Curved Casing Cap Structure for Flexible Control Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control cable structures, such as those using a restricting member, require a straight portion at the tip of the curved outer casing, which reduces layout flexibility and increases space requirements, and can lead to stroke loss and varying curvature due to different mounting methods.
Innovation Solution
A casing cap with a curved guide path and engaging portion that allows the inner cable to change direction without significant curvature, reducing the need for a straight portion and enabling easier mounting, while maintaining a constant curvature and minimizing stroke loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a restricting member is used to hold the outer casing in a curved state, then the control cable can be routed in a curved path, but a straight portion of predetermined length is required at the tip of the curved portion, reducing layout flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The casing cap itself is designed with a curved shape that corresponds to the curved state of the outer casing. The curved surface of the casing cap matches the curved portion of the outer casing, allowing the inner cable to be guided along the curved path without requiring a straight portion at the tip. This curvature-based design enables the control cable to be routed flexibly in curved paths while eliminating the need for additional straight sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer casing is forced to bend to achieve curved routing, then the control cable can follow the desired path, but stroke loss occurs due to forced bending
Solution Approach 1:
The casing cap acts as an intermediary component between the outer casing and the mounting member. It provides a curved guiding surface that redirects the inner cable along the desired curved path without forcing the outer casing to bend. The casing cap absorbs the geometric transformation, allowing the outer casing to remain substantially straight while the inner cable follows a curved trajectory, thereby preventing stroke loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If a casing cap with straight portion is used to engage the outer casing, then mounting is simplified, but the straight portion becomes an obstacle reducing layout flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The casing cap is designed with a curved shape that corresponds to the curved state of the outer casing. The curved surface of the casing cap matches the curved portion of the outer casing, allowing the inner cable to be guided along the curved path without requiring a straight portion at the tip. This curvature-based design enables the control cable to be routed flexibly in curved paths while eliminating the need for additional straight sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing cap acts as an intermediary component between the outer casing and the mounting member. It provides a curved guiding surface that redirects the inner cable along the desired curved path without forcing the outer casing to bend. The casing cap absorbs the geometric transformation, allowing the outer casing to remain substantially straight while the inner cable follows a curved trajectory, thereby preventing stroke loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A casing cap is connected to an end of an outer casing through which an inner cable is inserted, the casing cap comprising: a main body portion having a curved guide path guiding the inner cable in a curved state; an outer casing connecting portion protruding from the main body portion at a one-side end in an extending direction of the guide path; and an engaging portion for engaging the casing cap with an mounting target, wherein the engaging portion protrudes from the main body portion at the other-side end in the extending direction of the guide path.