Cable-Pull Steering Wheel Tensioning System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle steering systems, particularly in cargo bicycles, face limitations such as limited steering angle, noise generation, and reduced ground clearance due to linkages, and the inability of steering cables to transmit compressive forces, requiring frequent adjustment and tensioning.

Innovation Solution

A cable steering pulley system with a holding device for direct connection to the handlebar or fork shaft, featuring a guide element with grooves for steering cables, fixing elements for secure transmission, and a tensioning element that allows for simple and compact tensioning of the cables, ensuring reliable power transmission and redundancy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If steering cables are used to transmit steering movement, then the system becomes more compact and ground clearance is improved, but the cables elongate under applied force requiring frequent tensioning or readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcable tension stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a tensioning device that pre-tensions the steering cables to a predetermined optimal tension level during assembly. This preliminary tensioning compensates for future cable elongation, maintaining reliable steering transmission without requiring frequent readjustment. The tensioning device is pre-configured with adjustment means to set the correct initial tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by designing a tensioning device with adjustment means that allows the cable tension to be dynamically modified. The adjustment mechanism enables the tensioning element to be repositioned along the cable to compensate for elongation over time, maintaining optimal tension levels adaptively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If rods are used for steering transmission, then the steering angle is limited and noise is generated, but the structure is simple and direct

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering angle rangeVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the rigid rod mechanical system with a flexible cable system. The cables transmit steering forces through tension only, eliminating the noise and steering angle limitations associated with rigid rod linkages. The cable-based system allows greater steering angles and operates silently through tensile force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If rods are provided for steering transmission, then direct force transmission is achieved, but large installation space under the frame is required reducing ground clearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering force transmissionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible cables instead of rigid rods to transmit steering forces. The flexible cable structure occupies minimal space while effectively transmitting steering forces through tension. This flexible cable system replaces the bulky rod mechanism, significantly reducing the installation space required under the frame and thereby increasing ground clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Device complexity

If steering cables can only transmit tensile forces, then the cable system is simple, but the cables elongate requiring tensioning or readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable system structureVSAvoidsteering cable tension

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a tensioning device that pre-tensions the steering cables to a predetermined optimal tension level during assembly. This preliminary tensioning compensates for future cable elongation, maintaining reliable steering transmission without requiring frequent readjustment. The tensioning device is pre-configured with adjustment means to set the correct initial tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

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

The cable steering pulley system enables efficient transmission of steering movements, maintains a compact design, and allows for easy adjustment and tensioning of steering cables, enhancing reliability and reducing noise and installation space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a tensile force being transmitted by one of the two steering cables of the pair depending on the steering direction. This is due to the fact that such steering cables can only transmit tensile forces and not compressive forces.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4434865A1Cable-pull steering wheel

Publication Date: 2024.09.25 RTI SPORTS VERTRIEB VON SPORTARTIKELN GMBH

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AI summary

A cable-operated steering pulley for a bicycle steering system has a retaining device (50) for connecting to a steering stem and/or a fork steerer tube. The retaining device is partially surrounded by a guide element (52) for steering cable pairs. The guide element (52) has fixing elements (64) for fixing the ends (62) of the steering cable pairs. Furthermore, a tensioning element (66) is provided, which is slidably connected to the guide element (52) and serves to tension the steering cable pair.