Bowden Cable Assembly With Slider for Synchronized Hood Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bowden cable systems for double latching systems in motor vehicle hoods require length adjustment, are prone to mounting faults, and lack synchronism and reliability, especially in transmitting high forces and ensuring secure hood latching.
Innovation Solution
A Bowden cable assembly with an actuating inner cable and conduit, a first driven Bowden cable, and a second driven Bowden cable, featuring a slider that axially slides within a housing, allowing for self-adjusting force distribution and reliable transmission of forces to both latches, eliminating the need for length adjustment and enhancing security during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Bowden cables are used for double latching systems, then two separate cables are required to actuate both latches, but this requires length adjustment and special adjustment means which consume mounting time and are prone to mounting faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate Bowden cables into a single integrated cable assembly where one cable actuates both latches through a common cable housing and pulley system. This merging eliminates the need for separate length adjustments and reduces mounting complexity while maintaining reliable actuation of both latches simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single Bowden cable assembly performs multiple functions: it actuates both the first and second latches, provides synchronized release, and eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms. The cable housing and pulley system enable one cable to fulfill the role previously requiring two separate cables with individual adjustments.
2Ease of manufacture
If Bowden cables require length adjustment by special adjustment means, then mounting is simplified, but this consumes mounting time and is prone to mounting faults
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable assembly is pre-configured with fixed cable lengths and pre-assembled adjustment mechanisms during manufacturing. The cable housing and pulleys are pre-positioned to ensure proper cable tension and length, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments and reducing mounting errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly includes self-adjusting features where the cable automatically maintains proper tension through the pulley system and housing design. The system self-regulates cable length and tension without requiring external adjustment tools or manual intervention during mounting, reducing both time and complexity.
3Reliability
If Bowden cables are used to transmit high forces to latches, then reliable latching is achieved, but cable breaking can occur requiring special tools to open the hood and difficult replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is divided into modular segments including the cable housing, pulleys, and cable sections that can be independently replaced. If a cable breaks, only the affected segment needs to be replaced rather than the entire system, and the modular design allows for easier access and replacement without specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley system acts as an intermediary that distributes and redirects the high forces from the cable to the latches. This mechanical advantage system reduces the stress concentration on the cable itself and provides a mechanical interface that facilitates easier cable replacement through accessible mounting points and standardized connections.
4Reliability
If two separate Bowden cables are used for simultaneous activation of two hood latches, then both latches can be actuated, but synchronism of actuation is difficult to ensure and mounting faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the actuation of both latches into a single cable system with a common cable housing and shared pulley mechanism, the patent ensures that both latches are actuated simultaneously by the same cable movement. This eliminates the synchronization issues inherent in using two separate cables that would require independent adjustment and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is designed so that both latches are positioned at equivalent mechanical advantage points relative to the cable attachment and pulley system. This equipotential configuration ensures that equal cable movement produces equal force and displacement at both latches, achieving automatic synchronization without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Bowden cable assembly 1 for double latching systems comprising an actuating Bowden cable 10, comprising an actuating inner cable 12 and an actuating conduit 14; a first driven Bowden cable 20, comprising a first inner cable 22 and a first conduit 24; a second driven Bowden cable 30, comprising a second inner cable 32 and a second conduit 34; a housing 40; and a slider 50, that can slide in an axial direction within the housing 40; wherein the actuating inner cable 12 is connected to the first inner cable 22; the actuating conduit 14 is connected to the slider 50; and the second inner cable 32 is connected to the slider 50. Further, the invention relates to a Bowden cable connector 70 and a method for the activation of a double latching hood system.