Parking Lock Actuator Position Sensing With Inductive Cam Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for motor vehicle automatic transmissions face challenges in reliably determining their actuating position, especially in situations such as voltage supply failure or mechanical problems, which can lead to unsafe operational states.
Innovation Solution
The actuator employs an inductive measuring system that uses a coil to generate a magnetic field, inducing eddy currents in conductive objects within the field. This system allows for precise detection of the actuator's position without the need for additional speed sensors or mechanical coupling, ensuring reliable operation even in faulty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an independent voltage source is used to trigger the emergency mechanism, then the emergency function can be activated, but the system cannot operate when the voltage source is unavailable (e.g., discharged battery)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical triggering mechanism with a mechanical one. The emergency mechanism is triggered mechanically through the actuating element itself, eliminating the need for an independent voltage source. This allows the emergency function to operate regardless of electrical system status while maintaining reliable activation capability.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical coupling is used to determine actuator position, then position can be detected, but the position cannot be reliably determined in case of mechanical failures or power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of control cams and actuating elements that passively indicate position through their physical configuration. These intermediaries provide position information through their mechanical state rather than active sensing, ensuring position can be determined even when power or sensors fail.
3Productivity
If motor movement is used to control the actuator, then shifting can be achieved, but the path of the actuator cannot be exactly determined due to non-proportional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mechanical copy or representation of the actuator position through the control cam profile. The cam's physical shape directly maps the desired actuator path, providing a passive but accurate indication of position that is independent of motor characteristics or proportional control issues.
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 inductive measuring system provides high accuracy and reliability in determining the actuator's position, enabling safe and reliable operation of the automatic transmission, even in the event of system failures or mechanical defects.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator employs an inductive measuring system that uses a coil to generate a magnetic field, inducing eddy currents in conductive objects within the field.
Implementation Method 2
inducing eddy currents in conductive objects within the field
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator having a drive (2) driving an input shaft (1), a first actuation element (3) in operative connection with the input shaft (1) for actuating a shifting mechanism, and a rotatably mounted rotation element which can be driven by means of the input shaft (1) and has a first control cam (7) for controlling the actuating position of the actuator, which control cam is operatively connected to the first actuation element (3) for actuating the shifting mechanism. According to the invention, the actuating position of the actuator can be determined inductively by means of a receiving or holding element (10) for a position indicator (11), said receiving or holding element being operatively connected to the rotation element (4).