Automotive Selector Device Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shifting devices for motor vehicle transmissions experience unreliable operation when the actuating lever is in the second shift gate, as load change reactions can cause the locking means to disengage, leading to potential unintended shifting due to impact forces on the shift cable or linkage.
Innovation Solution
A shifting device with a locking mechanism featuring a spring element and a specially designed locking receptacle with relaxation and final centering, which ensures the locking means remains securely engaged, preventing unintended shifting by automatically returning to its target position even under impact forces, thus maintaining the transmission component's fixation when the actuating lever is in the second shift gate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking means is designed as a spring element that can disengage under impact forces, then the transmission component can be released for shifting operations, but the locking means may disengage unintentionally during normal operation in the second shift gate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed as a spring element that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring element (12) can be displaced from the locked position in the locking receptacle (16) to the unlocked position, allowing the transmission component (2) to be released for shifting operations while maintaining reliability through controlled dynamic behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating projection (15) serves as an intermediary that transfers the unlocking action from the actuating lever (1) to the locking means (12). When the actuating lever is transferred to the first shift gate, the actuating projection pushes the spring element out of the locking receptacle, mediating the transition from locked to unlocked state without direct contact between the lever and spring element.
2Reliability
If the locking means is held securely in the locking receptacle, then unintended shifting is prevented, but the transmission component cannot be released for manual upshifting or downshifting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed with dynamic characteristics where the spring element can transition between stable locked and unlocked states. The spring element remains securely held in the locking receptacle during normal operation to prevent unintended shifting, but can be easily displaced to the unlocked position when the actuating lever is transferred to the first shift gate, enabling manual upshifting or downshifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded with a restoring force that actively counteracts any forces trying to displace it from the locked position. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintended shifting by counterbalancing impact forces and other disturbances, while still allowing controlled unlocking when the actuating projection applies sufficient force in the first shift gate position.
3Reliability
If the locking means is subjected to a strong restoring force, then it remains securely locked, but it cannot be displaced by impact forces from the shift cable
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed with specific force characteristics where the restoring force is strong enough to maintain secure locking during normal operation but can be overcome by the actuating projection when properly actuated. The force parameters are optimized so that the locking means remains secure against impact forces from the shift cable during idle operation in the second shift gate, while still allowing controlled displacement during intentional unlocking in the first shift gate.
4Ease of manufacture
If the locking receptacle has a simple geometry, then manufacturing is easier, but the locking means cannot be automatically returned to its target position under impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking receptacle is designed with a curved guide surface that automatically guides the spring element back to the locked position in the locking receptacle. This curved geometry provides the automatic return function needed to maintain reliable locking after the actuating lever is transferred back to the second shift gate, while remaining manufacturable through standard forming processes.
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 reliable and fault-free operation of the shifting device by securely fixing the transmission component, preventing unwanted shifting events and allowing manual gear shifting up or down, while ensuring the locking means automatically returns to its secure position, even under impact forces, thus maintaining the transmission's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the locking means being subjected to a restoring force when the actuating lever is in the second shift gate, which counteracts the direction of movement of the locking means is directed when transferring the operating lever from the second to the first shift gate
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a selector device for a motor vehicle transmission having an actuating lever (1) which can be transferred into a first shift gate, in which it is coupled mechanically to a transmission component (2) for actuating a selector control cable (23), or into a second shift gate which is decoupled from the transmission component (2), wherein the transmission component (2) is mounted movably, and a locking means (11) is provided which is configured as a spring element and is received in a locking receptacle (16) when the actuating lever (1) is situated in the second shift gate, wherein the locking receptacle (16) has an end centring means (25), in which the locking means (11) is received with a shaped part (21) when the actuating lever (1) is situated in the second shift gate, wherein the locking receptacle (16) has a relieving centring means (26) which tapers conically in the direction of the end centring means (25) and conically in the direction away from the end centring means (25), wherein the shaped part (21) is configured in terms of the cross section thereof in such a way that it can be received in a positively locking manner by the relieving centring means (26) during the movement out of the end centring means (25).