Core Adjuster With Vibration Dampening Isolator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core adjuster assemblies in control cable systems lack satisfactory vibration dampening, ergonomic design, and a reliable mechanism to maintain the adjuster in both shipping and installed locked positions, leading to issues with cable length precision and lash reduction.

Innovation Solution

A core adjuster assembly featuring a slider body with an isolator material, primary and secondary lock members, and a central bore with a biasing spring, allowing for precise cable length adjustment while minimizing lash and ensuring secure locking and shipping positions through snap features and guide tracks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If prior art adjusters are used to adjust cable length, then cable length adjustment is achieved, but vibration dampening is insufficient causing lash in the cable system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable length precisionVSAvoidvibration-induced lash

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a dampener assembly with a resilient member (spring or elastomer) that pre-complies with vibration loads. The resilient member is positioned between the adjuster body and locking mechanism to absorb vibrations before they can cause lash or premature disengagement, thus cushioning against harmful vibrations in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining a rigid adjuster body with a resilient damping material in the dampener assembly. This composite structure integrates both structural support and vibration dampening functions, reducing lash while maintaining adjustment precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to maintain adjuster position, then cable length stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjuster position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through a spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on adjuster body position. The spring-loaded design allows the lock to self-engage at predetermined positions without manual intervention, maintaining stability while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the locking function with the adjustment mechanism by integrating the locking mechanism into the adjuster body structure. The lock cavity and locking elements are incorporated directly into the adjuster body, combining positioning and locking functions in a unified structure rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration dampening is added to reduce lash, then cable system performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration-induced lashVSAvoidassembly manufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the dampening function into a distinct dampener assembly that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the core adjuster. This modular approach allows specialized dampening components to be produced separately using appropriate processes, then integrated through standardized assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dampener assembly as a separate intermediate component between the adjuster body and the cable system. This intermediary element provides vibration dampening while maintaining compatibility with standard assembly processes, simplifying integration compared to integrating dampening directly into the main body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces vibration-induced lash, provides ergonomic handling, and maintains precise cable length adjustment with enhanced locking mechanisms, improving the overall performance and usability of core adjuster assemblies in motion-transmitting applications.

Implementation Method 1

A core adjuster assembly with vibration dampening; a slider body formed on an end of a rod having an isolator material associated therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a central bore with a biasing spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7779720B2Compact core adjuster with vibration dampening

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 DUS OPERATING INC

AI summary

A core adjuster assembly includes an adjuster body having a pin engagement end and a locking end. The adjuster body has a central longitudinal bore and a lock cavity formed through an outer peripheral surface. A slider body is formed on an end of a rod and is disposed in the central longitudinal bore of the adjuster body. A primary lock member is disposed in the lock cavity and is moveable from a shipping position to a locked position. A secondary lock member is associated with the adjuster body and the primary lock member and is adapted to maintain the primary lock member in the shipping and locked positions.