Integrated Gearshift and Differential Interlock for Electric Vehicle Parking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for securing the stationary state of electric vehicles require separate and redundant brake systems, leading to increased structural complexity, weight, and cost, particularly due to the need for a frictionally locking brake device that is only necessary in a small number of situations, such as parking on a slope.

Innovation Solution

A securing device that combines a gearshift interlock device and a differential interlock device, where the gearshift interlock shaft and differential interlock shaft are connected in a drive-transmitting fashion, allowing for a friction-free securing mechanism using electromotive or manual drives, and featuring a positive locking engagement to ensure the vehicle's stationary state without relying on a traditional parking brake.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate frictionally locking brake device is provided for parking on slopes, then the vehicle can be secured in inclined parked positions, but the structural expenditure, required space, weight, and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capability in inclined parked positionVSAvoidstructural expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gearshift interlock device and differential interlock device into a single integrated securing system. The gearshift interlock shaft and differential interlock shaft are connected in a drive-transmitting fashion, allowing one shaft to drive both interlock means. This merging eliminates the need for a separate frictionally locking brake device, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the capability to secure the vehicle in inclined parked positions through positive locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gearshift interlock shaft is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives both the gearshift interlock means and the differential interlock means. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide securing capability in multiple parking situations (both level and inclined surfaces), eliminating the need for dedicated separate brake devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate frictionally locking brake device is provided, then the vehicle can be secured in inclined parked positions, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capability in inclined parked positionVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of gearshift interlocking and differential interlocking into a single integrated system. By connecting the gearshift interlock shaft and differential interlock shaft in a drive-transmitting fashion, the system eliminates redundant components including a separate frictionally locking brake device, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining securing capability on slopes through positive locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate frictionally locking brake device is provided, then the vehicle can be secured in inclined parked positions, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capability in inclined parked positionVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the gearshift interlock device and differential interlock device into a unified system where one shaft drives both interlock means. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability needed for securing vehicles in inclined parked positions through positive locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional friction-based parking brake is used, then the vehicle can be secured, but wear occurs and friction is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring functionVSAvoidwear and friction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical parking brake system with a positive locking mechanism using interlock means. The gearshift interlock means and differential interlock means engage through direct mechanical coupling rather than friction, eliminating wear and the need for friction-based securing. This substitution maintains reliable vehicle securing while eliminating the harmful effects of friction and wear associated with traditional brake systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11255428B2Securing device for securing a stationary state of an electric vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A securing device for securing a stationary state of an electric vehicle includes a gearshift interlock device and a differential interlock device. The gearshift interlock device has a gearshift interlock drive with a gearshift interlock shaft for driving a gearshift interlock between a gearshift interlock position and a gearshift release position. The differential interlock device has a differential interlock drive with a differential interlock shaft for driving a differential interlock between a differential interlock position and a differential release position. The gearshift interlock shaft and the differential interlock shaft are connected to one another in a drive-transmitting fashion.