Cable-Length-Adjustment Device for Brake Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicles require replacement of cables when the distance between brake components or cable routing paths change, necessitating a solution to adjust cable length without replacing the cable.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment device comprising a conduit-adjustment mechanism and a cable-adjustment mechanism, allowing independent movement of conduit and cable segments to adjust their positions, enabling the cable assembly to accommodate varying distances between brake components without replacing the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cable replacement is performed to accommodate changes in distance between brake components, then the cable length matches the new distance, but the cost and time increase due to complete cable replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to distance changesVSAvoidtime for cable replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is divided into multiple cable segments that can be independently adjusted. The adjustment device includes a cable-adjustment mechanism that can modify the length of individual cable segments, allowing the total cable length to be adapted to different distances between brake components without replacing the entire cable assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that enables dynamic modification of cable length. The cable-adjustment mechanism allows the cable segments to be extended or retracted to match changing distances between brake components, providing adaptability without complete replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cable systems are used with fixed length, then the cable structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate changes in brake component positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to routing changesVSAvoidcable assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is segmented into multiple adjustable sections with conduit segments and cable segments that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different routing paths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly is designed with multi-functional capabilities to serve both as a structural element and an adjustable linkage. The conduit-adjustment mechanism and cable-adjustment mechanism provide universal adaptability for different brake component positions and routing configurations without requiring entirely different cable assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cable replacement is performed instead of adjustment, then the cable length is correct for the new configuration, but material waste and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to distance changesVSAvoidcable material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding the entire cable assembly when distance changes occur, the invention allows for selective adjustment and modification of individual cable segments. The adjustable mechanism enables recovery and reuse of the existing cable material by reconfiguring its length, thereby reducing material waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the cable length to be modified in response to changing requirements. This dynamic feature eliminates the need to discard and replace cable material, as the same cable can be adjusted to accommodate different distances between brake components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables flexible adjustment of cable length to match changing distances between brake components, reducing the need for cable replacement and enhancing adaptability during vehicle development or modification.

Implementation Method 1

The cable-adjustment mechanism may include a first threaded member threadably engaging a second threaded member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS8850921B2Cable-length-adjustment device
Publication Date: 2014.10.07 FCA US LLC
  • US8850921B2 patent drawing
  • US8850921B2 patent drawing
  • US8850921B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustment device may include a conduit-adjustment mechanism and a cable-adjustment mechanism. The conduit-adjustment mechanism may be connected to first and second conduit segments and may be movable to adjust a position of one of the first and second conduit segments relative to the other of the first and second conduit segments. The cable-adjustment mechanism may be connected to first and second cable segments at least partially received within the first and second conduit segments, respectively. The cable-adjustment mechanism may be configured to transmit motion between the first and second cable segments. The cable-adjustment mechanism may be movable independently of the conduit-adjustment mechanism to adjust a position of one of the first and second cable segments relative to the other of the first and second cable segments.