Vehicle Selector Pawl Lock for Secure Neutral and Tow Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle selector mechanisms lack effective mechanisms to securely lock the selector in a desired position, preventing unintended movement that could damage vehicle components, especially in scenarios where power is lost or during towing.
Innovation Solution
A motor-operated pawl lock system that includes a pawl actuator with a rack and pinion gear, coupled with a biasing mechanism, allows the pawl to selectively engage and disengage with a base having multiple steps, enabling secure locking and unlocking of the selector positions, including a neutral lock position, to prevent damage and facilitate safe towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional selector mechanism is used without a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the selector cannot be securely locked in desired positions, allowing unintended movement that could damage vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl lock mechanism is nested within the existing selector structure, with the pawl integrating into the selector housing and the biasing mechanism being contained within the same assembly. This nested approach provides secure locking functionality while minimizing additional complexity by reusing existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism automatically engages the pawl with the selector position detents without requiring external actuation. The spring-loaded pawl self-activates to lock the selector in place, and the system self-regulates to maintain locking reliability without adding complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a motor-operated pawl lock system is added to secure the selector, then the selector locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-operated pawl lock system is merged with the existing selector mechanism, combining the motor, pinion gear, and pawl into a single integrated assembly. This merging approach allows for consolidated manufacturing processes and reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining enhanced locking reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pawl is continuously engaged to lock the selector, then the selector position stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the selector cannot be moved between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl engagement state is made dynamic rather than static. The pawl can be actuated between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to transition between stable locked positions and movable unlocked states. This dynamic capability enables the selector to maintain stability when locked while remaining easily operable when unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl engagement follows a periodic pattern where it is engaged to lock the selector in desired positions and disengaged to allow movement between positions. This periodic action between locked and unlocked states provides both position stability and ease of operation as needed.
4Reliability
If a biasing mechanism is added to automatically engage the pawl, then the selector locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-actuating within the pawl lock assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically engages the pawl with the selector position detents without requiring external control systems or additional actuators, thereby improving locking reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 motor-operated pawl lock system effectively secures the selector in desired positions, preventing damage to vehicle components and ensuring safe operation, including during power loss or towing, by providing a reliable and controlled mechanism for locking and unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
A pawl actuator includes a pawl that has a rack and a pinion gear that is rotationally operated by a motor
Implementation Method 2
A biasing mechanism biases the pawl in an engaging direction and toward the plurality of steps
Data Source
AI summary
A selecting member for a vehicle includes a lever that is operable between a plurality of selector positions. A base includes a plurality of steps that correspond to the plurality of selector positions. A pawl actuator includes a pawl having a rack and a pinion gear that is rotationally operated by a motor. The motor selectively and rotationally operates the pinion gear to actuate the pawl relative to the plurality of steps. An interface is coupled with the lever that actuates the motor. Operation of the motor operates the pawl relative to the plurality of steps and allows the pawl actuator to be manipulated relative to the base to align the pawl with a step of the plurality of steps.