Bowden Cable Length Adjustment Device with Spring-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment mechanisms for Bowden cables require complex tools, have independent locking issues, and transmit forces through weak connections, making them difficult to produce inexpensively and operate safely while transmitting large forces.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment device features guide lugs and grooves with a spring-elastic mechanism, allowing for tool-free locking and secure engagement of locking means, eliminating the need for inner undercuts and actuating means, and utilizing saw-toothed toothings for enhanced force absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex adjustment mechanisms with internal undercuts and actuating means are used, then locking capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex actuating means and internal undercuts from the adjustment mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple compression spring between two adjustment members that can be manually compressed to engage locking means, achieving reliable locking without complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment members are designed to be self-actuating through manual compression. The compression spring automatically engages the locking means when the adjustment members are compressed, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms or tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent locking means are used, then locking flexibility is improved, but reliability of simultaneous engagement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking actions of multiple locking means by coupling them through the compression spring. When the adjustment members are compressed, all locking means engage simultaneously through the coordinated movement of the compression spring, ensuring reliable simultaneous engagement while maintaining flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If weak flexible connections are used for force transmission, then ease of assembly is improved, but force transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force transmission path into distinct rigid components (adjustment members, locking means) connected through the compression spring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and high force transmission capability.
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 adjustment process, ensures secure locking with audible and tactile feedback, and effectively transmits large forces without wear or jamming, making the device inexpensive to produce and easy to operate.
Implementation Method 1
two axially displaceable, prestressed against one another by a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
the respective guide lug can be converted from the respective first guide groove into a second guide groove
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (1) has a locating nose engaging with a guide groove (10') of an adjusting link (2), and another locating nose provided in another guide groove of another adjusting link (3), where adjusting links are normal to an axial displacement direction. Latching units (13', 14) i.e. gearing type saw teeth, of the two adjusting links are moved to each other and brought together for latching a working position, where the adjusting device is locked with guiding grooves of locating noses both in an axial direction and a normal direction.