Indexing Synchronizing Clip for Cable Latch Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear side access panel door latching systems often experience asynchronous release of latches due to dimensional variations, leading to poor unlatching sound quality and perceived door quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly that allows for incremental adjustment of cable length between latches, featuring a base, cover, and barrel assembly with indexing members and stop members to ensure synchronized release, preventing preloading and excessive lengthening, thereby improving synchronization and sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cable length is fixed without adjustment mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision of latch release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cable length adjustment mechanism where the cable can be rotated and repositioned within the handle assembly. This allows the cable length to be changed from a fixed static value to an adjustable dynamic parameter, enabling synchronization precision improvement without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the cable length parameter from a fixed manufacturing constant to an adjustable operational parameter. By allowing the cable length to be modified after assembly, the system can achieve precise latch synchronization without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances or multiple cable length options.
2Reliability
If cable length is adjusted to achieve synchronization, then latch release synchronization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-service, allowing technicians to adjust cable length directly at the handle assembly without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The rotation and repositioning capability enables field adjustment, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable adjustment function is segmented into discrete rotational positions, allowing incremental length changes. This segmentation provides precise control over cable length while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and manageable, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dimensional variations are not compensated, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but unlatching sound quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable cable length mechanism provides a feedback loop where technicians can test latch synchronization and adjust cable length accordingly. This feedback enables compensation for dimensional variations in manufactured components, improving unlatching sound quality without requiring precision manufacturing that would increase costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary adjustment of cable length during assembly or maintenance to pre-compensate for dimensional variations. By adjusting the cable length before final assembly, the system can eliminate synchronization issues and improve unlatching quality without requiring precision manufacturing of all components.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary clip assembly for adjusting a length of a cable includes a base including a tab and a first stop member, a cover rotatably coupled to the base, and a barrel assembly nesting within the base and the cover. The base and the cover define a first passage extending longitudinally through the cover and the base. The barrel assembly includes a first barrel member having a first interaction surface and a first threaded channel, and a second barrel member includes a second interaction surface and a second threaded channel. The first and second interaction surfaces form a barrel interaction surface and the first and second channels define a second passage through the barrel assembly. The first and second passages have a common longitudinal axis and rotation of the barrel interaction surface results in longitudinal translation of the cable through the second passage of the barrel assembly.