Vehicle Viewing System Cable Tensioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle viewing systems face issues with cable deterioration and connector failure due to uncontrolled bending and strain when the movable support parts are moved, leading to potential noise generation and compromised waterproofness.

Innovation Solution

A tensioning arrangement is implemented to progressively tension the cable, allowing controlled deformation and reducing strain, which includes resilient members or a resilient sheath to maintain the cable within a defined clearance, ensuring homogeneous deformation and suppressing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the movable support part is moved to present multiple positions, then the viewing system provides flexible positioning and adaptability, but the cable bends and deteriorates along with its connectors and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidcable durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cable management system adaptive to the movable support part's position changes. The cable guide structure dynamically adjusts the cable path as the movable support part moves between driving and folded positions, preventing uncontrolled bending while maintaining positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cable guide as an intermediary element between the movable support part and the cable. This cable guide mediates the cable's interaction with the moving components, directing the cable along controlled paths and preventing direct contact with moving parts that would cause deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cable is made bendable to accommodate movement, then the cable can flex during positioning, but it presents rigidity and risk of deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable flexibilityVSAvoidcable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cable guide structure that provides flexible routing paths for the cable. The guide structure itself can flex or adjust shape to accommodate cable movement, while the cable remains protected within controlled bending zones that prevent deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements protective measures beforehand by designing the cable guide structure to pre-establish safe bending zones and tension distribution mechanisms. This prevents excessive stress concentration on the cable before movement occurs, cushioning against potential deterioration through proactive structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Shape

If the cable is tensioned to reduce sagging, then cable alignment improves, but excessive tension causes strain and connector failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable alignmentVSAvoidconnector durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating tensioning elements with adjustable tension characteristics. These elements can modify the tension parameter dynamically or through design variations, maintaining optimal cable alignment while preventing excessive force that would damage connectors or the cable itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial tensioning through distributed tensioning elements along the cable path rather than a single high-tension point. This partial action approach achieves sufficient cable alignment and sag reduction while distributing the mechanical stress to prevent connector failure and cable strain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This solution effectively prevents cable and connector deterioration, reduces noise, and enhances waterproofness by maintaining consistent cable tension and alignment during the movement of movable support parts, ensuring reliable operation and improved modularity.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning arrangement configured to resiliently urge at least a cable portion along a travel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3877216B1Viewing system for a vehicle and vehicle comprising such viewing system
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP3877216B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3877216B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3877216B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Viewing system (20) for a vehicle, comprising: -at least one camera (25), -a monitor (26) arranged within the compartment (4), -at least one cable (30) connecting the camera (25) to the monitor (26), -at least one support (21) comprising a fixed support part (22) and a movable support part (23) rotatably mounted on the fixed support part (22), wherein the support (21) comprises at least one tensioning arrangement (35) configured to resiliently urge at least a cable portion of the cable (30) along a travel as the movable support part (23) is moved in a plurality of positions.