Park Lock Assembly With Inductive Gear Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle transmission park lock assemblies face challenges in compactness, reliability, and cost efficiency, particularly in ensuring the park lock gear is set in a rotational position that allows direct engagement of the locking pawl without interference, which can cause slight vehicle movement when transitioning to parking mode.
Innovation Solution
A park lock assembly featuring a toothed park lock gear, a moveable locking pawl, and an inductive angular position sensor that detects the angular position of the park lock gear, allowing for precise control of the locking pawl's engagement state and eliminating the need for additional sensors by integrating the inductive angular position sensor to monitor rotational speed and proper engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated sensors are used to monitor park lock gear position and engagement, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive angular position sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting the angular position of the park lock gear, monitoring rotational speed, and determining proper engagement position. This single sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single inductive angular position sensor. The sensor integrates position detection, speed monitoring, and engagement verification capabilities, merging what would otherwise be separate sensing systems into one unified component.
2Ease of operation
If the locking pawl is actuated without precise gear position control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The control method first determines the angular position of the park lock gear using the inductive sensor before actuating the locking pawl. The system preliminarily positions the gear by controlling the electrical propulsion machine to rotate the output shaft, ensuring the gear is in the correct engagement position before the pawl is activated, thereby preventing unintended vehicle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive angular position sensor provides continuous feedback on the park lock gear's angular position. The control unit uses this feedback information to determine when the gear has reached the proper engagement position and to verify successful locking, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining ease of use through automated control.
3Volume of stationary object
If the park lock assembly uses a compact design with integrated sensor, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive angular position sensor is integrated directly into the park lock assembly structure, merging the sensing function with the mechanical components. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting and alignment procedures, reducing overall assembly volume while managing manufacturing precision requirements through unified design.
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 solution ensures the vehicle transmission is securely set in parking mode without unintended movement, enhances safety through proper engagement detection, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for dedicated sensors, while providing a compact and reliable design.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive angular position sensor located on an axial side of the park lock gear and configured for detecting angular position of the park lock gear
Data Source
AI summary
A park lock assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a toothed park lock gear and a moveable locking pawl that is moveable between an engaged state, in which the locking pawl is in locking engagement with the park lock gear, and a disengaged state, in which the park lock gear is freely rotatable relative to the locking pawl. The park lock assembly also includes an inductive angular position sensor located on an axial side of the park lock gear and configured for detecting angular position of the park lock gear.