Parking Lock Module Sensor-Actuator Integration in Tight Gearbox Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking lock modules for motor vehicles require complex installation and cabling efforts due to separate components and lack of integration, especially in restricted space conditions within the transmission housing.
Innovation Solution
A parking lock module with an integrated circuit board that serves as both an electrical path for the electromagnetic actuator and a mechanical carrier for the sensor position detector, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for separate cabling by integrating the sensor system and activation electronics, allowing for pre-testing before installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for the electromagnetic actuator and sensor position detector, then each component can be independently manufactured and tested, but the installation effort and cabling complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic actuator and sensor position detector into a single integrated unit. The sensor is mounted directly on the actuator housing, and both components share a common electrical connection interface, eliminating the need for separate cabling and reducing installation complexity while maintaining manufacturing independence through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: the electromagnetic actuator provides actuation force, the sensor position detector monitors position, and the shared housing provides mechanical support and electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are installed in the transmission housing, then functional redundancy is achieved, but the restricted space conditions make installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor position detector is nested within the electromagnetic actuator assembly, with the sensor mounted on the actuator housing. This nested arrangement allows both components to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the volume required in the transmission housing while maintaining functional independence and redundancy
3Ease of repair
If separate cabling is provided for the sensor arrangement and electromagnetic actuator, then each component can be independently replaced or repaired, but the installation effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections for both the electromagnetic actuator and sensor position detector are merged into a single common interface. This allows the entire integrated unit to be installed or replaced as one module, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining the ability to replace individual components within the modular assembly
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
Significantly reduces installation effort and complexity by integrating the sensor and actuator systems, enabling easier and more efficient electrical connection and pre-programming of the parking lock module, minimizing the number of components and cabling required.
Implementation Method 1
which detent element is movable at least by means of an electromagnetic actuator between an arresting position and a release position
Data Source
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Figure 5~11
AI summary
A parking lock module (10) has a housing (30), in which, for the actuation of a parking lock, a positioning member (40) is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The positioning member is selectively fixable in at least one of these positions relative to the housing by means of an arresting device, which arresting device has a detent element (62) which interacts with the positioning member for this purpose. The detent element is movable at least by means of an electromagnetic actuator (66) between an arresting position and a release position. A sensor arrangement (54) is furthermore provided which has at least one position detector (56), which is positionally fixed relative to the housing, and at least one position encoder (58), which, for the detection of the respective position, is operatively connected to the positioning member or to the detent element. The electromagnetic actuator is activatable by means of a circuit board (78) which is attached to the housing and which, to simplify the installation and the contacting of the sensor arrangement, also bears the position detector of said sensor arrangement.