Bowden cable
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Invented by Frank Bowden, a bowden cable is a type of flexible cable used to transmit mechanical force or energy by the movement of an inner cable (most commonly of steel or stainless steel) relative to a hollow outer cable housing. The cable housing is generally of composite construction, consisting of a spiral steel wire, often coated with plastic, and with a plastic outer sheath.
The linear movement of the inner cable is generally used to transmit a pulling force, although for very light applications over shorter distances (such as the indexed shifting system on a bicycle, or the remote shutter release cables on mechanical film cameras) a push may also be used. Usually provision is made for adjusting the cable tension using an inline hollow screw (often called a "barrel adjuster"), which lengthens or shortens the cable housing relative to a fixed anchor point. Lengthening the housing (turning the barrel adjuster out) tightens the cable; shortening the housing (turning the barrel adjuster in) loosens the cable.
Uses
- bicycle brake and gear shift cables
- photographic shutter release cables
- automotive clutch, throttle, emergency brake, and various latch release cables
- motorcycle throttle, clutch and (now rarely) brake cables
- control surfaces on small aircraft
- remote hi-hats in drum kits
- operate terminal device hook on prosthetic arms
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