Bayonet Bowden Cable Coupling for Tool-Free Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bowden cables are difficult to detach and reconnect without tools, leading to issues with length consistency and hindering the separation of components, especially in collapsible systems like folding bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A Bowden cable coupling system with a bayonet lock mechanism allowing for quick and tool-free connection and disconnection of two Bowden cables, featuring a first and second coupling unit with guide bushes and slide units, and a coupling sleeve for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional Bowden cable connection is used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the detachment process is time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable system is divided into detachable segments with separate coupling units at each end. The coupling units can be independently separated, allowing the Bowden cable to be divided into manageable sections for easy storage and transport without requiring tool-assisted detachment of the entire cable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates movable components including a slide unit that can shift axially within a guide bushing and a bayonet lock with rotational movement capability. These dynamic elements enable quick transition between locked and unlocked states, facilitating rapid attachment and detachment without tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Bowden cable is detached from end elements, then component separation is enabled, but the effective length cannot be guaranteed to remain identical
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling units are pre-configured with standardized dimensions and positioning features that ensure consistent effective length upon reattachment. The guide bushings and slide units are designed with precise tolerances to maintain the correct axial position of cable ends, guaranteeing that reconnected components achieve their original effective length without requiring adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling units serve as intermediary components between Bowden cable sections and end elements. These intermediaries standardize the connection interface, ensuring that regardless of how many times the cable is detached and reconnected, the effective length remains consistent due to the standardized geometry and positioning mechanisms in the coupling units.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable Bowden cable coupling is used, then component separation is facilitated, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit integrates multiple functions into a single compact structure: the guide bushing provides alignment and guidance, the slide unit enables axial movement and locking, and the bayonet lock mechanism provides secure attachment. By merging these functions into one integrated coupling unit rather than separate components, the design achieves ease of detachment without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex multi-step locking mechanism that requires multiple operations, the design employs a simplified bayonet lock that uses rotational movement to engage disengagement lugs. This inverted approach - using a simple rotational motion rather than a complex sequential locking process - reduces operational complexity while maintaining secure attachment and easy detachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a Bowden cable coupling (1) for detachably coupling a first Bowden cable (2a) to a second Bowden cable (2b). Bowden cables are used to transmit mechanical forces from an actuating element to a functional element. The Bowden cable coupling (1) comprises a first coupling unit (4a) connected to the first Bowden cable (2a), a second coupling unit (4b) connected to the second Bowden cable (2b), and a coupling sleeve (10) for connecting the two coupling units (4a, 4b), wherein the first coupling unit (4a) and the coupling sleeve (10) are detachably connected to each other via a bayonet fitting.