Parking Lock Actuator With Spring Prestress for Power-Loss Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle automatic transmission actuators require an independent voltage source for emergency mechanisms, which may not be available during power outages, and often leave the P-gear engaged unintentionally, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a drive device, first and second actuating elements, and a transmission device with a transmission element that allows for a larger displacement path, enabling the actuator to automatically return to its starting position and engage/disengage the parking lock without a dedicated voltage source, using a rotational element with control cams to prestress the spring element and manage shifting gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the P-gear is left for prestressing the spring element, then the emergency mechanism can be prepared, but the vehicle is left in an unsafe situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically prestressing the spring element during the normal shutdown sequence before the vehicle is left. The control unit activates the parking lock actuator to engage the P-gear and prestress the spring element in advance, ensuring the emergency mechanism is ready without requiring the P-gear to remain engaged as a warning signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback through sensors that detect the position of the actuating element and the prestress state of the spring element. The control unit receives this feedback and automatically determines when the emergency mechanism is properly prepared, eliminating the need for manual verification or leaving the P-gear engaged as a visual indicator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transmission device with larger displacement path is implemented, then compatibility with various transmission variants is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable transmission device where the gear ratio can be changed based on the required displacement path. The transmission device includes multiple gear positions that can be selected to provide different transmission ratios, allowing the actuator to accommodate various transmission variants with different displacement requirements while maintaining a compact overall structure.
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
Ensures the spring element is always prestressed for safe engagement/disengagement of the parking lock across various transmission variants and vehicle manufacturers, providing reliable operation during power outages and reducing the risk of unsafe vehicle situations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (5), wherein the spring element can be supported on one side on a housing component (16) of the actuator and is supported on the other side on a second actuating element (17) which is configured for stressing the spring element (5)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator having a drive device which drives a drive shaft, a first actuating element which is operatively connected to the drive shaft, a spring element which can be supported on one side on a housing component of the actuator and is supported on the other side on a second actuating element which is configured for stressing the spring element, wherein a rotational element which can be driven by means of the drive shaft and is rotatably mounted is provided. According to the invention, a further actuating element for actuating a switching device is provided, which further actuating element is operatively connected to the first actuating element, and a transmission device with a transmission element is provided between the first actuating element and the actuating element of the switching device.