Sliding Cable Accumulator for Independent Multi-Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for accumulating and transmitting motion between multiple input cables and an output cable in machines, such as lawn mowers, lack efficient mechanisms to manage independent actuation of input cables and their corresponding outputs, leading to potential misalignment and loss of tension in non-actuated cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable accumulator system comprising a bracket with an input end and an output end, a carrier member slidably coupled to the bracket, and a pin member with connecting members that allow each input cable to actuate the output cable by sliding the carrier relative to the bracket, while maintaining tension in non-actuated cables through biasing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input cables are connected to a single output cable through a cable accumulator, then the ability to control multiple operational parameters is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable accumulator is divided into multiple independent connecting members (first connecting member, second connecting member, etc.), each capable of independently sliding along the carrier member. This segmentation allows each input cable to be independently managed while still contributing to the overall control function, resolving the contradiction by making the system both versatile and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members are designed to slide dynamically along the carrier member rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to adapt to different operational states (actuated vs. non-actuated cables) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If connecting members are rigidly fixed to the carrier member, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability of non-actuated cables to maintain tension is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members are made slidable along the carrier member rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic capability allows non-actuated connecting members to slide and maintain cable tension even when their associated input cables are not actuated, while actuated connecting members can pull the carrier member to control the output cable. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both structural stability and cable tension reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier member acts as an intermediary between the connecting members and the output cable. It receives pulling forces from actuated connecting members and transmits them to the output cable, while also providing a sliding surface for non-actuated connecting members to maintain tension. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain both stability and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If all input cables are connected to actuate the output cable simultaneously, then the control precision is improved, but the independence of individual cable actuation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cable accumulator is segmented into multiple independent connecting members, each associated with a specific input cable. This segmentation allows individual cables to be actuated independently while still contributing to precise control of the output cable, as each connecting member can engage or disengage from the carrier member independently based on its associated cable's actuation state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for partial actuation where only some connecting members need to engage the carrier member to achieve the desired output. This partial action capability maintains control precision while allowing independent operation of individual cables, resolving the contradiction between precision and independence.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable accumulator for a plurality of input cables and at least one output cable includes a bracket and a carrier member slidably coupled with the bracket. The carrier member includes a frame having a first end and a second end. The second end of the frame is coupled to the at least one output cable. A plurality of connecting members are slidably coupled with a pin member. The plurality of connecting members slide relative to the pin member independently of each other. Actuation of any one of the input cables causes the respective connecting member to pull the pin member to slide the carrier member relative to the bracket and to actuate the at least one output cable. Further, the respective connecting members coupled to non-actuated input cables slide relative to the pin member in response to actuation of any one of the plurality of input cables.