Cable Slider and Coil Spring Layout for Compact Drive Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators require a rack plate with an engaging groove and a concave section for a coil spring, leading to an increased size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus with a slider that moves in one direction by a driving force and another direction by a coil spring bias, where the coil spring is coaxially placed with the cable end accommodated in its inner space, reducing the size of the slider and the entire apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rack plate is provided with an engaging groove and a concave section for the coil spring, then the cable can be engaged and the spring can be accommodated, but the rack plate becomes larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging groove and concave section are merged into a single integrated structure on the rack plate. The engaging groove is formed with a bottom portion that serves as the concave section, eliminating the need for separate structures. This merging reduces the overall volume of the rack plate while maintaining both cable engagement and spring accommodation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is nested within the engaging groove structure of the rack plate. The spring is positioned inside the groove, utilizing the same spatial volume for dual purposes: cable engagement through the groove and spring accommodation within it. This nesting arrangement minimizes the rack plate volume by eliminating separate accommodation spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rack plate is made larger to accommodate both the engaging groove and coil spring, then both functions can be performed, but the casing and whole apparatus become larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The rack plate structure merges the engaging groove and spring accommodation into one integrated component, reducing the overall apparatus volume. This allows the casing to be smaller while maintaining full functional adaptability for cable engagement and spring operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging groove is designed to serve multiple functions: it engages the cable, accommodates the coil spring, and provides a pathway for spring operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures, reducing the casing volume while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the cable is allowed to move in association with the rack plate during return movement, then the cable can be pulled in smoothly, but the cable may buckle under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts cable engagement based on movement direction. During forward movement, the cable is engaged with the rack plate for smooth operation. During return movement, the cable disengages from the rack plate bottom portion, allowing the spring to pull the rack plate back without cable interference, preventing buckling while maintaining operational smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable engagement and disengagement occur periodically based on the movement cycle. The cable is engaged during the driving section's forward movement and disengaged during the spring's return movement. This periodic engagement/disengagement pattern ensures smooth cable operation while preventing buckling during the return phase.
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 apparatus achieves reduced size by allowing the slider to move in association with a cable through a driving force and relative to the cable via a coil spring, minimizing the overall dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring that biases the slider in one direction
Implementation Method 2
the coil spring is configured to expand, when the slider moves to the another side of the moving direction due to the biasing force of the coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A driving apparatus includes a casing, a driving section, a slider, a coil spring, and a cable including a cable end. The slider includes an engaging section to which the cable end is attached and a spring accommodating section accomodating a part of the coil spring; the slider moves in association with the cable when moving to one side of moving direction by a driving force of the driving section, and moves relative to the cable when moving to the other side of moving direction by a biasing force of the coil spring; and when the slider moves to the other side of moving direction by the biasing force of the coil spring, the coil spring extends while accommodating the cable end in an inner space of the coil spring, thereby reducing the size of the slider and the size of the entire apparatus.