Cable Coupling Mechanism With Movement-Restricting Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable coupling mechanisms are complex and difficult to assemble due to the need for intricate structures and precise alignment of components, particularly the inclined surfaces that require prior engagement of inner cables with the slider before connecting the second inner cable.
Innovation Solution
A cable coupling mechanism featuring a slider and a slider housing member with a main opening perpendicular to the sliding direction axis for easy insertion, cable insertion openings along the sliding axis, and a movement-restricting mechanism using contact portions to prevent slider movement perpendicular to the sliding axis, facilitating assembly by allowing the slider to be inserted and cables connected without complex alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inclined surface is formed on the slider to enable the engaging portion of the second inner cable to slide and engage with the slider, then the cable coupling function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forming an inclined surface on the slider to guide the engaging portion, the patent inverts the approach by providing an inclined surface on the engaging portion itself. This allows the engaging portion to slide along the inclined surface and engage with the slider's through-hole, achieving the coupling function while simplifying the slider structure and eliminating the need for complex alignment during assembly.
2Reliability
If the first inner cable is engaged with the slider beforehand to enable engagement of the second inner cable, then the cable coupling is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the inclined surface on the engaging portion of the second inner cable during manufacturing. This allows the engaging portion to automatically guide itself into the slider's through-hole through the inclined surface during assembly, eliminating the need to pre-engage the first inner cable with the slider and simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a movement-restricting mechanism is added to prevent slider movement perpendicular to the sliding direction, then slider stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement-restricting function with the existing slider housing member by providing guide surfaces on the housing member that correspond to the inclined surfaces on the engaging portions. This integration provides lateral stability to the slider without requiring separate movement-restricting mechanisms, thus improving slider stability while avoiding additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable coupling mechanism 1 including a slider 2, and a slider housing member 3, wherein the slider 2 has cable connecting portions 22a, 22b to which cables C1, C2 are connected at both end in a sliding direction D1, the slider housing member 3 includes a main opening 36 opened in a direction D2 perpendicular to a sliding direction axis and a cable insertion opening 37a, 37b, the cable coupling mechanism 1 includes a movement-restricting mechanism R capable of restricting the slider 2 from moving in the direction D2, the movement-restricting mechanism R includes a housing member-side contact portion R1 and a slider-side contact portion R2 being contactable with the housing member-side contact portion R1 when a force in the direction D2 is applied to the slider.