Spring-Loaded Slide Element for Reliable Locking Pin Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for locking and releasing functionally essential components in motor vehicles, such as steering columns or gearshift levers, face issues with unreliable detection of the locking pin position due to mechanical failures, leading to potential unintentional blocking of these components during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spring-loaded slide element that ensures reliable detection of the locking pin position by applying a spring force to move the slide element from a rest position to a detection position, even if the mechanical connection to the gear is lost, combined with a detection unit using magnetic sensors for precise position determination and mechanical latching for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positive guide mechanism is used to drive the slide element, then the slide element can be reliably positioned, but the system becomes vulnerable to failure if the guide pin breaks off
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to push the slide element toward the detection position, providing a backup mechanism that activates if the positive guide connection fails. This cushioning force ensures the slide element will naturally move to the correct position even without the guide pin, preventing system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary force between the mechanical connection and the slide element positioning. It mediates the transition by providing continuous pressure that complements the positive guide mechanism, ensuring reliable positioning while reducing dependency on the mechanical connection alone.
2Measurement precision
If the slide element remains in an intermediate position due to mechanical failure, then the locking pin position cannot be reliably detected, but adding redundant mechanical connections increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The signal transmitter (magnet) on the slide element interacts with the sensor element to detect position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and providing more reliable detection that is not affected by mechanical failures in the drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the slide element position and the sensor detection. This magnetic coupling allows precise position detection without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased mechanical complexity.
3Reliability
If no spring force is applied to the slide element, then the mechanical connection can be simpler, but the slide element may not reliably reach the detection position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded during assembly to continuously exert a pushing force on the slide element toward the detection position. This preliminary action ensures that the slide element is always biased toward the correct position, making it highly reliable in reaching the detection position without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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
Ensures reliable detection and secure locking of the locking pin in its unlocked position, preventing unintentional blocking of essential vehicle components and ensuring accurate sensor signals for vehicle electronics control.
Implementation Method 1
the detection unit has a spring element in order to apply a spring force to the slide element from the rest position into the detection position
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit, which has a slide element for moving a signal transmitter and at least one first stationary sensor element for detecting at least one position of the slide element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for locking and unlocking a functionally essential component of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering column or a gearshift lever, comprising a locking bolt (10) movably mounted between a locking position (VP) for locking the functionally essential component and an unlocking position (EP) for unlocking the functionally essential component, a transmission (20) which is in mechanical operative connection with the locking bolt (10) in order to move the locking bolt (10) between the locking position (VP) and the unlocking position (EP), and a detection unit (30) which has a sliding element (31) for moving a signal transmitter (32) and at least one first stationary sensor element (33) for detecting at least one position (RS, DS) of the sliding element (31), wherein the sliding element (31) is in mechanical operative connection with the transmission (20). stands,to move the sliding element (31) between a rest position (RS), in which the signal transmitter (32) is located at a distance from the first sensor element (33), and a detection position (DS), in which the signal transmitter (32) is located within the detection range of the first sensor element (33). For this purpose, the detection unit (30) is provided according to the invention to have a spring element (34) to act the sliding element (31) with a spring force (F) from the rest position (RS) to the detection position (DS).