Gear Locking Unit With Permanent Magnet Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking units for vehicles require continuous electric current to maintain the parking lock, leading to energy inefficiency and complex assembly due to the use of multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A locking unit that utilizes a permanent magnet to hold the armature rod in place without current, with a current flow through the coil increasing the holding force to switch positions, allowing energy-efficient operation and simplified assembly by integrating the permanent magnet into the magnetic circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil with continuous current is used to hold the armature rod in position, then the locking unit maintains reliable holding force, but energy consumption increases continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a permanent magnet to provide continuous holding force without energy consumption, and only activating the coil temporarily with current pulses when position switching is required. This transforms the continuous energy consumption model into a periodic activation model, achieving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a permanent magnet is integrated into the magnetic circuit to hold the armature rod without current, then energy efficiency improves, but assembly complexity increases due to additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the permanent magnet with the coil assembly by integrating it into the magnetic circuit, where the permanent magnet serves as the stationary magnet for the coil. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining the energy-efficient holding capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the permanent magnet is made movable to improve assembly, then assembly ease improves, but the holding force reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the permanent magnet with the coil assembly through integration into the magnetic circuit, creating a unified component that is both easy to assemble and reliable in function. The integration ensures the permanent magnet remains stationary during operation while simplifying the overall assembly process.
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
Enables the locking unit to maintain the parking lock without energy consumption and efficiently switch positions using a short current pulse, reducing energy usage and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the armature rod or the armature is held in a first position by a permanent magnet, in particular without current
Implementation Method 2
a current flow through the wire of the coil increases the holding force of the permanent magnet compensated and the anchor rod reaches the second position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking unit, in particular a gear locking unit. It consists of a coil which at least partially surrounds an armature chamber. The coil has a wire through which an electric current can flow. An armature rod, which carries an armature and is movable relative to the coil, is provided, projecting from the armature chamber, as well as an actuating element locking mechanism that interacts with the armature rod. Depending on the position of the armature rod, this locking mechanism holds an actuating element in place or releases it, wherein the armature rod or the armature is held in a first position by a permanent magnet, and an electric current flowing through the wire of the coil compensates for the holding force of the permanent magnet, allowing the armature rod to move into the second position.