Shift Lever Locking Mechanism for Power-Off Park Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic transmission devices face challenges in properly adjusting transmission positions, especially when the vehicle's battery is discharged or power is cut off, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A transmission control apparatus that includes a housing, an inner shaft, a rotation lever, a solenoid, and a fixing means with inclined members to enable gear shifting to the Park (P) position even when the vehicle's power is off, while reducing transmission shock and preventing unintended shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a solenoid is used to control transmission position, then automatic gear shifting is achieved, but the transmission cannot be shifted to P position when power is cut off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-dependent solenoid control function from the P position locking mechanism. By separating the P position control from the solenoid, the system achieves mechanical locking capability that operates independently of electrical power, allowing the transmission to be shifted to P position even when power is cut off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fixing means with interfering members as an intermediary between the rotation lever and the solenoid plunger. This fixing means provides a mechanical interface that enables power-off shifting while the solenoid maintains normal automatic control functionality when powered.
2Device complexity
If mechanical coupling structures like wires are used for transmission control, then simple mechanical operation is achieved, but control fails when battery is discharged or power is cut off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both mechanical and electrical control systems. The fixing means with interfering members provides mechanical reliability for P position shifting, while the solenoid maintains electrical control for automatic gear changes. This hybrid approach combines structural simplicity with reliable power-off operation.
3Ease of operation
If the rotation lever is allowed to rotate freely for gear shifting, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended shifting and transmission shock occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing the fixing means with interfering members that prevent unintended rotation of the rotation lever. These interfering members are positioned to block unauthorized shifting while allowing intentional gear changes, thus preventing transmission shock and unwanted position changes before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the rotation lever's mobility. The fixing means allows the lever to rotate freely during intentional gear shifting operations, then dynamically engages the interfering members to lock the lever in place, preventing unintended shifting. This dynamic behavior balances ease of operation with prevention of harmful effects.
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
Enables smooth gear shifting among Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D) positions, reduces transmission shock, and allows shifting to the P position without power, enhancing safety by preventing unintended shifts.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid (150) disposed in the housing (110) and configured to be interfered with the rotation of the rotation lever (140)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission control apparatus includes a housing; an inner shaft configured to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range with respect to the housing; a rotation lever configured to be rotatable along with the inner shaft to set a transmission position to one of Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), or Drive (D) positions; a solenoid disposed in the housing and configured to be interfered with the rotation of the rotation lever; and a fixing means included in the rotation lever and configured to interfere with the solenoid. The fixing means includes interfering members, which are formed to be engageable with a plunger of the solenoid when the plunger protrudes to one side of the solenoid, and inclined members, which are inclined from the interfering members to press the plunger toward the other side of the solenoid.