Cable Operating Mechanism With Segmented Positioning Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable operating mechanisms for bicycles are complex, expensive, and cumbersome, particularly those with multiple release actions, which complicate manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cable operating mechanism comprising a fixed member, a wire takeup member, and a positioning member with pivot axes, along with a wire releasing member, allowing for a simple and cost-effective multiple release action with a reduced number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cable operating mechanism uses a single lever or simple structure, then manufacturing and assembly are easier and cost is lower, but it cannot provide multiple release action (can only pull and release wire one step at a time)
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is segmented into multiple positioning abutments (first, second, third positioning abutments) that can selectively engage with the wire takeup member at different positions. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide multiple release actions (one-step or two-step release) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cable operating mechanism provides multiple release action, then it offers greater versatility and functionality, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and the release control function into a single integrated positioning member that pivots about a second pivot axis. The positioning member includes multiple positioning abutments that can engage with the wire takeup member at different positions, allowing one-step or two-step release actions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure, making it less complicated and more cost-effective to manufacture and assemble while maintaining multiple release action capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cable operating mechanism provides multiple release action, then it offers greater functionality, but the mechanism becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional multiple-release mechanisms. By using a positioning member that pivots about a second pivot axis offset from the first pivot axis, and by using release abutments that selectively engage with positioning abutments, the design removes redundant parts that would otherwise be needed to achieve multiple release actions. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces the overall weight and makes the mechanism less cumbersome while maintaining the desired functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cable operating mechanism basically comprises a fixed member, a wire takeup member, a single position maintaining abutment and a positioning member. The wire takeup member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member. The single position maintaining abutment movably mounted with the wire takeup member. The positioning member is pivotally mounted with respect to the fixed member. The positioning member has a plurality of positioning abutments configured to engage the single position maintaining abutment such that the wire takeup member is positioned in one of a plurality of predetermined wire positions.