Parking Lock Actuator With Integrated Cable Emergency Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for actuating a parking lock in automatic vehicle transmissions are complex, costly, and maintenance-intensive, with emergency deactivation mechanisms requiring significant effort to reactivate the parking lock.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a cable pull element indirectly coupled to a push rod element via a spring and abutment mechanism, allowing for simplified operation and reduced component count, with a block and tackle design to reduce the force required for actuation and automatic reactivation of the parking lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex lever system with multiple components is used to realize the unlocking of the locking element, then the emergency release mechanism can function, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency release mechanism with the existing parking lock actuator by integrating the cable pull element into the drive mechanism. The actuating lever is pivotably connected to both the push rod element and the cable pull element, allowing the emergency release to utilize the same mechanical components as the electrical actuation system. This merging eliminates the need for separate, complex lever systems while maintaining reliable emergency release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism of the parking lock actuator is designed to serve dual purposes: normal electrical actuation and emergency mechanical release. The push rod element, actuating lever, and cable pull element form a universal mechanism that can be actuated either by the electrical motor or by manual pulling on the cable, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated components for each mode.
2Reliability
If additional cable mechanisms and separate tools are provided for emergency actuation, then the parking lock can be deactivated in emergencies, but the ease of operation deteriorates and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency actuation mechanism is merged with the existing parking lock actuator housing and control unit. The cable pull element is integrated into the actuator assembly, and the actuating lever is connected to the same push rod element that receives commands from the control unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate tools or interfaces, as the emergency release uses the same mechanical pathway as normal operation, simply activated manually instead of electrically.
3Reliability
If the emergency release mechanism is designed as a separate system, then it can provide independent emergency functionality, but the manufacturing precision requirements and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release mechanism shares all critical manufacturing components with the normal actuation system. The push rod element, actuating lever, and cable connection points are part of the original actuator design, not separate emergency components. This means the same manufacturing processes, tolerances, and quality control procedures apply to both normal and emergency operation, eliminating the need for additional precision manufacturing steps or specialized components.
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
This design simplifies handling and reduces production costs by integrating the emergency actuation mechanism into the parking lock actuator, eliminating the need for additional tools and interfaces, ensuring the parking lock is automatically reactivated after use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element (9), arranged and/or designed such that the push rod element (7) is subjected to force via the spring element (9) in such a way that the locking element can be moved and/or brought into its locking position
Implementation Method 2
a block and tackle design to reduce the force required for actuation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for actuating a parking lock of a vehicle transmission, in particular an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, with at least one controllable and/or electrically operable parking lock actuator (2), wherein, with the aid of the parking lock actuator (2), a locking element can be moved and/or brought into a locking position for effective activation of the parking lock of the transmission or into an unlocking position for effective deactivation of the parking lock of the transmission, wherein an emergency actuation mechanism (4) is provided and/or present with the aid of which - upon appropriate actuation - the locking element can be moved and/or brought into an unlocking position for deactivation of the parking lock.In particular, if the electrical control and/or the electrical operation of the parking lock actuator (2) has failed, and/or in particular if a user wishes to move the vehicle while the parking lock is still activated, the emergency release mechanism (4) has at least one cable pull element (5), and if the emergency release mechanism (4) is actuated by a user and a tensile force is exerted on the cable pull element (5), then the locking element can be moved and/or brought into its unlocking position to deactivate the parking lock. The design effort and the manufacturing costs are reduced by the fact that the cable pull element (5) is functionally connected and/or coupled to the drive mechanism (6) of the parking lock actuator (2) in such a way thatso that, with appropriate actuation of the cable pull element (5), the locking element can then be moved and/or brought into the unlocking position by means of the drive mechanism (6) of the parking lock actuator (2).