Rotating Handle Park Release Mechanism With Auto Re-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual park release mechanisms are cumbersome and require special tools or two hands to operate, and lack automatic re-engagement of the lock, leading to potential unintentional shifting out of the Park position.
Innovation Solution
A manual park release mechanism featuring upper and lower housings with a cam and integrated handle, a combination lock, and a compression spring, allowing single-handed operation and ensuring the lock is re-engaged by requiring a quarter turn to unlock and subsequent downward pressure to relock, preventing unintentional shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid handle or tether is used for manual park release, then the mechanism can disengage the Park position, but it requires two hands or special tools to operate and lacks automatic lock re-engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism automatically re-engages the lock after disengaging the Park position without requiring user intervention. The spring-loaded cam follower returns the handle to the locked position automatically after the release cable is actuated, eliminating the need for manual re-locking and preventing unintentional shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism provides tactile feedback through distinct operational positions (locked, disengaging, neutral, re-locking) that guide the user through the correct sequence of operations. The handle must be pulled to a specific position to disengage the Park lock, and then returned to complete the cycle, ensuring proper operation.
2Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is simplified for easy operation, then single-handed operation becomes possible, but the anti-theft and rollaway prevention capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded cam follower acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the lock engagement mechanism. The cam follower translates the user's pull on the handle into controlled movement that disengages the Park position and then automatically returns to re-engage the lock, providing both ease of operation and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic operation sequence that includes disengagement, neutral positioning, and automatic re-locking. The spring-loaded cam follower enables smooth transitions between these states while maintaining security through automatic re-engagement.
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 easy and secure shifting from Park to Neutral and back, ensuring the vehicle remains in the Park position unless intentionally shifted, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring supported within an arcuate track of the lower housing, facilitates cycling of the cam and integrated handle between successive positions
Implementation Method 2
upper and lower housings which sandwich therebetween a cam with projecting handle
Data Source
AI summary
A park release mechanism for a vehicle, including an upper housing and an assembleable lower housing. A cam with a projecting handle is arranged between the upper and lower housings and defines a range of pivotal rotation relative the housings. A cable is secured at one end to the cam and adapted to secure at an opposite end to a transmission of the vehicle. An unlock component is incorporated into the housing in communication with the cam and handle and, upon actuating, to shift the vehicle to and from a Park position upon actuation of the handle and displacement of the cable.