Parking Lock Actuator With Passive Open-State Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking lock systems in motor vehicles require constant energy consumption to maintain the parking lock in the open state while driving, which is inefficient and poses a significant energy requirement, especially during the electrification of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An actuator for a parking lock system that utilizes an axial drive mechanism, a stopper element, and a holding element to maintain the parking lock in the open state passively, reducing energy consumption by using a magnetic flux return circuit and energy storage elements to transition between locking and open states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electromagnet is used to hold the parking lock in the open state, then the parking lock can be kept open while driving, but constant energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only during the actuation phase to move the actuation element, and deactivated during the holding phase where the spring maintains the open state. This periodic operation eliminates constant energy consumption while preserving the ability to maintain the parking lock in the open state.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves itself by automatically maintaining the actuation element in the actuated position after being driven by the electromagnet. Once the electromagnet releases the stopper element, the spring's stored energy automatically holds the parking lock open without requiring continued electromagnetic force, making the system self-sustaining during the holding phase.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation element is moved into the deflected position to open the parking lock, then the parking lock unit opens, but energy is consumed to maintain this position
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active electromagnetic force to hold the parking lock open (as in conventional systems), the invention inverts the approach by using a passive spring element to maintain the open state. The electromagnet is used only to overcome the spring force temporarily during actuation, after which the spring autonomously maintains the position without energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded with potential energy before actuation occurs. This beforehand cushioning of energy allows the spring to immediately take over and maintain the actuated position once the electromagnet releases the stopper element, eliminating the need for continuous energy supply during the holding phase.
3Reliability
If a stopper element and stopper component are used to fix the actuation element position, then the parking lock can be held in position, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper element is integrated directly onto the actuation element as a single unified component rather than being a separate assembly. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining the reliable position-holding function through the cooperative interaction between the stopper element and stopper component.
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 actuator allows the parking lock to maintain the open state with minimal energy consumption, ensuring efficient operation even in the event of electronic failures, while maintaining the locked state without external power, thus optimizing energy use in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting magnet with a coil and a lifting piston that can be axially moved by means of a magnetic force that can be generated by the coil
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is configured so that a magnetic flux generated by the coil is conducted through a return circuit. The return circuit comprises a radially inner return circuit and a radially outer return circuit. The magnetic flux is conducted through the two surfaces of the lifting piston and the inner return circuit which form the axial gap.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for a parking lock includes an axial drive means for transmitting an axial force, an actuation element which can be axially moved from a first position into a second position via the axial force of the axial drive means, a stopper element, a stopper component which corresponds to the stopper element, and a holding element which can be moved between a released position and a locking position. The stopper element and the stopper component are fixed to each other when the actuation element is located in the second position while the holding element is in the locking position. A lifting magnet is provided, comprising a coil and a lifting piston, which can be axially moved via a magnetic force that can be generated by the coil. The holding element can be rigidly connected to the axially movable lifting piston.