Parking Lock Actuator Latching for Power-Loss Piston Rod Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking lock systems in vehicles lack reliable mechanical redundancy for remote start scenarios, leading to safety concerns and high production costs due to complex hydraulic redundancy systems, where the actuator can unintentionally engage or disengage the parking lock, especially during power voltage loss.
Innovation Solution
A device with a latching mechanism that includes interlocking elements radially movable within a housing, actuated by an armature rod of an electromagnet, using a permanent magnet to hold the armature in specific positions for engaged or disengaged conditions, allowing for reliable locking and unlocking of the piston rod with minimal power input, ensuring the parking lock can be engaged or disengaged regardless of power supply status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic redundancy system is used to prevent unintentional engagement or disengagement of the parking lock, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic redundancy system with a mechanically actuated locking unit that uses a simple lever mechanism and spring force to prevent unintentional engagement or disengagement of the parking lock. The locking unit is mechanically coupled to the piston rod and uses mechanical interference (locking lever blocking piston rod movement) instead of hydraulic control, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity and production costs.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional parking lock engagement or disengagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function directly into the actuator assembly by coupling the locking unit to the piston rod. The locking lever is integrated with the piston rod through mechanical coupling, and the locking mechanism shares the same actuation space as the actuator. This merging approach provides reliable locking functionality while minimizing additional device complexity compared to separate locking systems.
3Reliability
If the actuator is locked in the engaged condition without power supply, then safety is improved, but the system requires complex hydraulic redundancy to prevent unintended disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service locking mechanism where the locking unit automatically engages when the actuator is in the engaged position and power supply is lost. The spring force automatically pushes the locking lever into the locked position, and the mechanical coupling maintains this state without requiring external hydraulic control or power supply. This eliminates the need for complex hydraulic redundancy systems while ensuring safety during remote start scenarios.
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 solution provides reliable locking and unlocking of the parking lock system, enabling remote start capabilities even during power loss, enhancing safety and reducing production costs by simplifying the mechanical redundancy, allowing the actuator to remain locked in the engaged condition without hydraulic complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet, with the aid of which the armature rod is holdable in a first position in the non-energized condition of the electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
In the energized condition of the electromagnet, the armature rod is transferable out of the first position into a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for locking a piston rod of a piston includes a latching mechanism actuatable by an actuating element. The actuating element is fixedly arranged on an armature rod of an electromagnet, is clamped between two preloading springs, and includes two actuating contours. Components of the device are configured with respect to geometry and with respect to forces acting upon each of the components such that a permanent magnet holds the armature rod in a first position in the non-energized condition of an electromagnet and in the engaged condition of the parking lock and such that the electromagnet holds the armature rod in a second position in the energized condition and in the disengaged condition of the parking lock. The parking lock is disengageable in the pressurized condition of the piston and in the energized condition of the electromagnet, and the parking lock is engageable in the non-pressurized condition of the piston and in the non-energized condition of the electromagnet.