Shift Range Control Rod-Lock Mechanism for Automatic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shift range control apparatuses for automatic transmissions require a large capacity capacitor to operate the SBW actuator without current supply, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A shift range control apparatus with a forced parking mechanism using a spring-biased rod and a rod-lock mechanism, driven by a small amount of electric power from an auxiliary battery, allowing the parking condition setting device to be operated without continuous electric motor power, and a current supply unit to energize the electric actuator for unlocking the rod-lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large capacity capacitor is provided to operate the SBW actuator without current supply, then the parking condition can be set without current supply, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply function into two segments: a small capacity capacitor for essential functions (electric actuator operation) and the spring mechanism for the main parking function. This segmentation allows the capacitor to be much smaller while still achieving reliable parking condition setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves itself by automatically engaging with the gear when the electric actuator rotates the output shaft, requiring no additional power source. The spring's elastic potential energy is converted to kinetic energy to drive the parking mechanism, eliminating the need for a large capacity capacitor.
2Reliability
If a large capacity capacitor is provided to operate the SBW actuator without current supply, then the parking condition can be set without current supply, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply function into two segments: a small capacity capacitor for essential functions (electric actuator operation) and the spring mechanism for the main parking function. This segmentation allows the capacitor to be much smaller while still achieving reliable parking condition setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a small capacity capacitor that only needs to provide power for the brief operation of the electric actuator, rather than a large capacity capacitor designed for continuous operation. This approach significantly reduces the cost of the capacitor while maintaining reliability.
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 the parking condition setting device to be operated with a smaller amount of electric power, reducing the need for a large capacity capacitor and lowering costs, while ensuring reliable operation and enhanced vehicle security.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (85) for biasing the rod (84) toward the final operational position
Data Source
AI summary
A rod-lock mechanism is provided in an automatic transmission for a vehicle. The rod-lock mechanism has an engaging pin which will be engaged with a rod when the rod is in its initial position, so as to hold the rod in its initial position. The rod-lock mechanism further has an electric actuator for driving the engaging pin when electric power is supplied, so that the engaging pin is brought out of engagement from the rod. A forced parking current supply unit controls electric power supply to the electric actuator. When the electric power is supplied to the electric actuator, the rod is moved in a direction of a parking position to bring a vehicle into a parking condition.