Adjusting Device Lock Discrimination via Extracted Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjusting devices for control cables in automobiles face difficulties in distinguishing between locked and unlocked states, especially when covered for waterproofing and dustproofing, making it hard to visually or tactily determine the state due to lack of distinct surface differences.
Innovation Solution
An adjusting device with a lock piece that protrudes to the same height as a lock-discriminating member, a slider for locking or releasing, and a cover with a bead portion, allowing for visual and tactile differentiation between unlock and lock states, and a second embodiment with a rough cylindrical holder for easy attachment and discrimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjusting device is covered entirely for waterproofing and dustproofing, then protection against rain, water, and dust is improved, but the ability to visually or tactilely discern the lock state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-discriminating member is extracted from the internal mechanism and brought to the outer surface of the cover. This allows the lock state to be detected visually or tactilely without removing the protective cover, while still maintaining full waterproofing and dustproofing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock-discriminating member acts as an intermediary between the internal lock mechanism and the external environment. It transmits the lock state information through the cover surface, enabling detection without compromising the protective function of the cover.
2Shape
If the lock piece is pushed completely inside the holder when locked, then a neat surface is achieved, but distinct tactile or visual discrimination between lock and unlock states becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lock-discriminating member serves as an intermediary indicator that remains visible and tactile on the cover surface regardless of the lock piece's internal position. It provides clear state discrimination without compromising surface neatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock-discriminating member utilizes visual contrast (analogous to color changes) through its material properties and positioning to create distinct visual indicators for lock and unlock states, enabling easy discrimination without affecting the neat appearance.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the lock piece protrudes from the holder in the locked state, then visual and tactile discrimination is improved, but the surface shape changes and may create clumps under the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The discrimination function is extracted from the lock piece itself and assigned to a separate lock-discriminating member. This allows the lock piece to remain flush with the holder for surface uniformity, while the discriminating member provides the necessary visual and tactile cues on the cover surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent components: the lock piece for mechanical locking and the lock-discriminating member for state indication. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting device is equipped with a rod and a holder disposed movably in the direction of the length of the rod at an end of the rod, and adjusts the allowance length of the inner cable coupled to the rod and (or) holder. The adjusting device is provided with a lock-discriminating member protruding from the periphery of the holder and a cover covering the periphery of the holder including the lock-discriminating member and the lock. The lock piece does not protrude from the periphery of the holder in the lock state and protrudes to the same height with the lock-discriminating member in the unlock state.