Electro-Mechanical Transmission Actuator for Shift-by-Wire Park Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic transmission shifting mechanisms rely on mechanical linkages, leading to increased vehicle weight, corrosion, fatigue-induced slack, and labor-intensive repairs, while transitioning to Shift-by-Wire systems is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical actuator system incorporating an electric motor and solenoid, coupled with levers and transfer gears, receives commands from a vehicle control system to maintain and switch between transmission modes (park, driving, reverse, neutral) without mechanical linkages, allowing for efficient Shift-by-Wire functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used in the shifting mechanism, then the transmission can be operated manually, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages with an electro-mechanical actuator system consisting of an electric motor and solenoid. The motor provides primary actuation force while the solenoid assists in overcoming spring pressure and maintaining position, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical cables and linkages between the shifter and transmission.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used in the shifting mechanism, then the transmission can be operated manually, but corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical linkages that are susceptible to corrosion by implementing an electro-mechanical actuator system. The electric motor and solenoid operate within a protected housing, avoiding exposure to environmental factors that cause corrosion in external mechanical cables and linkages.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used in the shifting mechanism, then the transmission can be operated manually, but fatigue-induced slack develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fatigue-prone mechanical linkages with an electro-mechanical actuator system. The motor and solenoid provide controlled actuation without the cumulative fatigue effects that cause slack in mechanical cables and linkages over time, maintaining consistent shifting performance.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages are used in the shifting mechanism, then the transmission can be operated manually, but repair becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shifting system into a modular electro-mechanical actuator unit that can be independently serviced. The motor, solenoid, and associated components are housed together as a replaceable module, simplifying repair compared to troubleshooting and replacing distributed mechanical linkages throughout the vehicle.
5Reliability
If Shift-by-Wire system is designed, then mechanical linkage problems are eliminated, but the design process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor and solenoid into a single integrated actuator assembly that works together to operate the transmission shifter. This combined approach simplifies the overall design compared to fully electronic Shift-by-Wire systems while eliminating the reliability issues of mechanical linkages.
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 electro-mechanical actuator system effectively replaces mechanical linkages, reducing weight, preventing corrosion, and simplifying repairs by enabling precise control of transmission modes through electronic means, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of automatic transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-mechanical actuator that includes a first lever, a second lever, a transfer gear, and an electric motor coupled to the transfer gear, the first lever, and the second lever. The electro-mechanical actuator also includes a solenoid
Implementation Method 2
The electro-mechanical actuator includes an electric motor and a solenoid which are configured to maintain the transmission component in one of a park position and a non-park position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission system that includes a transmission component and an electro-mechanical actuator coupled to the transmission component. The electro-mechanical actuator includes an electric motor and a solenoid that are configured to maintain the transmission component in one of a park position and a non-park position upon receipt of a command. The electric motor and the solenoid are also configured to prevent the transmission component from returning to the park position upon receipt of the command. Further, the electric motor and solenoid are configured to receive the command from a vehicle control system.