Parking Lock Actuator Layout for Compact Low-Power Emergency Unlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical parking lock actuators are large in size and consume significant power, and they lack an efficient emergency unlock mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electromechanical parking lock actuator reduces size by arranging a drive motor, a planetary gear reducer, and a movement unit in series, and it incorporates a low-power emergency unlock function that allows rotation of a shaft to an unlocked position using the drive motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a traditional mechanical parking lock actuator is used, then the parking lock function is reliable, but the device size is large and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuator system with an electromechanical system consisting of a drive motor and a movement unit. The drive motor converts electrical energy to rotational motion, which is then transformed by the movement unit into linear motion to actuate the parking latch. This substitution reduces power consumption while maintaining the reliability of the parking lock function through precise electromagnetic control.
2Volume of stationary object
If the drive motor, reducer, and movement unit are arranged in parallel, then the structural complexity is high and the device size is large, but the power transmission is efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive motor, planetary gear reducer, and movement unit into a compact integrated assembly where the output shaft of the drive motor directly connects to the input of the movement unit, eliminating the need for separate parallel mounting brackets and complex power transmission paths. This merging reduces the overall device volume while maintaining efficient power transmission through direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the planetary gear reducer is positioned within the housing of the drive motor, and the movement unit is integrated within the reducer assembly. This nested configuration allows the components to share space and mounting structures, significantly reducing the overall device size while maintaining the functional integrity and power transmission efficiency of each component.
3Reliability
If no emergency unlock mechanism is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot be unlocked in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the emergency unlock function as a separate, independent mechanism from the main electromechanical actuator system. The emergency unlock mechanism includes a manual release lever and a spring-loaded latch that can independently disengage the parking lock without requiring power from the drive motor. This extraction allows the emergency function to be added with minimal impact on the overall device structure while ensuring reliability in emergency situations.
4Ease of operation
If the movement unit uses rotational motion directly, then the power transmission is simple, but the parking latch cannot be actuated in a straight line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a scotch yoke mechanism where the rotational motion of the drive motor is converted into linear reciprocating motion through a curved guide path. The yoke follower moves along a curved surface, transforming the circular motion into straight-line motion that directly actuates the parking latch. This curvature-based mechanism provides smooth motion conversion with minimal complexity.
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 achieves a compact size and low power consumption while enabling efficient emergency unlocking with minimal force, enhancing the functionality and usability of parking lock actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a drive motor mounted within the housing and configured to generate rotational power
Implementation Method 2
a reducer provided in a planetary gear form and configured such that one side of the reducer is mounted on the drive motor and the reducer reduces an output speed of the drive motor
Implementation Method 3
The guide part may include a guide shaft provided with a thread on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a guide support configured to support the guide shaft at both ends of the guide shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical parking lock actuator includes a housing; a drive motor mounted within the housing and configured to generate rotational power; a reducer provided in a planetary gear form and configured such that one side thereof is mounted on the drive motor and it reduces the output speed of the drive motor; a movement unit provided on the other side of the reducer and configured to convert the movement of a movement member into straight-line movement by using the rotational power of the drive motor; and a printed circuit board provided with a controller. The movement unit includes a movement member configured to move in a straight line as the output shaft of the reducer is rotated, and a guide part configured to guide the movement member through straight-line movement while preventing the rotation of the movement member.