Cable Take-Up Locking Mechanism With Compact Multi-Position Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step shifter holding and releasing mechanisms are not compact enough and do not allow for a large number of actuation positions, nor are they easily adjustable, which limits their functionality and efficiency in applications like bicycle gear shifting systems.
Innovation Solution
A holding and releasing mechanism featuring a toothed-disk arrangement with two groups of teeth, one for locking and one for safety, and an adjustable locking latch that can pivot to engage with these teeth, allowing for a wide range of actuation positions and enabling a compact, space-saving design that facilitates easy adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a holding and releasing mechanism is designed to engage with a toothed locking disk, then the mechanism can provide stepped release of the actuation cable, but the mechanism becomes too large and does not allow for a large number of actuation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional toothed disk engagement to a three-dimensional conical surface engagement. The conical locking surface and conical release surface allow the locking latch to engage at multiple positions along the cone's slope, effectively adding a dimensional aspect that increases the number of actuation positions without proportionally increasing the mechanism's volume. The cone angle and height can be optimized to provide numerous discrete engagement positions within a compact space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the engagement surfaces from flat tooth profiles to conical surfaces with specific angles. By optimizing the cone angle, the height of the conical surfaces, and the spacing of grooves on the conical surface, the mechanism can achieve a high number of actuation positions within a compact volume. The conical geometry allows for continuous variation of the engagement radius, enabling precise positioning at multiple discrete locations.
2Ease of operation
If the locking latch is designed to pivot about an axis, then the latch can engage with locking and safety teeth, but the mechanism lacks ease of adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locking latch adjustable by providing multiple pivot positions along the latch body. This dynamic configuration allows the latch to be repositioned to engage with different grooves on the conical surface, enabling adjustment of the actuation positions. The latch can be shifted between predetermined pivot positions while maintaining its basic pivoting function, combining simplicity with adaptability.
3Reliability
If a toothed-disk arrangement is used, then the cable take-up device can be held in rotational positions, but the mechanism is not compact enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional two-dimensional toothed disk with a three-dimensional conical surface arrangement. The conical locking surface and conical release surface engage at varying radii depending on the rotational position, providing reliable holding capability through the mechanical interference of the conical surfaces. This three-dimensional engagement is more space-efficient than traditional toothed disks, reducing the overall volume while maintaining or improving holding reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A hold and release mechanism for holding and releasing a cable includes a toothed-disk arrangement coupled with the cable take-up device for rotating together about a first axis. The toothed-disk arrangement includes a plurality of teeth at an outer periphery of the toothed-disk arrangement. The plurality of teeth includes locking and safety teeth. The locking catch engages with one of the locking teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a first rotational position. The safety catch engages with one of the safety teeth for holding the toothed-disk arrangement in a second rotational position.