Park Lock Roller Assembly With Lateral Pawl Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park lock mechanisms in vehicle transmissions require improvements in strength and packaging efficiency, particularly in how the pawl member is actuated between unlocked and locked positions.
Innovation Solution
A park lock roller assembly that utilizes rollers and a guide plate mechanism, allowing lateral movement towards a pawl member for actuation, enhancing strength and packaging efficiency by pulling rather than pushing, and incorporating a spring mechanism for return to the unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the park lock rod assembly is pushed longitudinally towards the pawl member for actuation, then the pawl member can be forced into engagement with the parking lock gear, but the packaging efficiency is reduced and strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the park lock rod assembly longitudinally towards the pawl member, the invention inverts the actuation direction by pulling the rod assembly laterally towards the pawl member. This inversion changes the force application method from axial compression to lateral tension, reducing packaging space requirements while maintaining engagement reliability through the guide plate's directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional longitudinal actuation to two-dimensional lateral actuation by introducing a guide plate that directs movement in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change allows the park lock rod assembly to engage the pawl member through lateral pulling motion, improving packaging efficiency by utilizing unused spatial dimensions within the transmission housing.
2Ease of operation
If the park lock rod assembly is pushed longitudinally during actuation, then the pawl member can be actuated to the locked position, but additional components like washers are required and structural strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the lateral movement of the park lock rod assembly, provides structural support for the rollers, and acts as a mounting surface for securing the assembly to the transmission case. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate washers and other auxiliary components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the park lock rod assembly, guide mechanism, and mounting structure into an integrated unit. The guide plate combines guidance, support, and mounting functions, while rollers are integrated directly onto the rod assembly, eliminating the need for separate washers and fasteners. This merging reduces component quantity and simplifies the overall structure.
3Reliability
If a traditional park lock rod assembly is used with longitudinal actuation, then the mechanism can function, but the strength requirements and packaging space are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the actuation force direction from pushing to pulling, which fundamentally changes the stress distribution in the park lock rod assembly. Lateral pulling through the guide plate creates more favorable stress patterns that reduce peak strength requirements while maintaining locking reliability, as the force is distributed more evenly through the guide plate structure rather than concentrating at connection points.
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 solution provides enhanced strength and improved packaging efficiency by enabling lateral actuation of the pawl member, ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement of the transmission gear, while reducing the need for additional components like washers.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a spring mechanism for return to the unlocked position
Data Source
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AI summary
A park lock roller assembly (10) includes at least one roller (12), a shaft rod (16), and a guide plate (14). The roller (12) is rotably coupled to one of the shaft rod (16). The shaft rod (16) is located within the guide plate (14) for longitudinal movement relative thereto. The park lock roller assembly (10) is pulled towards a pawl (30) to actuate the pawl (30) into locking engagement with a locking gear (38) to reliably lock a vehicle transmission in a parked position.