Telescopic Tube Connector Layout for Easy Cable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic apparatuses for human-powered vehicles lack convenience in operation and adjustment, particularly in terms of electric power management and user-friendly control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic apparatus comprising a first tube, a second tube telescopically coupled to the first tube, and an electric cable connector detachably coupled to an electric cable, allowing for improved convenience through enhanced electric power management and user control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the telescopic apparatus uses a fixed electric cable connection, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electric cable connection is divided into separate segments: a male connector on one tube and a female connector on the other tube. This segmentation allows the connectors to be detachably coupled, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity when connected. The connectors can be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electric cable connector is integrated within the telescopic tube structure, with the male connector positioned on one tube and the female connector on the other tube. When the tubes are telescopically coupled, the connectors align and engage, nesting the electrical connection within the mechanical telescopic structure. This ensures both ease of operation and reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the telescopic apparatus uses a detachable electric cable connector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of electric cable connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of connector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric cable connector is merged with the telescopic tube structure, where the male connector is formed on one tube and the female connector on the other tube. This integration eliminates the need for separate connector components, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation. The electrical connection is combined with the mechanical telescopic coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic tube structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables telescopic movement, and incorporates the electric cable connection. The male and female connectors are designed to be universally compatible with the telescopic coupling mechanism, allowing a single structure to fulfill both mechanical and electrical connection requirements without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12275475B2Telescopic apparatus operating system and telescopic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 SHIMANO INC
  • US12275475B2 patent drawing
  • US12275475B2 patent drawing
  • US12275475B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A telescopic apparatus comprises a first tube, a second tube configured to be telescopically coupled to the first tube, and an electric cable connector provided to one of the first tube and the second tube. The electric cable connector is configured to be detachably coupled to an electric cable.