Bowden Cable Connector for Automatic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency park release systems for automatic transmission in motor vehicles using Bowden cables face issues with free play and clearance, which can lead to the cable impeding transmission lever movement during normal operation and require exposed free play areas, compromising reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector that interconnects two Bowden control cables using a slider biased by a spring, with a detent mechanism allowing limited movement of one traction cord without transmitting it to the other, ensuring the release lever can be rotated without impeding normal transmission operation while enabling manual emergency release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free play is provided between the release lever and cable allowing the release lever to rotate without movement being transmitted to the cable, then the cable does not impede transmission lever movement during normal operation, but the free play area becomes exposed and requires additional clearance space
Solution Approach 1:
A connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the Bowden cable and release lever, incorporating a slider mechanism that mediates the movement transmission. The slider allows the release lever to rotate freely during normal operation while preventing excessive movement, eliminating the need for exposed free play areas and additional clearance space.
2Area of stationary object
If the cable is connected directly to the release lever without free play, then clearance space is minimized, but the cable impedes transmission lever movement during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a dynamic slider mechanism that adapts its state based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the slider permits free movement of the release lever. During emergency park release, the slider transitions to transmit movement from the Bowden cable to the release lever, providing both clearance minimization and operational freedom.
3Ease of operation
If a connector is used to interconnect two Bowden cables with a slider and spring mechanism, then the release lever can rotate without impeding normal transmission operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the housing accommodates the slider, the spring provides biasing force, the detent mechanism enables emergency release, and the cable attachment points connect both Bowden cables. This consolidation achieves the desired operational freedom while managing complexity through functional integration.
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
The connector facilitates smooth operation of the release lever during normal transmission modes while providing a reliable manual emergency release mechanism, eliminating the need for exposed free play areas and ensuring the cable does not impede transmission lever movement.
Implementation Method 1
The slider is biased towards the sleeve of the second cable by a spring arranged within the recess coaxially with the slider and concentrically of the first traction cord
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A control cable system for interconnecting an actuator (21) with a slave device (12) and comprising two Bowden cables (24,25) each comprising a sleeve (31,33) and inner traction cord (32,34) and a cable connector (26) for interconnecting the two cables, one cable (24) connecting to the actuator (21) and the second cable (25) connecting to the slave device (12), the connector (26) holding the two sleeves (31,33) in a fixed relationship with the two traction cords (32,34) being interconnected via a connecting device (29) which permits movement of the slave device (12) and second traction cord (33) without transmission of said movement to the said one traction cord and which transmits movement from the actuator (21) to said second traction cord (33).