Internal Lever Assembly for Cable-Free Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical device actuation systems, such as bicycle braking systems, are encumbered by external cables or hydraulics that cause issues during use and storage, as they protrude and can interfere with the device's operation and handling.
Innovation Solution
Internal lever assemblies and methods that include a pivotably coupled lever within an enclosure, with members extending from one end to another, allowing force to be applied along the enclosure's length to actuate mechanisms internally, eliminating the need for external cables or hydraulics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external cables or hydraulics are used to actuate mechanical devices, then the actuation function is achieved, but the device becomes encumbered and interferes with operation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the actuation mechanism inside the enclosure. The lever assembly is nested within the housing, with all components (lever, members, pivots) contained internally. This eliminates external cables while maintaining the actuation function, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Reliability
If external cables extend outside the device, then actuation is possible, but the cables cause problems during use and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful external cables from the system and replaces them with an internal lever mechanism. By taking out the problematic external elements and substituting them with an integrated internal system, the invention eliminates cable interference while preserving actuation reliability.
3Device complexity
If the actuation mechanism is integrated within the enclosure, then external encumbrances are eliminated, but the internal space must accommodate the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a pivotable lever mechanism with members that can extend and retract within the enclosure. The floating end of one member and the pivotable connections allow the mechanism to dynamically adjust its configuration, enabling compact storage when not in use while maintaining full actuation capability when needed.
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 solution provides a compact and efficient means of actuating mechanical devices, enhancing usability and storage by integrating the actuation mechanism within the device's structure, reducing external encumbrances and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a lever pivotably coupled to the enclosure; one member extending from one end to another end, the one end of the one member floating within the enclosure and the other end of the one member pivotably coupled to the lever
Data Source
AI summary
Lever assemblies are provided that can include: an enclosure; a lever pivotably coupled to the enclosure; one member extending from one end to another end, the one end of the one member floating within the enclosure and the other end of the one member pivotably coupled to the lever; and another member extending from one end to another end, the one end of the other member pivotably coupled to the lever and the other end of the other member pivotably fixed to the enclosure. Methods for providing force from a lever associated with an enclosure are provided with the methods including: providing a lever pivotably coupled to an enclosure and extending along a length of the enclosure in one cross section; compressing the lever toward the enclosure to extend a member within the enclosure and provide force along the length of the enclosure with the member.