Rotatable Locking Clip for Conduit Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bowden cable conduit length adjustment devices cannot be easily re-adjusted once locked, leading to accidental locking or unlocking, and the locking process is often complex and prone to errors, especially during transport and mounting in the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
A conduit length adjustment device featuring a rotatable locking clip with a snap-latch mechanism that prevents accidental locking or unlocking, allowing for intentional length adjustment and re-adjustment by rotating the clip from an open to a locked position, using a wave-shaped contour and tooth-like barriers for secure engagement, and a spring for automatic length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking clip is used to secure the adjustment device, then the length can be fixed, but the device cannot be re-adjusted and may be accidentally locked or unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element enables the system to switch between a secure locked state and an adjustable unlocked state, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism is pre-configured to prevent accidental locking before adjustment is complete. The wave-shaped contour with blocking elements is designed to engage with the female body's corresponding features, creating a preliminary protective action that prevents unintended locking during the adjustment process.
2Ease of operation
If a separate locking clip is used, then locking and unlocking can be controlled, but the clip may get lost during transport or mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip is integrated with the female body through rotatable connection rather than being a completely separate component. This merging ensures the clip remains attached to the adjustment device during transport and mounting, eliminating the risk of loss while maintaining locking control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clip is rotatably mounted on the surface of the female body, nesting it within the overall adjustment device structure. This nested arrangement keeps the clip securely associated with the device throughout handling and installation processes.
3Ease of operation
If the locking clip can be freely moved, then adjustment is simple, but accidental locking or unlocking cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the locking clip from moving into the locked position until the adjustment is complete. The wave-shaped contour with blocking elements creates a mechanical barrier that counteracts unintended locking forces, allowing simple adjustment operation while preventing accidental locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are pre-positioned to interfere with the locking clip's movement path before accidental locking can occur. This preliminary protective action ensures that only intentional adjustment movements are permitted, while unintended movements are blocked.
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
Simplifies the mounting and re-adjustment process by preventing accidental locking, ensuring secure transportation, and improving the quality of Bowden cable installations in safety-critical applications by allowing intentional control over the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for automatic length adjustment
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable locking clip with a snap-latch mechanism that prevents accidental locking or unlocking, allowing for intentional length adjustment and re-adjustment by rotating the clip from an open to a locked position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a conduit length adjustment device (1) comprising a female body (10), a male body (30), axially movably arranged within the female body (10) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the conduit length adjustment device (1), and a locking clip (50), wherein the locking clip (50) is rotatably arranged on the surface of the female body (10) such that the locking clip (50) is rotatable (R) with respect to the female body (10) around the longitudinal axis (L) from an open position (96a) to a locked position (96b), wherein in the open position (96a) the locking clip (50) is not in engagement with the male body (30) in order to allow the axial movement of the male body (30) with respect to the female body (10), and in the locked position (96b) the locking clip (50) engages with the male body (30) in order to prevent the axial movement of the male body (30) with respect to the female body (10). Further, methods for transporting, mounting, adjusting and re-adjusting a conduit length adjustment device (1) are claimed.