Bowden Cable Installation in Power Tool Subassemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power tools with Bowden cables face difficulties in installing the cable at mounting locations that are difficult to access, as the conventional method requires accessing the Bowden cable after the housing parts are attached, making it challenging in tight spatial conditions.
Innovation Solution
Securing both ends of the Bowden cable housing on the same subassembly allows for easier installation by predetermining the position of the Bowden cable inner wire, with a mounting aid providing a defined position and minimizing manufacturing tolerances, and incorporating a drain element to manage liquid collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Bowden cable housing ends are secured on different subassemblies (conventional method), then the cable can be accessed after housing parts are attached, but the installation becomes difficult in tight spatial conditions and at difficult to access mounting locations
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable housing ends are pre-secured on the same subassembly before the second subassembly is connected. This preliminary positioning allows the inner wire to be easily hooked onto the second subassembly after connection, as its position is substantially predetermined by the housing position, eliminating the need to access tight spaces during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The Bowden cable housing acts as an intermediary element that connects the operating element on the first subassembly to the actuating element on the second subassembly. By securing both housing ends on the first subassembly, the housing serves as a stable reference frame that simplifies the installation process while maintaining the functional connection between subassemblies
2Ease of operation
If the Bowden cable housing ends are secured on the same subassembly, then the installation is simplified in confined spaces, but the cable path length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-positioned on the first subassembly with both ends secured, which substantially predetermines the inner wire position. This allows the wire to be directly hooked onto the second subassembly without requiring complex routing through tight spaces, accepting a longer cable path as a trade-off for installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The Bowden cable housing provides a flexible yet stable conduit that can accommodate the increased cable length while maintaining proper positioning. The housing's flexible nature allows it to span the distance between subassemblies while the secured ends maintain structural stability and position accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool has a drive motor with an actuating element. The power tool has a power tool housing with a first subassembly and a second subassembly that is connected with the first subassembly. An operating element is supported on the first subassembly. A Bowden cable is disposed within the power tool housing and has a Bowden cable housing and a Bowden cable inner wire arranged in the Bowden cable housing. The actuating element is a part of the second subassembly. The Bowden cable inner wire has a first end connected to the operating element and a second end connected to the actuating element, wherein the operating element acts on the actuating element through the Bowden cable. The Bowden cable housing has a first end and a second end and the first and second ends are secured on the same one of the first and second subassemblies.