Spring-Loaded Cable Tensioning Device with Toothed Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for adjusting sheathed control cables, such as Bowden cables, face challenges in automatically addressing clearances due to manufacturing tolerances and assembly constraints, requiring manual adjustments and lacking precise tensioning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a tubular body, a coaxially arranged ring, a hollow tubular screw with external teeth, a spring, and a nut with internal teeth, allowing for axial cable passage and precise tensioning by rotating the ring to engage or disengage the nut's teeth with the screw, enabling automatic tensioning and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual adjustment methods are used for cable tension, then adjustment time is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of cable tension are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-sets the cable tension through the spring mechanism before the cable is installed. The spring is pre-compressed to generate the required tension force, and this force is transferred to the cable through the toothed engagement between the nut and screw, eliminating the need for manual tension adjustment after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically maintains cable tension through the spring-loaded mechanism. As the cable experiences wear or elongation over time, the spring automatically compensates by maintaining constant pressure on the toothed engagement, ensuring continuous proper tension without requiring manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used for cable tension, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed nut and screw act as an intermediary mechanism between the spring force and the cable. The spring generates the tension force, and the toothed engagement transmits and regulates this force to the cable, providing precise control while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the spring provides the force, the toothed nut and screw provide the regulation and transmission, and the locking mechanism provides the final fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively achieving precise cable tension control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tensioning devices are used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex multi-step mechanical adjustment procedures with a simple rotational operation. By turning the nut, the operator simultaneously engages the toothed screw, compresses the spring, and sets the cable tension in one continuous motion, making the operation intuitive and easy to perform.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic adjustment state and back to locked state through the rotation of the nut. During adjustment, the toothed engagement allows controlled movement and tensioning, then automatically locks when the desired tension is reached, providing both adaptability and ease of operation.
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 device efficiently creates a predefined tension in the cable sheath, reducing adjustment time during assembly and maintenance, while allowing for precise adjustment and easy resetting of the cable tension.
Implementation Method 1
a spring housed in the passage and which rests on the body to exert a thrust on the screw in the direction of the cable sheath
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The device has a ring (2) retained on an end of a tubular body (1) by a retaining groove (9) and a flange (10), where angular position of the body is determined by the insertion of a lateral stud of the body in a sheath hole. A spring (3) is supported on the body to exert a push on a hollow tubular screw (4) in the direction of a sheath of a cable. A nut (5) is placed on the screw and turned to unlocking position, where tooth of the screw and nut are not gripped so that the spring pushes the screw and puts the cable in tension, and to locking position where the screw is maintained by the nut.