Shift Lock Structure With Plate-Shaped Lock Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift lock structures in vehicles with automatic transmission are complex, generate noise, and are vulnerable to damage from erroneous or forced operations due to the use of multiple linkages and solenoid valves.
Innovation Solution
A shift lock structure featuring a solenoid valve with a plunger and a lock lever that blocks the engaging lever's rotation when the shift lever is in the P-stage, using a simple configuration with a plate-shaped lock lever and a cylindrical coupling portion to enhance resistance to erroneous operations, and an elastic member to re-establish the lock upon returning to the P-stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of linkages are used to implement shift lock release, then the shift lock can be released, but the number of parts increases and noise is generated during return of the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex linkage system from the shift lock release mechanism. Instead of using multiple linkages to transmit the release force, the invention directly couples the solenoid valve plunger to the lock lever through a simple coupling portion, removing unnecessary intermediate parts and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the shift lock release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the solenoid valve plunger and the lock lever coupling into a single integrated coupling portion. This coupling portion serves both as the connection point for the plunger and as the actuation point for the lock lever, combining multiple functional elements into one component to reduce part count and simplify the mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid valve is used to release shift lock, then the shift lever can be forcibly released, but the shift lever assembly may be damaged even with a relatively small force due to erroneous operation or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the lock lever through the solenoid valve plunger. The plunger can be extended or retracted based on operational signals, dynamically adjusting the locking state. This dynamic mechanism allows controlled forced release when needed while maintaining security during normal operation, preventing damage from unauthorized or erroneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid valve plunger acts as an intermediary between the control system and the lock lever. It receives electrical signals and converts them into mechanical motion to actuate the lock lever, providing a controlled and measurable force application that prevents excessive force damage while still enabling forced release when authorized.
3Reliability
If a complex linkage system is used for shift lock, then the shift lock function is implemented, but noise is generated during return of the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the linkage system that generates noise during operation and return. By directly coupling the solenoid valve plunger to the lock lever, the invention eliminates intermediate moving parts that would otherwise create noise through friction, impact, and vibration during the locking and unlocking cycles.
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 provides a simple and robust shift lock release mechanism that prevents damage from forced operations, enhances the design flexibility of the shift lever assembly, and improves assembly line productivity by reducing the number of parts and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve having a plunger extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the engaging lever is rotated and configured to allow the plunger to be retracted or extracted depending on a shift stage
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member to re-establish the lock upon returning to the P-stage
Data Source
AI summary
A shift lock structure of a shift lever, includes: an engaging lever provided at a lower end portion of the shift lever and rotated when the shift lever is rotated; a solenoid valve having a plunger extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the engaging lever is rotated and configured to allow the plunger to be retracted or extracted depending on a shift stage; and a lock lever located in a rotation direction in which the engaging lever is rotated from a P-stage to another stage, and coupled with the plunger such that, when the shift stage is the P-stage, when the plunger is extracted and moved in an axial direction thereof, the lock lever blocks rotation of the engaging lever, implementing the shift lock.