portion of the blocking member may include hard magnetic properties, such as having a permanent magnet coupled therewith. An electromagnet may have a core member proximate the magnetic portion of the blocking member to cause the blocking member to move to or remain in the locked position when the electromagnet is de-energized. Accordingly, when the electromagnet is energized, the electromagnet may be configured to generate a magnetic field in repelling polarity to the magnetic portion that causes the blocking member to move to the unlocked position.