Parking Lock Clutch Selector Pocket for Wider Rotational Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking lock systems for vehicles require complex control and increased parts due to the use of selectable clutches in a double mesh state, limiting the degree of freedom in controlling the rotational position of the selector and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A parking lock clutch with an outer and inner ring, rollers, a biasing member, and a selector that allows switching between lock and free modes through a simple mechanical operation, featuring a selector with a pocket for expanded rotational control and a standby spring for safety, enabling connection to a shift cable for responsive gear range switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a roller ratchet type selectable clutch is used with limited rotational angle control, then the structure remains simple, but the degree of freedom in controlling the rotational position of the selector is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The selector is divided into multiple independent segments or positions, each capable of independent rotational movement. This segmentation allows the selector to achieve multiple discrete rotational positions while maintaining the overall simplicity of the structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and rotational control freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The selector is designed with dynamic rotational capability, allowing it to move freely within certain angular ranges while being constrained at specific positions. This dynamic design enables the selector to adapt to different rotational position requirements without complicating the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control is used to actively control the rotational angle position of the selector, then the degree of freedom in controlling the rotational position is increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selector is designed to automatically achieve the desired rotational position through its own mechanical properties, such as spring force, gravity, or magnetic fields, without requiring external electronic control systems. This self-service mechanism maintains structural simplicity while providing adequate rotational position control freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic control systems are replaced with mechanical control mechanisms, such as spring-loaded selectors, cam mechanisms, or gear-based positioners. These mechanical substitutes provide the necessary rotational position control without the complexity and cost of electronic systems.
3Ease of operation
If the selector is connected to a shift cable for mechanical link operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the selector cannot be rotated in response to the operation of the shift lever when in locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the shift cable and selector is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The selector can rotate freely when not locked, and the shift cable can operate the selector during normal shifting. When the parking lock is engaged, the selector is mechanically constrained, but the shift cable connection remains intact for future operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to prevent the selector from rotating only when the parking lock is actively engaged, while maintaining the ability of the shift cable to operate the selector. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the locking function works as intended without permanently disabling the operational connection.
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 clutch achieves a simple structure, reduced manufacturing costs, extended life, and enhanced safety by allowing easy mode switching with minimal force, while supporting various gear range operations via a shift cable.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member radially biasing the roller toward a roller accommodating portion provided on one of the outer ring and the inner ring
Implementation Method 2
a standby spring that applies an elastic force in a direction preventing unintended operation of the parking lock
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a parking lock clutch that can increase the degree of freedom in controlling the rotational position of a selector with a simple structure, and can implement miniaturization, reduced manufacturing costs, and a longer life. A selector 140 configured to switch an operating mode between a lock mode and a free mode has a pocket 143 configured to accommodate a roller 130 in a roller accommodating portion 117 provided on one of the outer ring 110 and the inner ring 120. The pocket 143 is formed to extend in a circumferential direction so that the selector 140 can be rotated further in an unlocking direction from the rotational angle position at which the roller 130 is accommodated in the roller accommodating portion 117.