Solenoid Actuator Self-Locking Structure for Low-Current Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic solenoid actuators in vehicle drivetrains face issues with thermal degradation and increased energy usage when maintaining engagement for extended periods, as sustained electrical current is required to overcome the return spring, leading to inefficiencies and potential actuator degradation.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid actuator design that uses a translatable structural element to engage and disengage torque transmission members, where the element is initially moved linearly to create a moment that tilts and locks in place, reducing the need for continuous current draw by leveraging frictional forces, and a control method that learns and stores the current levels required for locking and unlocking to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sustained electrical current is drawn through the solenoid actuator to maintain engagement against the return spring, then the holding force is maintained, but thermal degradation of the actuator coil increases and energy usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator operates periodically rather than continuously. Current is applied only during engagement and disengagement transitions, then reduced to a minimal holding current once the structural element is locked in position. This periodic operation eliminates sustained current draw, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable engagement through mechanical locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely electromagnetic holding mechanism with a mechanical self-locking system. The translatable structural element tilts to engage a locking surface, creating a mechanical lock that maintains holding force without requiring continuous electrical current. This substitution eliminates thermal degradation from sustained current while preserving reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If sustained electrical current is drawn through the solenoid actuator to maintain engagement against the return spring, then the holding force is maintained, but thermal degradation of the actuator coil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator operates periodically rather than continuously. Current is applied only during engagement and disengagement transitions, then reduced to a minimal holding current once the structural element is locked in position. This periodic operation eliminates sustained current draw, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable engagement through mechanical locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely electromagnetic holding mechanism with a mechanical self-locking system. The translatable structural element tilts to engage a locking surface, creating a mechanical lock that maintains holding force without requiring continuous electrical current. This substitution eliminates thermal degradation from sustained current while preserving reliable engagement.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the translatable structural element is designed to tilt and lock in place using frictional forces, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translatable structural element performs multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator arm that responds to electromagnetic force and the locking element that mechanically secures the engaged position. By integrating these functions into a single component, the design reduces overall device complexity while achieving energy savings through mechanical self-locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural element self-locks through its own geometry and frictional forces. When tilted by the electromagnetic actuator, the element naturally engages a locking surface and maintains position through friction, without requiring additional locking mechanisms or continuous power input. This self-service approach minimizes device complexity while reducing energy consumption.
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 approach enhances the holding force of the solenoid actuator without increasing current draw, reduces the risk of thermal degradation, and improves the actuator's durability and efficiency, leading to increased customer appeal and reduced energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic solenoid overcomes a biasing spring to effect movement that causes the engagement, or disengagement
Implementation Method 2
the translatable structural element is linearly moved until it touches a surface that creates a moment that tilts the structural element to lock the structural element in place
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for operating a solenoid actuator to engage and/or disengage a torque transmission member of a vehicle transmission. In one example, a method may include increasing the holding force of the solenoid actuator. Additionally, the solenoid actuator may include a translatable structural element that creates a moment upon touching another structural element holding the translatable element in a locked position.