Asymmetric-Loop Cable Cylinder for Remote Pulley Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable cylinders with two cables of identical lengths struggle to rotate accessories with an axis remote from the cylinder while preserving the anti-rotation function of the nut, leading to a collapse in bending rigidity and necessitating additional anti-rotation members.
Innovation Solution
The cable cylinder design includes a pair of pulleys rotationally secured to each other, with one cable forming a loop and the other extending beyond a downstream pulley to a remote pulley, preventing sliding over these secured pulleys through round turns, thus maintaining bending rigidity and anti-rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one cable is extended beyond the downstream pulley to a remote pulley to rotate an accessory with a remote axis, then the ability to rotate remote accessories is improved, but the bending rigidity of the cable collapses and the anti-rotation function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into two distinct cables: a first cable forming a closed loop between upstream and downstream pulleys that maintains bending rigidity and provides anti-rotation function, and a second cable extended to the remote pulley that enables remote accessory rotation. This segmentation allows each cable to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric cable configuration where one cable (first cable) forms a symmetric closed loop for structural stability, while the other cable (second cable) is asymmetrically extended beyond the downstream pulley to the remote pulley. This asymmetric design enables remote rotation capability while the symmetric first cable preserves the anti-rotation function.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is extended to a remote pulley, then the reach to remote accessories is improved, but additional anti-rotation members are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The first cable serving as a closed loop between upstream and downstream pulleys performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, maintains bending rigidity, and crucially provides the anti-rotation function for the nut. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anti-rotation members, reducing device complexity while enabling remote accessory rotation through the second extended cable.
3Ease of manufacture
If two cables of identical lengths are used, then the design is simple, but the ability to rotate accessories with remote axis is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the first cable (closed loop) and second cable (extended to remote pulley) have different lengths and configurations tailored to their specific functions. The first cable maintains uniform tension and rigidity for anti-rotation, while the second cable is locally extended to reach the remote pulley, enabling remote axis rotation without compromising the simplicity of the overall design.
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 design allows for the rotation of accessories with a remote axis while preserving the anti-rotation function of the nut, ensuring the necessary bending rigidity and simplifying the design by eliminating the need for additional anti-rotation members.
Implementation Method 1
a screw 2 is rotatably mounted so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis of rotation X1, by being selectively driven by a motor 3. A nut 4 cooperates with the screw 2 so as to move in the body 1 due to the rotational movement of the screw
Implementation Method 2
The upstream 11a, 11b and downstream 12a, 12b pulleys of each cable 10a, 10b are rotatably mounted so as to rotate about respective axes of rotation Z1, Z2 which are parallel to one another and both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation X1
Implementation Method 3
two cables, each cooperating with one of the upstream pulleys and one of the downstream pulleys, so as to define, for each cable, strands that are parallel to the axis of rotation of the screw
Data Source
AI summary
A cable cylinder having a screw rotatable by a motor, a nut cooperating with the screw to move in the body, the cable cylinder having a pair of upstream and downstream pulleys on either side of the nut. In at least one of the pairs, the pulleys are rotationally secured to one another. The two cables each cooperating with one of the upstream cables and one of the downstream cables to define strands parallel to the screw rotational axis and attached to the nut. One of the cables forms a loop while the other extends beyond its downstream pulley to cooperate with a remote pulley rotatably mounted about a separate axis of rotation, the remote pulley forming a return to return the extended cable to the upstream pulley, the extended cable prevented from sliding over its upstream or associated downstream pulley that is rotationally engaged.