Modular Park Lock Assembly With Manual Release After Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park lock systems in electric vehicles are unable to manually release the park lock after automatic engagement, especially during conditions like towing, and exhibit interrelated component functionality, limiting adaptability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A modular park lock unit with a sliding assembly, electronic actuation assembly, and manual release mechanism that automatically engages the park lock in case of power loss and allows manual disengagement, using a solenoid for electronic actuation and a cam for manual release, reducing the risk of cascading component degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic park lock engagement is implemented during power loss, then vehicle safety is improved, but manual release capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The park lock system is divided into separate functional modules: an automatic engagement mechanism triggered by power loss detection, and an independent manual release mechanism. This segmentation allows both automatic safety engagement and manual override capability to coexist without interference, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A manual release mechanism acts as an intermediary that can override the automatic park lock engagement. This intermediary component provides the necessary adaptability by allowing manual disengagement when needed (e.g., towing scenarios) while preserving the automatic safety engagement function for normal power loss conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If interrelated component functionality is used, then system compactness is improved, but adaptability and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular, independently functioning components rather than interrelated mechanisms. Each component (automatic engagement actuator, manual release mechanism, pawl, and toothed wheel) can operate independently, reducing the risk that failure or degradation of one component cascades to others, thereby improving reliability while maintaining compact packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The park lock unit is designed as a self-contained module that can be universally applied in electric vehicles. The modular design with independent components allows the same basic unit to serve multiple functions (automatic engagement, manual release, safety locking) without requiring complex interrelated mechanisms, enhancing both reliability and adaptability.
3Volume of moving object
If interrelated component functionality is used, then system compactness is improved, but adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the park lock system into independent functional modules, the design achieves compactness through modular packaging while maintaining high adaptability. Each module can be independently configured or replaced based on specific application requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle platforms and operational needs without requiring complex interrelated mechanisms.
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 system enhances customer appeal by providing adaptable and reliable park lock functionality, allowing for automatic engagement during power loss while enabling manual disengagement when needed, thus reducing undesirable vehicle movement and increasing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic actuation assembly may include a solenoid that retracts and decouples a retaining pawl from the sliding assembly when de-energized.
Implementation Method 2
The manual release mechanism may include a cam that induces translation of the sliding assembly into a disengaged position, when actuated.
Data Source
AI summary
A park lock unit and method for operation of said unit are provided. In one example, the park lock unit includes a sliding assembly that engages and disengages a parking pawl from a toothed wheel and an electronic actuation assembly configured to engage the parking pawl with the toothed wheel when electric power provided to the electronic actuation assembly drops below a threshold value. The park lock unit further includes a manual release mechanism configured to disengage the parking pawl from the toothed wheel in response to operator input.