Steering Cable Core Support Sleeve Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical steering actuators face issues with axial and rotational alignment of the steering cable core, leading to potential buckling, premature failure, and interference with internal components, which can result in poor helm feel or locked steering.

Innovation Solution

A steering cable core support sleeve with lateral openings and optional notches or flanges for axial and rotational alignment, made from deformation-resistant materials like 21-Gauge steel, is introduced to support the cable core within the mechanical steering actuator, ensuring proper alignment and protection from wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the steering cable core is allowed to move freely within the actuator, then the cable core can accommodate movement and flexibility, but axial and rotational misalignment occurs leading to buckling and premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable core flexibilityVSAvoidcable core alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering cable core and the actuator housing. The sleeve provides lateral support and alignment while allowing the cable core to move axially, thus maintaining flexibility while preventing misalignment and buckling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support sleeve provides localized structural support at specific positions within the actuator where the cable core is most vulnerable to misalignment and buckling, rather than constraining the entire cable core length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the steering cable core is constrained to prevent buckling, then alignment stability improves, but the cable core loses flexibility and movement capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable core alignment stabilityVSAvoidcable core flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support sleeve acts as a mediator that selectively constrains the cable core - providing lateral support to prevent buckling while leaving axial movement free, thus maintaining flexibility while ensuring alignment stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the steering cable core is unsupported, then the actuator structure remains simple, but the cable core experiences wear and interference with internal components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator structure simplicityVSAvoidcable core wear and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support sleeve serves as a protective intermediary between the cable core and the actuator housing, preventing direct contact and interference with internal components while minimizing wear through proper material selection and design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2798427B1Steering cable core support sleeve for a mechanical steering actuator

Publication Date: 2018.08.01 MARINE ACQUISITION US INC

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AI summary

A steering actuator comprises a housing having a steering cable entry port. A drive mechanism is rotatably mounted within the housing. A steering cable extends through the steering cable entry port and is actuated by the drive mechanism. A steering cable core support sleeve is disposed within the housing between the steering cable entry port and an interface between the steering cable and the drive mechanism. A cable core of the steering cable extends through the steering cable support sleeve.