Parking Locking Unit Center Section for Stable Piston Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking units for automatic transmission parking locks face challenges in stability and manufacturing complexity, particularly in efficiently utilizing hydraulic pressure to secure piston movement with integrated solenoids and latching elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a piston partially mounted in a center section surrounded by a housing, with a latching unit supporting latching elements, where the center section and latching unit are formed integrally, allowing for high stability and simplified manufacturing. The piston is hollow with a cavity and separate components optimized for function, and the housing is partially made of plastic for reduced weight and ease of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking unit uses a traditional separate-component design for the center section and latching unit, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the center section and latching unit into a single integrally formed component. This combination eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of these two parts, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional independence. The integral design allows both the centering function and latching function to coexist in one piece, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and device complexity.
2Strength
If the housing is made completely from metal, then structural strength is maximized, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the housing, combining metal and plastic materials. The metal portions provide structural strength where needed, while the plastic portions reduce overall weight and manufacturing cost. This composite approach allows the housing to meet strength requirements without the penalty of being entirely metal, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
3Strength
If the piston is solid throughout, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed with non-uniform structure featuring a hollow cavity in specific regions while maintaining solid construction where structural integrity is critical. This local differentiation allows the piston to be lighter overall while still providing sufficient strength at key locations. The hollow cavity reduces weight and material usage, while the solid sections maintain necessary integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
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 configuration enhances stability, reduces manufacturing complexity, and lowers the overall mass of the locking unit while maintaining dynamic properties, making it more cost-effective and lighter.
Implementation Method 1
the latching element interacting with the armature or the armature rod of the solenoid
Implementation Method 2
the piston being acted upon with pressure or hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a locking unit, in particular for the parking lock of an automatic transmission, for locking the movement of a piston which is movable by a drive and in particular can be acted upon with pressure or hydraulic pressure, wherein the piston is at least partially mounted in a center section which is at least partially surrounded by a housing.