Vehicle Park Lock Support Block for Compact Multi-Function Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle park lock assemblies require multiple separate components to limit park valve movement, bias the valve, and sense lever positions, leading to increased complexity, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A support block that secures directly to a transmission case, provides a reaction point for a biasing device, and restrains a sensor to limit park valve movement and sense lever positions, integrating multiple functions into a single component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used to limit park valve movement, bias the valve, and sense lever positions, then the park lock assembly can perform all required functions, but the complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (support structure, movement limiter, biasing device anchor, and sensor mount) into a single integrated support block. This support block simultaneously performs all four functions: supporting the park valve, limiting its movement, providing a reaction point for the biasing device, and restraining the sensor. This merging eliminates the need for multiple discrete parts while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles within the park lock assembly. It serves as a structural support, a movement constraint mechanism, an anchor point for the biasing device, and a mounting structure for the sensor. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require several specialized parts, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for support, biasing, and sensing functions, then the assembly can be robust, but the weight increases affecting fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate components into a single support block, the total weight of the assembly is reduced. The integrated design eliminates redundant materials and fasteners that would be required to connect multiple separate parts, while maintaining the structural robustness needed for reliable park lock functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the packaging efficiency and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into a single support block significantly reduces the packaging volume required. Instead of accommodating multiple separate components with their individual mounting spaces and fasteners, the assembly now requires space for only one consolidated component, improving packaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional support block design allows all required functions to be achieved within a single compact component, reducing the overall volume occupied by the park lock assembly while maintaining the ability to perform support, constraint, biasing, and sensing functions.
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 support block reduces complexity, weight, and cost by consolidating functions, improving fuel economy and packaging efficiency while maintaining effective park lock functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device coupled to the support block and the park valve. The biasing device biases the park valve to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle park lock assembly includes a park valve that moves in a first direction to transition a lever from a first to a second position, and moves in an opposite, second direction to permit movement of the lever from the second to the first position. The assembly includes a support block that limits movement of the park valve in the first direction. The assembly includes a biasing device coupled to the support block and the park valve. The biasing device biases the park valve to the first position. A method of supporting components of a vehicle park lock assembly includes moving a park valve in a first direction to transition a lever from a first to a second position, and moving the park valve in an opposite, second direction to permit movement of the lever from the second to the first position. The method also includes biasing the park valve to the first position with a biasing device that is coupled to the lever and a support block, and limiting movement of the park valve in the first direction using the support block.