Rotating Slider Cable Coupling for Synchronized Dual Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable coupling mechanisms struggle to synchronize two operated cables with different lengths or routing paths, leading to difficulties in operating them simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A cable coupling mechanism featuring a slider with rotating capabilities, allowing the operating cable to be coupled with both operated cables. The slider has guide surfaces and curved edges to facilitate smooth movement and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the two operated cables have different lengths or different routing paths, then the cables can be installed to reach different operation targets, but it becomes difficult to synchronize the operation of the two cables
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is made rotatable around an axis perpendicular to both the sliding direction and width direction, transforming a static coupling mechanism into a dynamic one. This rotation allows the slider to self-adjust its orientation during operation, enabling synchronized operation of cables with different lengths and routing paths while maintaining adaptability to various installation configurations
2Device complexity
If the slider only moves linearly without rotation, then the structure is simple, but the slider cannot accommodate different cable lengths and routing paths effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The slider incorporates rotational capability around a vertical axis in addition to linear sliding motion. This dynamic feature allows the slider to adapt to different cable lengths and routing paths without significantly complicating the overall structure, as the rotation is achieved through simple curved guide surfaces rather than complex mechanical joints
3Device complexity
If the slider rotates without curved guide surfaces, then the rotation mechanism is simple, but the guide surfaces would hinder the slider's movement during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Curved guide surfaces are provided on the housing that correspond to the rotation path of the slider. These curved surfaces guide the slider smoothly during rotation, preventing interference while maintaining a simple rotation mechanism. The curvature of the guide surfaces matches the rotational arc, ensuring continuous contact and smooth motion without complex mechanical guides
Data Source
AI summary
A cable coupling mechanism comprises an operating cable, a first operated cable, a second operated cable, and a coupling device, wherein the coupling device has a housing and a slider, wherein the housing has one pair of guide surfaces, wherein the slider is configured to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to a sliding direction and a width direction, and wherein both side edges in the width direction of the slider have curved surfaces to be convex toward each of the one pair of guide surfaces such that movement of the slider in the sliding direction is not hindered when the slider rotates around the axis. According to this cable coupling mechanism, it is possible to easily operate the two operated cables so as to synchronize the two operated cables.