Redundant Electrical Parking Lock Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for controlling a motor vehicle's parking lock are complex due to the need for additional mechanical emergency actuation devices, which can fail, leading to unreliable unlocking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A device with redundant electrical actuating means and control units that allow the parking lock to be unlocked independently, eliminating the need for mechanical emergency actuation by using two coils in an electromagnetic actuating element and independent control paths for reliable operation, even in the event of power supply failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical emergency actuation device is added to unlock the parking lock, then the parking lock can be unlocked in case of failure, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical emergency actuation device with a second electrical actuating means (second coil) that can electromechanically unlock the parking lock. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components like Bowden cables and clutch pedal linkages, while maintaining the ability to unlock the parking lock in case of failure of the first electrical actuating means.

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

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 reliable and fail-safe unlocking and locking of the parking lock without additional mechanical components, preventing unintended releases and maintaining vehicle security and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A first coil wound around the magnetic core serves to generate a magnetic field. When the magnetic field is applied, the armature acts on the toggle joint arrangement in such a way that the blocking arm is moved into a disengaged position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

There is also a second coil for redundant unlocking of the parking lock. This is also wound around the magnetic core of the electromagnetic actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The blocking arm has a locking pawl which can be brought under the influence of a spring-generated pretensioning force into engagement with a toothing of an output gear wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2361812B1Device for controlling a parking brake for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2012.11.14 DEERE & CO
  • EP2361812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2361812B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2361812B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Device (10) for controlling a parking lock for a motor vehicle, comprising a first operating device (40) and at least one control unit (50, 60), wherein the at least one control unit (50) moves the parking lock into a disengaged position by actuating a first electrical actuator (36) upon detecting an unlocking request at the first operating device (40). In order to be able to unlock the parking lock at least in the event of a defect in the first operating device (40) and/or the first electrical actuator (36), it is further provided that the at least one control unit (60) redundantly moves the parking lock into the disengaged position by actuating a second electrical actuator (38), independent of the first electrical actuator (36), upon detecting an emergency unlocking request at a second operating device (42).