Flexible Cable Latch Actuation for Non-Straight Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating mechanisms with straight tubular components face challenges when adapted to non-straight shapes, requiring complex transition linkages or multiple components, which complicates design, increases costs, and compromises structural integrity, while flexible cables offer more versatility but can lose efficiency if not properly aligned.
Innovation Solution
An operating mechanism using a flexible cable with a core and sheath, where the cable core is movable within the sheath, and actuating assembly components are designed to maintain the sheath in a predetermined orientation without separate fasteners, allowing efficient operation in non-straight configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a straight tubular component is used with a single rod, then the design is simple and structural integrity is maintained, but it cannot accommodate non-straight handle shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable instead of a rigid rod to accommodate non-straight handle shapes. The cable can bend and conform to curved paths within the tubular component, enabling non-straight configurations without requiring complex transition linkages or multiple joined components. This maintains design simplicity while achieving shape flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the operating element from rigid (rod) to flexible (cable). This parameter change allows the same basic tubular structure to accommodate both straight and non-straight configurations using a single component, eliminating the need for complex transition linkages and maintaining structural integrity.
2Shape
If multiple joined tubular components are used to create non-straight shapes, then the desired shape is achieved, but structural integrity is compromised and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable acts as a single continuous element that can be routed through the tubular component in any configuration (straight or non-straight) without requiring joins. This maintains the structural integrity of the handle assembly by eliminating multiple connection points where moisture and foreign matter could degrade the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is segmented into functional sections (actuating portion, cable core, sheath) that can be independently designed and assembled, but these segments connect continuously without joints in the handle configuration, maintaining structural strength while enabling shape flexibility.
3Shape
If a flexible cable is used in non-straight configurations, then shape flexibility is achieved, but force transmission efficiency is reduced when cable ends are skewed from optimal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is designed with dynamic routing capabilities, allowing it to be positioned at different orientations (0°, 45°, 90°) relative to the tubular component axis. This dynamic adaptability enables the cable to maintain optimal force alignment even in non-straight configurations, preventing force loss while achieving shape flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cable's geometric parameters (orientation angles) to optimize force transmission. By allowing the cable to be positioned at specific angles relative to the tubular component, the design maintains efficient force transmission despite non-straight configurations, eliminating the trade-off between flexibility and force efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate fasteners are used to anchor the cable sheath, then orientation adjustment is possible, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing system is designed to be self-configuring, where the cable's flexibility and the tubular component's geometry automatically determine the cable's path and orientation. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners or complex assembly procedures, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining orientation adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the cable, and enables orientation adjustment through its geometric design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fastener components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining cable orientation versatility.
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 solution enables efficient operation of movable closure elements in non-straight configurations without the need for separate fasteners, maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while ensuring proper force alignment for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate flexible cable with a length residing at least partially within the passageway and made up of an elongate sheath and a core that is movable guidingly lengthwise relative to the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
An operating mechanism for a movable closure element to releasably engage a strike assembly on a frame support and thereby releasably maintain the movable closure element in a predetermined position relative to the frame support. The operating mechanism has a base with a wall extending around a first axis and defining an elongate tubular passageway. The operating mechanism includes a latch system having: (a) a latched state; and (b) a released state. An actuating system on the base is changeable from a first state into a second state to thereby change the latch system from the latched state into the released state. The actuating system has an elongate flexible cable with a length residing at least partially within the passageway and made up of an elongate sheath and a movable core. An actuating system has an actuating assembly for the elongate flexible cable that is mounted to the wall. The wall is configured so that the cable cannot be extended in a straight line through the passageway between first and second connecting locations.