Pivoting Cover Core Adjuster With Integrated Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core adjusters for cables require four separate components, making manufacturing more difficult and costly, and are prone to assembly errors and part loss due to the complexity of separate locking elements.

Innovation Solution

The locking element is integrated into the pivotal cover, reducing the number of components to two and eliminating the risk of incorrect orientation and part loss during assembly, with a design that uses a plastic material suitable for injection molding and a mechanism where the pivotal cover pivots between open and locked positions to secure the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate locking element and spring are used in the core adjuster, then the cable securing function is achieved, but the number of components increases to four separate parts making manufacturing more difficult and cost intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable securing functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated into the pivotal cover as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate locking element and spring components. This merging of functions reduces the total component count from four to two parts (adjuster housing member and pivotal cover with integrated locking element), simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the cable securing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If four separate components are used in the core adjuster, then the cable securing mechanism is functional, but assembly time and costs increase and the risk of incorrect orientation and part loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable securing mechanismVSAvoidassembly time and costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the locking element into the pivotal cover, the assembly process is simplified from assembling four separate components to assembling two main parts. This reduces assembly time, lowers labor costs, and eliminates assembly errors related to incorrect orientation of separate locking elements or loss of small parts during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate locking element and spring are used, then the cable can be secured, but the risk of losing parts during assembly or service increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable retentionVSAvoidpart loss during assembly or service
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is permanently integrated into the pivotal cover structure, eliminating loose small parts that could be lost during assembly or service. The locking function is maintained through the integrated design where the locking element and spring work as a unified component within the pivotal cover, reducing the risk of part loss while ensuring reliable cable retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2184501B1Core adjuster having a pivoting cover with an integrated lock
Publication Date: 2012.05.02 KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AB
  • EP2184501B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2184501B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2184501B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a core adjuster for retaining a cable, comprising: an adjuster housing member with a cavity for receiving an end section of the cable, a locking element (68) and a pivotal cover (44) pivotably connected to the housing member and capable of pivoting between an open and a locked position in engagement with the adjuster housing member, the locking element being configured to be in securing contact with the end of the cable in the cavity when the pivotal cover (44) is in the locked position to secure the cable therein. According to the invention the locking element (68) is integrally formed with the pivotal cover (44).