Rack-and-Pinion Cable Connector for Flexible Opposite-Side Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable connecting devices face challenges such as low degree of freedom in cable routing, size reduction issues, unsatisfactory cable stroke, and durability problems due to the use of belts or link members.
Innovation Solution
A cable connecting device featuring a casing with a pinion gear, first and second sliders with rack portions meshing with the pinion gear, and output cables led out in opposite directions, allowing for high degree of freedom in cable routing and size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two output cables are led out in the same direction from the case, then the cable routing is simplified, but the degree of freedom in cable routing is low and the cable routing lengths differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cable routing from a single-direction (one-dimensional) arrangement to a multi-directional arrangement by leding out cables from both the front and rear of the case. This dimensional change in routing configuration provides higher degree of freedom while maintaining routing simplicity.
2Length of moving object
If a link member that rotates about a rotation axis is used to increase cable stroke, then the cable stroke amount is increased, but the size of the device itself increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable transmission system into multiple independent cable paths (front cable and rear cable) instead of using a single long link member. Each cable operates independently with its own slider, eliminating the need for a large rotating link member while achieving the required cable stroke through the combined action of multiple shorter cable segments.
3Device complexity
If a belt is used to lead output cables, then the cable routing is simplified, but stretching or rubbing of the belt causes stroke loss or durability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the belt-based mechanical transmission system with a direct cable-pulley-slider mechanism. This substitution eliminates the belt's inherent problems of stretching and rubbing while maintaining simple cable routing, thereby improving both durability and stroke accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If one output cable is routed to extend from the case to one side of the seat and the other cable is turned around to the other side, then the cables can reach opposite sides, but the cable must be bent at an acute angle which reduces degree of freedom
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing both cables from the same side and bending one back (conventional approach), the patent inverts the routing strategy by leading one cable from the front of the case and the other from the rear. This inverted configuration naturally provides cables to opposite sides without acute angle bends, maintaining routing flexibility while simplifying the overall configuration.
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 device achieves high degree of freedom in cable routing, reduces the overall device size, provides a satisfactory cable stroke, and improves durability by eliminating materials prone to stroke loss or durability deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion gear (3) supported relative to the casing (2) in such a way that the pinion gear (3) is rotatable about a rotation axis (X) thereof; a first slider (41) and a second slider (42) configured to move along a predetermined movement direction (D1) in the casing (2)... the first rack portion (411) meshing with the pinion gear (3)... the second rack portion (421) meshing with the pinion gear (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connecting device includes a casing, a pinion gear, first and second sliders, a first output cable connected to the first slider, and second output cable connected to the second slider. The first slider includes a first rack portion and a first end connection portion, and the second slider includes a second rack portion and a second end connection portion. The first output cable is led out from the casing to one side in the movement direction, and the second output cable is led out from the casing to the other side in the movement direction.