Vehicle Shifter Ratchet Locking for Low-Power Fast Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shifter assemblies for motor vehicles are inefficient in terms of power consumption and have slow actuation times, as well as high operational noise due to the need for continuous power supply to maintain the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A shifter assembly featuring a ratchet wheel with a spring-loaded locking member and an electrically activatable retaining device, allowing for efficient and fast locking and unlocking of the actuation element by utilizing a biasing member to engage the ratchet wheel and an electromagnetic means to retain the locking member in the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with continuous power supply is used to maintain the locking state, then the locking reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases and actuation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a spring-loaded locking member that automatically engages with the ratchet wheel teeth during normal operation, requiring power only during brief unlocking periods when the electromagnetic actuator is activated. This converts continuous power consumption into periodic, intermittent power usage while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking member serves itself by automatically engaging and disengaging from the ratchet wheel teeth based on the rotational direction and spring force, without requiring continuous external power supply. The system uses its own mechanical energy storage (spring) to maintain the locking state.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with continuous power supply is used to maintain the locking state, then the locking reliability is improved, but the operational noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from continuous power supply to periodic actuation, the system generates noise only during brief unlocking moments rather than continuously, significantly reducing overall operational noise while maintaining locking reliability through the spring-loaded engagement mechanism.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism requiring large movement for engagement is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the actuation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking member is pre-positioned and pre-loaded during normal operation, so that when unlocking is required, the electromagnetic actuator only needs to overcome a small initial force to allow the spring to rapidly drive the locking member into engagement, achieving both fast actuation and reliable locking.
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
This solution reduces power consumption and operational noise while enabling fast and reliable shifting by minimizing the movement required for locking the ratchet wheel and allowing for independent control of rotational directions, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the shifter assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded locking member and an electrically activatable retaining device
Implementation Method 2
A rotatably mounted locking member (13) is provided which can be shifted by rotation between a first position, in which the locking member engages the ratchet wheel
Implementation Method 3
an electrically activatable retaining device to retain the locking member in the second position such that the locking member is prevented from rotating and engaging the ratchet wheel under the force of the biasing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention is directed to a shifter assembly (1) for controlling the transmission of a vehicle. A rotatably mounted actuation element (2) with a locking track is rotatable for selection of a shift stage and at least one locking assembly (8, 9) with a rotatable locking member (13) may lock the actuation element (2) against rotation. The locking track is provided on the circumference of a ratchet wheel (4, 5) connected to the actuation element (2), and the locking assembly (8,9) includes a biasing member (12) applied to the locking member (13) to rotationally bias the locking member (13) such as to engage and lock the ratchet wheel. An electrically activated retaining device (11) is configured to retain the locking member (13) in a position such that the locking member (13) is prevented from rotating and engaging the ratchet wheel (4, 5) under the force of the biasing member (12).