Parking Lock Actuator Inversion for Reliable Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic vehicle transmission parking lock systems often fail to securely engage the parking lock without manual intervention, particularly in cases of transmission controller or vehicle electric system failures, leading to potential vehicle movement while parked.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a spring mechanism for locking and an electrically operated actuator to manage a locking slide, with a secondary actuator powered by an independent energy source and controller, ensuring the parking lock is only engaged with active control, preventing automatic engagement and enhancing system redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the parking lock is designed to automatically engage by interrupting power supply to the holding actuator, then the automation extent is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the transmission controller may fail to interrupt power supply in case of control pulse failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the control logic by using a release actuator that actively disengages the parking lock rather than a holding actuator that passively maintains engagement. The locking means (locking latch) automatically engages the parking lock by spring force, and the release actuator must actively intervene to disengage it. This inversion ensures that the parking lock defaults to a secure locked state and only releases when intentionally commanded, eliminating the reliability issue of automatic engagement failure.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for parking lock operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy in case of actuator failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the actuator system by introducing a release actuator with independent control from the transmission controller. This release actuator provides an alternative control path that can disengage the parking lock even if the primary actuator fails. The system now has two independent actuators with different control sources, creating redundancy without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the parking lock requires active control for engagement, then the reliability is improved by preventing unintended engagement, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means (locking latch) is designed to automatically engage the parking lock through spring force without requiring active control input. The system serves itself by defaulting to the locked state, and only requires active intervention from the release actuator to disengage. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliability, as the parking lock naturally engages without complex control sequences.
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 ensures the parking lock is securely engaged only with intentional driver action, even in system failures, preventing unintended vehicle movement and enhancing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the parking lock can be brought into a locked position by means of a spring mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an electrically operating actuator is provided, such that it acts upon a locking means arranged with a locking slide
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for actuation of a parking lock of a vehicle transmission that is automatically operated in particular, whereby the parking lock can be brought into a locked position by means of a spring mechanism and can be brought out of the locked position and into an unlocked position by means of an actuator, and an electrically operated actuator is provided, acting upon a locking latch arranged in the unlocked position of the parking lock with a locking slide in an engaged position so that the engaged position can be released such that the spring mechanism brings the parking lock into the locked position.