Park Lock Rod Assembly With Self-Capturing Guide Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing park lock rod assembly for vehicle transmissions requires a costly and complex fixture-assisted assembly process with crimping, which increases costs and operational complexity, necessitating a simpler manual assembly method without fixtures or crimping.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded park lock rod assembly with a guide member featuring L-shaped and keyhole-configured slots allows manual assembly and retention of the rod without the need for fixtures or crimping, enabling the rod to slide and pivot for secure engagement with the guide member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixture and crimping process are used to assemble the rod and spring in the guide member, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the assembly cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed with slots that enable the rod and spring to self-assemble into the correct position without external fixtures. The slot geometry guides the rod into proper alignment while the spring automatically compresses and locks the assembly in place, eliminating the need for fixture-assisted crimping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process transitions from a static crimping operation to a dynamic insertion process. The rod is inserted through the slots and the spring dynamically compresses to capture the rod, allowing the assembly to complete itself through motion rather than requiring fixed tooling and crimping forces.
2Reliability
If a fixture and crimping process are used to assemble the rod and spring in the guide member, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member's slot design enables self-assembling of the rod and spring without requiring expensive fixture equipment. The self-capturing mechanism eliminates tooling costs and reduces manufacturing complexity, directly lowering production expenses while maintaining assembly security.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot geometry acts as a disposable guiding feature that is integrated into the guide member itself, replacing the need for expensive reusable fixtures and crimping tools. The slot performs the alignment and capture function once during assembly, then continues to serve as a structural feature without requiring additional expensive equipment.
3Reliability
If the rod is crimped to the guide member, then the connection is secure, but additional fasteners and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The slot design enables the rod to self-capture within the guide member through simple insertion motion. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically secures the rod in place without requiring external fasteners, tools, or crimping operations, dramatically simplifying the assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping operation and associated fasteners are completely extracted from the assembly process. The slot geometry and spring mechanism replace the crimping function, eliminating the need for specialized tools and fastening operations while maintaining secure connection.
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
Facilitates cost-effective and simplified manual assembly of the park lock rod assembly, ensuring secure engagement and operation without the need for additional fasteners or tools, reducing assembly complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring seats within the guide member and maintains the rod in slidable engagement with the guide member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
An improved park lock rod assembly is provided for a park lock mechanism of a vehicle transmission wherein the park lock rod assembly includes a spring-loaded lock rod captured by a guide member. The guide member includes a first bulbous open slot that is generally L-shaped and receives one end of the lock rod, and another open slot spaced axially from the first open slot that receives another end of the lock rod. This slot configuration allows the rod to pivot relative to the guide member and seat within the second open slot, which permits ready assembly of the lock rod to the guide member. The park lock rod assembly may be manually assembled without the need for crimping or other fasteners. Further, the rod is grooved to cooperate with keyhole shapes provided in the open slots wherein the groove and slot configurations permit the rod to be assembled into the guide member while preventing separation during reciprocating movement of the lock rod.