Manual Park Release Handle and Cable Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park release systems for automatic transmission vehicles face challenges in providing an easily accessible yet safe release handle and encounter difficulties during installation and maintenance, particularly with the routing and replacement of cables.
Innovation Solution
A manual park release system featuring a pivotally connected handle assembly with a lock piece and biasing mechanism, along with a cable connector assembly that simplifies cable connection and disconnection, allowing for secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the release handle is made accessible in the cab of the vehicle, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The release handle system is segmented into multiple components: a storage compartment that houses the handle when not in use, and a release mechanism that allows controlled access. The handle is separated from its operational position and stored in a compartment that requires intentional opening, thus preventing accidental activation while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The release handle is preliminarily positioned in a stored state within a compartment before actual use is required. The compartment must be opened first (preliminary action) before the handle can be accessed and operated, ensuring that the handle cannot be accidentally activated while the vehicle is in normal operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is routed through the vehicle assembly to connect the handle to the transmission, then functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into a first cable portion and a second cable portion that can be independently installed and then connected. The first cable portion extends from the handle to a first location, and the second cable portion extends from a second location to the transmission, allowing each segment to be routed through challenging paths independently and then joined, simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable connector assembly acts as an intermediary component between the first and second cable portions. This connector facilitates the connection of cable segments and includes features like a retention beam that can flex to allow cable insertion, making the connection process easier and more manageable during installation.
3Reliability
If the cable connector assembly includes a retention beam for securing the cable, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention beam is constructed as a flexible component that can bend and flex to allow cable insertion and then returns to its original position to secure the cable. This flexible structure provides reliable cable retention while maintaining a relatively simple overall connector design, avoiding the need for complex rigid locking mechanisms.
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 system provides a safe and accessible means to release the transmission connection, simplifies the installation and maintenance of cables, and ensures reliable operation by locking the handle in place and facilitating easy cable management.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing device, such as a torsion spring, may be positioned to bias the handle toward the base.
Implementation Method 2
The lock piece may be connected to an extension spring. The extension spring may bias the lock piece to pivot the front tip up or down depending on the front or back positioning of the lock piece.
Data Source
AI summary
A park release system includes a park release handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a base, a handle pivotally connected to the base, and a lock piece. The handle is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The lock piece is uniquely designed to selectively lock the handle in open position and to release the handle and allow it to pass back to closed position after the handle is pulled from lock position. The park release system may include a cable connector assembly. The cable connector assembly may comprise a first cable section connectable to a second cable section. The second cable section includes a housing having a slider within a passageway and below a flexible retention beam. The slider is configured to receive and connect to the cable from the first cable section.