Parking Lock Actuation with Sensor Feedback and Adapter Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parking lock actuation units lack precise control adjustment options and flexibility for various installation situations, making them less adaptable to different structural environments.

Innovation Solution

A parking lock actuation unit with a translationally movable adjusting member driven by a motor, featuring a position sensor and an adapter device for the deflection mechanism, allowing for precise control and interchangeable connection variants, along with a steep threaded spindle for dynamic adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional parking lock actuation unit is used, then the basic locking function is achieved, but precise control adjustment options and flexibility for various installation situations are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different structural environmentsVSAvoidcontrol adjustment options
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating body is designed with a universal adapter device that can accommodate different deflection mechanism connection variants. The adapter device includes a connecting section with standardized interfaces that can connect to various deflection mechanism types, allowing the same actuating body to be used across different installation situations and structural environments without requiring custom designs for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting member is designed with translational movement capability along its longitudinal axis, driven by a drive unit with adjustable control. The position sensor provides real-time feedback enabling dynamic adjustment of the adjusting member's position, allowing precise control adaptation to different installation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the adjusting member is made fixed and simple, then the device complexity is reduced, but precise control and quick adjustments cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecise control adjustmentVSAvoidactuation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A position sensor is integrated into the actuating body to detect the position of the adjusting member along its longitudinal axis. The sensor provides feedback signals to a control unit, enabling closed-loop control of the drive unit. This allows precise positioning of the adjusting member while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple, as the precision is achieved through electronic control rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a drive unit that uses motorized actuation combined with position sensing and electronic control. Instead of using multiple mechanical linkages, gears, or cam mechanisms to achieve precise adjustment, the system uses a controlled linear actuator with feedback control, substituting mechanical complexity with electromechanical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a standardized actuation unit is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different installation situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandardized productionVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation unit is segmented into modular components: a standardized actuating body containing the drive unit and position sensor, and interchangeable adapter devices that can be selected based on the specific installation requirements. This segmentation allows the main actuating body to be manufactured in standard quantities, while only the adapter section needs to be varied for different applications, combining the benefits of standardized production with installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise control and quick adjustments with reliable function, allowing for installation in diverse environments with simple measures and adaptable to different structural conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded spindle (12) which is coupled to the drive motor (3) in a rotationally driven manner and on which an adjusting element (11) is mounted in a linearly displaceable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded spindle mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3775625B1Parking lock actuation unit and parking lock unit designed therewith
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 HUGO BENZING GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3775625B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3775625B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3775625B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

A parking lock actuation unit (1) with an actuation body in which an adjustment element (11) which is movable in a translatory manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis (a) of said actuation body by means of a drive unit is mounted, said adjustment element being provided with an output-side connecting section (17) for the connection of a deflection mechanism (4) for the engagement and release of a blocking element interacting with a parking lock wheel (9). The adjustment element (11) is provided with an adjustment structure and is movable in a translatory manner via the latter by means of a drive motor (3) of the drive unit as the drive rotates.