Integrated Electronic Parking Lock Actuator with Embedded Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic parking lock actuators for automatic transmission vehicles are not compact enough due to separate design and coupling of the motor controller, leading to space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic parking lock actuator design featuring a gearbox with a casing that houses both the driving motor and controller, where the controller's electronic components are accommodated in cavities within the casing, and a gear system with a magnetic ring for rotation angle detection, all enclosed within a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the motor controller is designed separately and coupled to the motor via a cable, then the controller can be independently manufactured and maintained, but the overall structure becomes bulky and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is integrated directly into the gearbox casing, merging the motor controller and gearbox into a single compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate controller housing and cable connections, significantly reducing the overall actuator volume while maintaining independent manufacturability through modular assembly of the integrated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is nested within the gearbox casing structure, with the controller board mounted inside the existing casing space. This nested arrangement utilizes the available internal volume of the gearbox, eliminating wasted space and creating a compact integrated assembly without requiring additional external space
2Volume of moving object
If the controller is integrated into the gearbox casing, then the structure becomes compact, but the controller may be exposed to abrasive particles and lubricating oil
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox internal space is segmented into two distinct zones: a gear working area where abrasive particles and lubricating oil are present, and a controller area that is isolated from these contaminants. This segmentation is achieved through spatial separation within the casing, with the controller mounted in a protected zone away from the gear meshing area
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox casing structure itself acts as an intermediary barrier between the gear working area and the controller area. The casing walls and internal structure create a physical separation that protects the controller from abrasive particles and lubricating oil while still allowing the compact integrated design to function
3Device complexity
If electronic components are disposed on one side of the printed circuit board, then the controller structure is simplified, but space utilization within the casing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller board is oriented perpendicular to the main axis of the gearbox, utilizing the vertical space within the casing rather than only horizontal space. This dimensional reorientation allows the controller to fit into the available volume more efficiently, maximizing space utilization while keeping the controller structure simple with components on one side only
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 a more compact and stable electronic parking lock actuator that improves positional stability and angle detection accuracy while preventing abrasive particles and lubricating oil from reaching the controller, enhancing reliability and shock resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic ring disposed on a side of the gear body away from the gear shaft and aligned with a central axis of the gear body
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic parking lock actuator includes a driving motor and a gearbox coupled to the driving motor. The gearbox includes a casing which comprises a base and a cover mounted on the base, a gear housed in the casing and engaged with the driving motor for outputting a driving force generated by the driving motor, and a controller fixed in the casing. The base includes a bottom plate, and a plurality of peripheral walls extending upward from edges of the bottom plate. The bottom plate defines at one or more cavities. The controller includes a printed circuit board and a plurality of electronic components disposed on a side of the printed circuit board facing the bottom plate. The electronic components are accommodated in the cavities.