Dual-Cable Steering Assembly to Eliminate Compression Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable actuation systems in marine vessels face wear and fatigue issues due to cable compression during steering maneuvers, leading to potential failure, as the hose sidewall can be compromised when the cable buckles under compression loads.
Innovation Solution
A cable steering and actuation assembly that utilizes two cables, where one cable is in tension to adjust the output connector assembly during steering input in one direction and the other cable is in tension during steering input in the opposite direction, with a pulley or toothed rack system, ensuring the working cable is always in tension and reducing compression-induced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single cable is used in compression to actuate the steering device, then the cable can push the actuated device during steering maneuvers, but the cable flexes and buckles causing wear and fatigue on the hose and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using cables in tension rather than compression. Instead of allowing the cable to push the actuator in compression, the system uses a first cable to pull the actuator in tension during port steering and a second cable to pull the actuator in tension during starboard steering. This inversion eliminates cable buckling and hose wear while maintaining full steering actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single cable system into two separate cables: a first cable for port steering and a second cable for starboard steering. Each cable is dedicated to one steering direction and operates exclusively in tension, preventing the buckling and wear issues that occur when a single cable must handle bidirectional compression loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a drum-to-lever system is used for marine vessel steering, then the cable can be wound or unwound to control the rudder, but the cable experiences compression during starboard turns causing it to fill the hose and potentially break through the sidewall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the force application method by using tension instead of compression for cable actuation. The pulley system is configured so that during port turns, the first cable winds and pulls in tension, while during starboard turns, the second cable winds and pulls in tension. This eliminates the compressive buckling that causes hose sidewall damage in conventional drum-to-lever systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pulley system as an intermediary mechanism between the steering wheel and the cables. The pulleys redirect the cable forces and enable both cables to operate in tension only, mediating the steering inputs to prevent harmful compression forces from reaching the hoses.
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
This design reduces wear on the hose and tubing, extends the lifespan of the components, and maintains effective steering performance by ensuring the working cable is always in tension, regardless of the steering direction, thereby minimizing the risk of failure.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly yet further includes a pulley, wherein the first cable surrounds a portion of the pulley
Implementation Method 2
The assembly yet further includes a gear in toothed mesh contact with the first toothed rack and the second toothed rack
Implementation Method 3
a first toothed rack operatively coupled to the first cable... a second toothed rack operatively coupled to the second cable
Data Source
AI summary
A cable steering and actuation assembly includes a steering input device. The assembly also includes a first cable operatively coupled to the steering input device. The assembly further includes a second cable operatively coupled to the steering input device. The assembly yet further includes a pulley, wherein the first cable surrounds a portion of the pulley. The assembly also includes an output connector assembly operatively coupled to the first cable and the second cable, wherein a steering input by the steering input device in a first direction results in the first cable being in tension and adjusting the position of the output connector assembly, wherein a steering input by the steering input device in a second direction results in the second cable being in tension and adjusting the position of the output connector assembly.