Integrated Park Lock Device Assembly for Transmission Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing park lock systems in vehicles with automatic or electric transmissions face difficulties in maintenance and repair due to components being dispersed around the output shaft, making replacement and assembly complex.

Innovation Solution

A single pre-assembled park lock device with a casing containing a pivotable park pawl and spring arrangement, along with an actuator support member, simplifies delivery, handling, and assembly by integrating all components into one unit, allowing for straightforward replacement and easier mounting on a vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If components of the park lock system are distributed around the output shaft, then the park lock function can be achieved, but maintenance and repair become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepark lock functionVSAvoidmaintenance and repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the park pawl, spring arrangement, and related components into a single integrated park lock device assembly. This merging of previously distributed components allows the entire assembly to be replaced as one unit, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining the park lock function. The assembly is designed as a complete functional unit that can be installed and removed together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If components are distributed around the output shaft, then the park lock system can function, but replacement and assembly become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepark lock system functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple components (park pawl, spring arrangement, mounting features) into a single pre-assembled park lock device. This reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to separately position and assemble multiple distributed components around the output shaft. The integrated design maintains full functionality while simplifying the assembly process to a single unit installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If components are distributed around the output shaft, then the park lock system operates, but handling and delivery become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepark lock operationVSAvoidhandling and delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates all necessary park lock components into one integrated assembly that can be handled as a single unit. This merging improves ease of operation during delivery, installation, and maintenance by eliminating the need to manage multiple separate components. The unified design allows for straightforward handling while ensuring reliable park lock operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated design enhances maintenance and repair efficiency by simplifying the replacement process and reducing assembly complexity, while ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement of the park pawl with the parking gear.

Implementation Method 1

a spring arrangement (13) arranged to move the park pawl (12) to the release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3744586B1Park lock device
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP3744586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3744586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3744586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A park lock device (10) in which components are placed in one single unit, and the complete park lock device (10) may thus be straightforwardly changed in case of component failure. Advantageously, the park lock device (10) is provided as a single delivery unit in the form of a casing (11) being pre-assembled with a park pawl (12) and a spring arrangement (13) at a supplier which makes the delivery, handling and assembly much easier.