Push-Pull Cable Design

Control cable assemblies are used in numerous applications requiring the transmission of force.  Especially if the force needs to be routed around bends in varying directions. Some industries that use control cable assemblies and wire pull rope are: Aircraft, Lawn and garden, Exercise equipment, Medical, Automotive, and Office equipment.

Control cable assemblies come in two types, Push-Pull cable assemblies and Pull assembles. Push-Pull assemblies are used when the transmission of force is required in both direction of the assembly travel. A choke cable assembly on a lawn mower engine is a good example of a push-pull assembly. Pull assemblies are used when the transmission of force is needed in one direction. A hood release is a good example of a pull assembly.

Push Pull Design Criteria:

When designing a control cable assembly or push pull conduit, some factors to consider are:

  • The amount of force needed to be transmitted, or workload factor.
  • Routing of the assembly, with special attention to bend radii, and how the assembly will be anchored.
  • The length and diameter of the inner wire and the conduit, and the amount of  travel required.

When designing a push-pull cable assembly, the workload in the push mode is potentially critical. As the moving inner wire meets resistance, the wire could possibly distort or buckle, especially the portion of the inner wire that extends from the conduit. By increasing the inner wire diameter you can increase the workload in the push direction. A push-pull wire rope assembly is stiffer by nature; therefore, larger bend radii are required for smooth motion of the inner wire.

When designing a pull assembly, the workload is a function of the breaking strength inner cable tempered with a safety factor. The inner push pull cable conduit for pull assemblies can be much more flexible, allowing tighter bend radii when routing the assembly.

When designing either style of assembly, other details for consideration. 
  • How the assembly is mounted to reduce the conduit deflecting under tension.  Using clamps and /or end fitting to properly secure the assembly is important.
  • Loss of motion is another potential problem and can be caused by two variables. One is the deflection of the conduit under tension. Second is relative to the total amount of direction change and the clearance between the ID of the conduit and the OD of the core cable.  Due to this loss of motion, the length and diameters of the assembly's conduit and inner wire are understandable important considerations. One inch travel on the input side of an assembly, does not necessarily mean one inch travel on the output side

Our engineering staff would be more than happy to assist you with your push-pull cable conduit or other push-pull cable design ideas. Quite possibly after learning more about you application, we could  supply you with a sample to assist you in your designing process. Interested in custom cable assemblies? Learn more about our cable assembly design process.