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

Cables | English inventions

Bowdenzug | Câble Bowden | Bowdenkabel