Shift Lever Locking Assembly With Solenoid Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic shifting systems in vehicles require separate locking mechanisms and shifting feel systems, leading to increased manufacturing costs, installation time, and complexity, with risks of failure due to separate handling and lack of a combined solution for immobilizing and unlocking the lever.
Innovation Solution
A combined locking system that utilizes a solenoid driving element to control the lateral movement of a second locking element, which, when activated, allows the index part to move vertically and release the first locking element, integrating the locking mechanism with the shifting feel system to simplify and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking mechanisms and shifting feel systems are used, then the locking function and shifting feel are independently achieved, but manufacturing costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and the shifting feel system into a single integrated assembly. The locking shapes are formed directly on the cover that also provides the shifting feel, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces system complexity while maintaining both the locking function and the manual shifting feel independently.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate locking mechanisms and shifting feel systems are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover serves dual purposes: it provides the locking shapes for securing the lever and simultaneously provides the manual shifting feel through its structural design. By combining these two functions into a single component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while allowing both functions to be optimized together.
3Device complexity
If a combined locking system is used, then manufacturing costs and complexity are reduced, but the mechanism for blocking and unlocking the lever becomes more integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The combined locking system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the first locking element for blocking movement, the second locking element for unlocking, the index part for positioning, and the solenoid driving element for actuation. This segmentation within the integrated structure allows each element to perform its specific function clearly, maintaining ease of operation while achieving overall system integration and reduced 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 combined locking system effectively blocks and unlocks the lever in different gear positions, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while providing a manual shifting feel, with the solenoid technology offering quick response times and a compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral movement of the second locking element is carried out by the driving element which is activated by an input signal from the control unit
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4a~4
AI summary
Present invention relates to a combined locking system (10) which enables blocking the movement of the first locking element (31), which immobilizes the lever (30) by engaging into the locking shapes (41), in the downward direction via the index part (50), and which utilizes the lateral movement of the second locking element (60) for unlocking which is in a position under the index part (50).