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Bowden Cable:
The Bowden cable was invented around 1880 by the Englishman Frank Bowden. He sought a solution to the problem that a single steel cable over pulleys did not have a long lifespan and was vulnerable. Therefore, he invented the cable to apply it to bicycles and motorcycles manufactured by him.
A Bowden cable is a flexible cable with an outer casing through which an inner cable runs. Because the outer cable is attached to something, the inner cable can exert a pulling force (and a minimal pushing force). The cable can often be adjusted with an adjusting device, so that it can be mounted play-free and neutral.
Some applications where a Bowden cable is used:
- Throttle cable from gas pedal to throttle body
- Handbrake cable
- Clutch cable
- Release cable of mechanical seat adjustment
Often the cable is pulled on one side (e.g., by operating the handbrake) and pulled back on the other side by a spring, which sets the control lever back to the neutral position (e.g., at the brake caliper or brake shoes).
