Bicycle Electric Actuator Cable Routing and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle electric actuator units face challenges in efficiently routing electrical cables, particularly in securing and sealing them to prevent damage and water ingress, especially when routed inside or along the bicycle frame.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle electric actuator unit incorporates a housing with a cable holding member and a cable connector that provides a watertight seal, using a resilient outer cover or gasket to secure the electrical cable, and can be mounted with a direct connection or through a cable opening, allowing flexible routing and attachment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrical cable is routed inside the bicycle frame, then the cable protection is improved, but the cable routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable routing device with guide channels and retention features as an intermediary component between the cable and the bicycle frame. This device provides a structured pathway that simplifies the routing process while maintaining cable protection, resolving the contradiction by mediating between the need for protection and the desire for simple routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing device is pre-configured with guide channels and retention features before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for easier cable routing during assembly, as the path is already defined and ready to receive the cable, reducing the complexity of the routing operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical cable is secured with fasteners, then the cable stability is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable securing functions into a single integrated cable routing device. The guide channels, retention features, and sealing elements are merged into one component that performs all stabilization functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing device is designed to automatically secure the cable through its retention features and guide channels without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The structure itself provides the stabilizing function, making the system self-sufficient and easier to install.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cable holding member is added to the housing, then the cable routing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cable holding members at specific critical locations on the housing where cable routing precision is most needed. Rather than adding complexity throughout the entire housing structure, the holding members are strategically placed only where required to guide and secure the cable, providing precision improvement with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle electric actuator unit basically has a housing, an electric drive part and a cable holding member. The electric drive part is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to an electrical cable. The cable holding member is provided at an outer surface of the housing to hold a portion of the electrical cable. The bicycle electric actuator unit can be for example part of an electric bicycle component such as an electric front derailleur or an electric rear derailleur.