Vehicle Door Actuator Cable Wiper Clip Against Debris Ingress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle door actuator cables are prone to infiltration of foreign materials such as debris and fluid due to their exposure during operation, which can lead to mechanical failures and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A clip assembly is attached to the cable housing and actuator cable, featuring resilient arms and an elastomeric cap that slidably engages the cable to prevent foreign material entry by wiping off debris and fluid during operation, ensuring the cable housing remains clean.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuator cable is exposed during operation to enable cable movement, then the actuator can operate between extended and retracted positions, but foreign materials such as debris and fluid can infiltrate into the cable housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable movementVSAvoidforeign material infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastomeric wiper is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator cable and the cable housing environment. The wiper is attached to a clip assembly that is mounted on the cable housing, and the wiper contacts and wipes the cable surface as the cable moves in and out, preventing foreign material infiltration while allowing full cable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric wiper is a flexible thin film component that can deform and contact the moving cable surface. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the cable shape and maintain continuous contact during cable movement, effectively blocking foreign materials while permitting cable motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a protective cover is added to prevent foreign material infiltration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is segmented from the main cable housing structure and implemented as a separate, modular clip assembly with an attached wiper. This segmentation allows the protective function to be added independently without redesigning the entire cable housing, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric wiper provides self-service protection by automatically wiping the cable surface during its normal in-and-out movement. The wiper's contact with the moving cable creates the cleaning action without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex mechanisms, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a wiper mechanism is added to clean the cable, then foreign material infiltration is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper is merged with a simple clip assembly that attaches to the cable housing. This combination integrates the cleaning function with a straightforward mounting structure, allowing the entire assembly to be manufactured and installed as a single unit, thereby preventing debris infiltration without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric wiper is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its simplicity allows for cost-effective manufacturing using standard elastomeric materials and molding processes, preventing debris infiltration without requiring complex or expensive manufacturing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 clip assembly effectively prevents the ingress of foreign materials into the cable housing, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the actuator mechanism by maintaining a clean environment for the actuator cable.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric cap positioned within the frame portion that slidably engages the actuator cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The resilient attaching member includes opposing resilient arms that can be outwardly biased as the attaching member is moved into the attached position to substantially encircle the cable housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11473343B2Actuator assembly for a vehicle door having a clip-on wiper for preventing infiltration of foreign matertal into the cable housing

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle door includes an actuator for operating a latching mechanism. An actuator cable extends between the actuator and the latching mechanism. A cable housing slidably receives the actuator cable. The actuator cable is operable within the cable housing between extended and retracted positions. A cable bracket secures the cable housing to a frame member in a secured position. A clip assembly attaches to the cable housing and slidably engages the actuator cable upon operation of the actuator. The clip assembly engages the cable housing at a first side of the cable bracket and engages the actuator cable at a second side of the cable bracket.