Vehicle Parking System Automatic Shift Lock Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle parking systems require inconvenient manual operation of the shift lever and a separate shift lock release button, which increases the risk of releasing the steering wheel, adds cost, weight, and complexity, and limits layout flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for neutral range parking that allows the shift range to be set to N-range automatically after engine shutdown, using an automatic lever solenoid valve and controller to manage the transmission and power state, eliminating the need for a separate shift lock release button by connecting the solenoid valve to the B+ terminal, and sending user prompts to operate the brake pedal for shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate shift lock release button and structure are installed to enable N-range parking, then the function of neutral range parking is achieved, but device complexity, cost, and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneutral range parking functionVSAvoidshift lock release structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shift lock release function from the traditional mechanical button structure and integrates it into the existing electronic control system. The controller automatically controls the shift lock release based on detected conditions (brake pedal operation, gear position), eliminating the need for a separate physical shift lock release button and its associated mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing brake pedal and controller are made to serve multiple functions. The brake pedal not only controls braking but also triggers the shift lock release mechanism. The controller not only manages engine operations but also controls the shift lock solenoid valve, integrating multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate dedicated structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If manual operation of shift lever from P-range to N-range is required, then transmission control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates and safety risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission controlVSAvoidshift lever operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically releasing the shift lock before the driver needs to move the shift lever. When the controller detects brake pedal operation and appropriate conditions, it pre-releases the shift lock mechanism, preparing the system for automatic range change and reducing the driver's operational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system serves itself by automatically changing from P-range to N-range without requiring manual intervention from the driver. The controller monitors system conditions and automatically controls the shift lock release and gear position change, making the system self-sufficient for this operational task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the shift lock release button is made small and integrated into the console, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens due to difficult access and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshift lock release structureVSAvoidshift lock release button operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical shift lock release button system with an electronic control system. Instead of requiring physical button pressing and mechanical linkages, the system uses electronic signals from the controller to actuate the shift lock solenoid valve, eliminating the need for a physical release button on the console.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the transmission remains in P-range after engine shutdown, then vehicle stability is maintained, but adaptability for double parking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoiddouble parking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transmission range based on operational conditions rather than maintaining a fixed state. After engine shutdown, the controller evaluates conditions (brake pedal operation, time elapsed) and dynamically transitions the transmission from P-range to N-range when appropriate, allowing the system to adapt between stability and maneuverability needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the parking process, reduces system weight and cost, enhances layout flexibility, improves user safety by preventing unintended vehicle movement, and maintains door locking, thereby enhancing the overall marketability and aesthetics of the console.

Implementation Method 1

an automatic lever solenoid valve installed in the transmission and operated when the brake pedal is operated in a power-off state to allow for shifting to a shift range other than a P-range by releasing engagement with an engaging lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS10690237B2Vehicle parking system and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2020.06.23 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10690237B2 patent drawing
  • US10690237B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a system for neutral range parking of a vehicle. The power of the vehicle is turned off based on operation of a start button when a shift range of a vehicle transmission is a P-range. It is determined whether a brake pedal is operated after the power is turned off and, when the brake pedal is determined to be operated after the power is turned off, an automatic lever solenoid valve of the transmission is operated to allow the transmission to shift from the P-range to another shift range by releasing engagement between the automatic lever solenoid valve and an engaging lever.