Cable Tension Adjustment Assembly with Ratcheting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting clutch cable slack on vehicles, such as motorcycles, lack precision and ease of use, especially during high-speed riding, as they often require the rider to remove their hand from the handlebar and rely on difficult rotational adjustments, which can lead to loss of control and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A cable mover assembly with a housing positioner, adjuster, and mover assembly that allows for precise adjustment of cable tension through a ratcheting mechanism, enabling on-the-fly adjustments without requiring the rider to remove their hand from the handlebar, utilizing a unique rotational and linear movement system to achieve the desired tension with minimal rotational input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded barrel adjuster with separate lock nut arrangement is used, then on-the-fly adjustment capability is provided, but the rider must fully remove hand from handlebar grip causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjuster knob and lock nut into a single integrated unit mounted on the handlebar. The adjuster knob itself serves as the locking mechanism through a detent system that engages with notches, eliminating the need for separate lock nuts and allowing adjustment while maintaining hand on the handlebar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detent mechanism as an intermediary between the adjuster knob and the cable adjustment function. This detent system with notches provides discrete, controlled adjustment steps while maintaining positive locking, enabling precise cable tension adjustment without requiring hand removal from the handlebar.
2Ease of operation
If the adjuster knob is enlarged for on-the-fly adjustment, then adjustment accessibility is improved, but the rider must move hand to particular position causing eyes off road
Solution Approach 1:
The handlebar-mounted adjuster knob serves multiple functions: it acts as both the adjustment mechanism and a readily accessible control that can be operated from various hand positions on the handlebar. This multi-functional placement allows riders to adjust cable tension without moving their hand to a specific position or taking eyes off the road.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional threaded barrel adjuster is used, then full range adjustment (3600 degrees) is available, but precise small adjustments (30-180 degrees) are difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous rotational adjustment into discrete steps using a detent mechanism with multiple notches. This segmentation provides controlled incremental adjustment steps, making it easier for riders to make precise small adjustments (30-180 degrees) without over-adjusting, while still maintaining the ability to make larger adjustments when needed.
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 precise and easy adjustment of cable tension during high-speed riding, improving safety by allowing adjustments to be made without losing control of the vehicle, with the ability to adjust cable slack by a predetermined angle corresponding to a specific linear movement, enhancing the overall operational control of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The mover assembly can include a ratcheting mechanism. In this embodiment, the mover assembly can rotate the adjuster by a predetermined angle of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
a cable mover assembly with a housing positioner, adjuster, and mover assembly that allows for precise adjustment of cable tension through a ratcheting mechanism, enabling on-the-fly adjustments without requiring the rider to remove their hand from the handlebar, utilizing a unique rotational and linear movement system to achieve the desired tension with minimal rotational input.
Implementation Method 3
A portion of the mover assembly rotates in a first rotational direction to cause rotation of at least a portion of the adjuster in an opposite, second rotational direction. Rotation of the adjuster in the second rotational direction causes the housing positioner to move in a substantially linear direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment assembly (32) for adjusting the tension of a cable (18) includes a housing positioner (40), an adjuster (42) and a mover assembly (44). The housing positioner (40) positions a portion of the cable housing (16). The adjuster (42) moves to adjust the position of the housing positioner (40) relative to the cable (18). The mover assembly (44) moves the adjuster (42) to adjust the position of the housing positioner (40) to adjust the tension of the cable (18). A portion of the mover assembly (44) can rotate in one direction to cause rotation of the adjuster (42) in an opposite direction. Rotation of the adjuster (42) causes the housing positioner (40) to move linearly to alter the tension of the cable (18). The mover assembly (44) can include a portion that moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, movement of the mover assembly (44) adjusts the tension of the cable (18). In the disengaged position, the mover assembly (44) is mechanically decoupled from the housing positioner (40) so that no adjustment of the cable tension occurs.