Seat grommet
By adopting open wire retaining features and sealing design in the seat grommet, the problem of difficulty in taking into account both the fastening strength and sealing performance in the prior art is solved, and a combination of stable production and excellent sealing performance is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410855941.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-25
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing seat grommets are difficult to provide excellent sealing performance and solutions that simplify the production process while increasing the tightening strength.
A seat grommet is designed that connects between the car seat and the panel through wire components, using open wire retaining features and seal design to ensure that the grooves of the wire fastener are located on the top of the grommet, simplifying tool operation , and there are no holes under the grommet body to improve sealing performance.
A robust, repeatable parts production is achieved, reducing production costs and providing excellent sealing performance without the need for additional components or complicated processes to clog holes in the grommet body.
Smart Images
Figure CN119218062A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 524,264, filed on June 30, 2023, and entitled “Seat Grommet,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art
[0003] Automotive components require fastening technology that is simple to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the fastening technology should first be reliable and efficient.
[0004] To mount the seat to the vehicle, the seat grommet is fitted into the mounting hole in the rear panel of the vehicle. The wire component attached to the underside of the rear seat is then aligned with and pressed into the seat grommet. This engagement ensures that the seat wire is securely locked in place by the grommet, providing a stable and secure attachment of the seat to the vehicle.
[0005] Despite the advances to date, there remains a need for improved seat grommets that increase fastening strength while also providing other benefits, such as sealing. Summary of the invention
[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to a seat grommet for forming a connection between two components, such as a vehicle seat and a panel, substantially as illustrated and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as more fully set forth in the claims. More particularly, the present disclosure generally relates to a seat grommet for forming a connection between two components via a wire member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar structures. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.
[0008] Figure 1a A perspective assembly view of an example fastening system having a grommet assembly for securing a seat in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown.
[0009] Figure 1b A perspective assembly view of a fastening system according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.
[0010] Figure 1c An assembled perspective view of an example fastening system is shown.
[0011] Figure 1d A side elevation assembly view showing an example fastening system.
[0012] Figure 1e An assembled side elevation view of an example fastening system is shown.
[0013] Figure 1f An assembled top plan view of an example fastening system is shown.
[0014] Figure 1g An assembled bottom plan view of an example fastening system is shown.
[0015] Figure 1h Shows the cutting line AA( Figure 1f ) is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fastener system taken in FIG.
[0016] Figure 1i Shows the cutting line BB( Figure 1g ) is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fastener system taken in FIG.
[0017] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A top perspective and a bottom perspective assembly view of an example grommet assembly are shown, respectively.
[0018] Figure 2c and Figure 2d A top plan view and a bottom plan view of an example grommet assembly are shown, respectively.
[0019] Figure 2e and Figure 2f The results are shown along the cutting line CC( Figure 2c ) in a first side elevation view and a cross-sectional view of an example grommet assembly taken from FIG.
[0020] Figure 2g and Figure 2h The results are shown along the cutting line DD( Figure 2d )A second side elevation view and cross-sectional view of the example grommet assembly taken from FIG.
[0021] Figure 2i and Figure 2j A first side elevation assembly view and a second side elevation assembly view, respectively, of an example grommet assembly are shown.
[0022] Figure 2k A side elevation cross-sectional assembly view of an example grommet assembly is shown.
[0023] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Side elevation views of an example grommet assembly are shown in an initial position and a final position, respectively.
[0024] Figure 3c and Figure 3d A side elevation view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an example grommet assembly are shown in an initial position.
[0025] Figure 3e and Figure 3f A side elevation view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an example grommet assembly in a final position are shown.
[0026] Figure 4a to Figure 4h An example assembly process is shown for assembling the fastening system into its final position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Reference to singular items should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise specified or clear from the context. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the description of the range of values herein is not intended to be limited, but refers to any and all values falling within and / or including the range individually, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the specification, just as it is separately narrated herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "back" are words for convenience and should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples, the first side is positioned adjacent to or close to the second side, the terms "first side" and "second side" do not mean any particular order in which these sides are sorted.
[0028] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc. should be understood to indicate deviations, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose. Values and / or ranges of values are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language ("for example", "such as", etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The terms "such as" and "for example" lead to a list with one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.
[0029] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items in the list connected by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z".
[0030] A seat grommet for forming a connection between two components, such as a vehicle seat and a panel, is disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure generally relates to a seat grommet for forming a connection between two components via a wire component.
[0031] The disclosed grommet assembly provides many advantages. For example, the wire retention feature is molded in an open position. There are no grooves inside the grommet, eliminating the need for complex tooling or forced part ejection. The grooves for tightening the wire fasteners are located at the top of the grommet body and can be operated through normal sliding actions in the tool. The grommet body has no openings below the seal, ensuring excellent sealing performance. The open design of the wire retention feature provides a better way to create curve-matching wire contact terminals and simplifies tooling and reduces costs. This design ensures robust and repeatable part production with excellent sealing performance, eliminating the need for additional components or additional processes to plug the holes in the grommet body.
[0032] In one example, a grommet assembly for securing a first component having a wire component to a second component having an opening includes: a wire retainer defining a wire cavity configured to receive the wire component, wherein the wire retainer includes: one or more grommet retaining features and one or more wire prongs, the one or more grommet retaining features extending outward from the wire retainer, the one or more wire prongs extending inward into the wire cavity and configured to engage the wire component and secure the wire component within the wire cavity; and a grommet assembly configured to engage the second component via the opening, wherein the grommet assembly includes: a seal; and a grommet defining a retainer cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the wire retainer.
[0033] In another example, a grommet assembly for securing a first component having a wire member to a second component having an opening includes: a wire retainer defining a wire cavity configured to receive the wire member, wherein the wire retainer includes a frame portion and a head portion; a plurality of grommet retaining features extending outward from the head portion; a plurality of wire prongs extending inward from the head portion into the wire cavity and configured to engage the wire member and secure the wire member within the wire cavity; and a grommet assembly configured to engage the second component via the opening, wherein the grommet assembly includes a seal and a grommet defining a retainer cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the wire retainer.
[0034] In yet another example, a grommet assembly for securing a first component having a wire member to a second component having an opening includes: a wire retainer defining a wire cavity configured to receive the wire member, wherein the wire retainer includes a frame portion and a head portion; a plurality of grommet retaining features extending outward from the head portion; a plurality of wire prongs extending inwardly from the head portion into the wire cavity and configured to engage the wire member and secure the wire member within the wire cavity; and a grommet assembly configured to engage the second component via the opening, wherein the grommet assembly includes a seal and a grommet defining a retainer cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the wire retainer, and wherein the grommet includes a set of inner shoulders configured to guide the wire prongs inwardly.
[0035] In some examples, the wire retainer includes a frame portion and a head portion.
[0036] In some examples, the frame portion defines a wire cavity.
[0037] In some examples, one or more grommet retention features are coupled to the head portion.
[0038] In some examples, one or more wire prongs are resiliently coupled to the head portion.
[0039] In some examples, one or more wire prongs are resiliently coupled to the head portion.
[0040] In some examples, a grommet assembly includes a grommet body portion and a grommet neck portion.
[0041] In some examples, the lip portion is positioned at an interface between the grommet body portion and the grommet neck portion.
[0042] In some examples, a seal is coupled to the lip portion.
[0043] In some examples, the grommet neck portion includes a set of vertically aligned slots on each of a pair of opposing sides of the grommet neck portion.
[0044] In some examples, the set of vertically aligned slots includes a first slot associated with the first position and a second slot associated with the second position.
[0045] In some examples, the grommet body portion includes a set of internal shoulders configured to guide the wire prongs inwardly.
[0046] In some examples, the leading edge of one or more wire prongs is shaped to correspond to an inner curvature of the wire member.
[0047] Figure 1a A perspective assembly diagram of an example fastening system 100 having a grommet assembly 112 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the fastening system 100 is configured to form a connection between a first component 102 (shown as a seat) having a wire member 114 and a second component 104 (shown as a seat frame) having an opening 110. Throughout the disclosure, the wire member 114 is shown as a u-shaped wire, however other shapes are possible.
[0048] The first component 102 includes, defines, or otherwise provides a wire member 114, which is shown as a pair of linear portions 114a arranged in parallel and connected by a U-shaped portion 114b, and the second component 104 includes, defines, or otherwise provides an opening 110, which is shown as a rectangular window sized to receive the ring body portion 106a of the ring 106.
[0049] Depending on the application, the first component 102 and the second component 104 can be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer (e.g., plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. In one example, the first component 102 is an automotive auxiliary panel and the second component 104 is an automotive main panel. In the automotive industry, example first components 102 include, but are not limited to, seats, door trim panels, moldings, trims, and other substrates (whether used on interior or exterior surfaces). The second component 104 can be, for example, a structural component of a vehicle, such as a seat frame, a door, a pillar (e.g., an A-pillar, a B-pillar, a C-pillar, etc.), an instrument panel component (e.g., a crossbeam, a bracket, a frame, etc.), a center console, a fender, a door sill, a sheet metal frame, etc.
[0050] When the second component 104 is mounted to the first component 102, the grommet assembly 112 can be inserted into the opening 110. The opening 110 can be stamped or cut in the first component 102 toward the rear section of the vehicle (e.g., in applications where the second component 104 is a rear seat). In the illustrated example, the opening 110 is a generally rectangular window corresponding to the size and shape of the grommet body portion 106a of the grommet 106.
[0051] The grommet assembly 112 is configured to engage a wire component 114 that functions as a hook member and is disposed at an underside of the second component 104. After assembly, the second component 104 is at least partially covered by the first component 102. The seal 122 is configured to reduce water outflow through the opening 110.
[0052] Figure 1b A perspective assembly diagram of the fastening system 100 is shown, and Figure 1c An assembled perspective view of an example fastening system 100 is shown. Figure 1d and Figure 1e An assembled side elevation view and an assembled side elevation view of an example fastening system 100 are shown, respectively. Figure 1f and Figure 1g A top plan view and a bottom plan view of an example fastening system 100 are shown, respectively. Figure 1h and Figure 1i The results are shown along the cutting line AA( Figure 1f ) and along the cutting line BB( Figure 1g ) is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the fastener system taken in FIG.
[0053] As shown, the grommet assembly 112 generally includes a wire retainer 108 and a grommet 106 having a seal 122. During assembly, the wire retainer 108 is inserted into the grommet cavity 116 defined by the grommet 106 to form the grommet assembly 112, which can then be inserted into the opening 110 of the second component 104. In some examples, the wire retainer 108 is inserted into the grommet cavity 116 defined by the grommet 106 to assume an initial position (e.g., a partially secured position). Once the grommet assembly 112 is disposed in the opening 110, the front end of the wire component 114 is inserted into the wire cavity 130 defined by the wire retainer 108. The wire component 114 is then pushed inward until the wire retainer 108 transitions from the initial position to the final position (e.g., a fully secured position). Although illustrated as a separate component, the seal 122 may be integrated with the grommet 106 , as will be discussed.
[0054] Figure 2a to Figure 2kThe example grommet assembly 112 is shown in more detail and from different angles, wherein the first component 102, the second component 104, and the wire component 114 are omitted to better illustrate the features of the grommet assembly 112. For example, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The top perspective and bottom perspective assembly diagrams of the example grommet assembly 112 are shown respectively, and Figure 2c and Figure 2d A top plan view and a bottom plan view of an example grommet assembly 112 are shown, respectively. Additionally, Figure 2e and Figure 2f The results are shown along the cutting line CC( Figure 2c ) taken from a first side elevation view and a cross-sectional view of the example grommet assembly 112, and Figure 2g and Figure 2h The results are shown along the cutting line DD( Figure 2d ) are a second side elevation view and a cross-sectional view of the example grommet assembly 112 taken in FIG. Figure 2i and Figure 2j A first side elevation assembly view and a second side elevation assembly view of an example grommet assembly 112 are shown, respectively. Figure 2k A side elevation cross-sectional assembly view of an example grommet assembly 112 is shown.
[0055] The wire holder 108 shown includes a frame portion 108a (e.g., a quadrilateral frame as shown) and a head portion 108b (e.g., a cap). The wire holder 108 defines a wire cavity 130 that is configured to receive and hold the wire member 114. In the example shown, the frame portion 108a is shown as a roughly quadrilateral, but other shapes may also be envisioned. The frame portion 108a protrudes or extends vertically from the head portion 108b. In the example shown, the head portion 108b is shown as roughly linear.
[0056] The head portion 108b includes one or more grommet retaining features 132 and one or more wire prongs 126 formed therein or thereon. For example, one or more grommet retaining features 132 may be formed on each side of the head portion 108b and connected to the long side of the head portion 108b. One or more grommet retaining features 132 may extend outwardly from the head portion 108b at an angle (e.g., vertically, but other angles are also contemplated). In the illustrated example, each grommet retaining feature 132 is illustrated as being configured to snap or clip into a clamp or other extension in a slot 128 formed in or thereon the grommet body 106, but other shapes and configurations are also contemplated.
[0057] The frame portion 108a includes or comprises one or more wire prongs 126 that are elastically coupled to the sidewall of the frame portion 108a and oriented downward (e.g., toward the front end of the frame portion 108a). One or more wire prongs 126c are configured to engage the wire member 114 (e.g., via an interference fit). For example, each of the wire prongs 126 can be coupled to the sidewall of the frame portion 108a at or near the grommet retention feature 132.
[0058] The wire retainer 108 can be manufactured in various sizes depending on the application. For example, the size of the wire retainer 108 can be determined by the size of the first component 102 and / or the second component 104, the size of the wire component 114, etc. In the fully assembled position, one or more wire prongs 126 are configured to push and / or hold the wire component 114 within the wire cavity 130. Figure 2i As best shown, leading edge 126a (eg, edge of the free end) of one or more wire prongs 126 is shaped (eg, curved to) correspond to the inner curvature of wire member 114 (ie, the inner curve of U-shaped portion 114b).
[0059] The grommet 106 includes a grommet body portion 106a, a grommet neck portion 106c, and a lip portion 106b positioned at the interface between the grommet body portion 106a and the grommet neck portion 106c. The grommet 106 defines a grommet cavity 116 that is sized and shaped to receive the frame portion 108a of the wire retainer 108 and engage the frame portion 108a via one or more engagement features. In the illustrated example, the grommet body portion 106a includes one or more slots 128 (e.g., rectangular slots or openings), each of the one or more slots 128 being configured to receive and retain a grommet retaining feature 132 associated with the wire retainer 108.
[0060] As described above, during assembly, the grommet assembly 112 is configured to transition from an initial position to a final position. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Side elevation views of an example grommet assembly 112 are shown in an initial position and a final position, respectively.
[0061] Figure 3c and Figure 3d A side elevation view and a cross-sectional view of an example grommet assembly 112 are shown in an initial position, respectively. Figure 3e and Figure 3f 1 and 2 show a side elevation view and a cross-sectional view of an example grommet assembly 112 in a final position. Figure 3a and Figure 3bAs best shown, two opposing sides of the grommet neck ring portion 106c each define a set of vertically aligned slots 128, shown as a first slot 128a (eg, upper slot) and a second slot 128b (eg, lower slot).
[0062] In this example, the first slot 128a is associated with the first position and the second slot 128b is associated with the second position. During assembly, the grommet retaining feature 132 snaps into the first slot 128a to retain the wire retainer 108 in the first position relative to the grommet 106. When sufficient force is applied toward the front end (as indicated by arrow 118), the grommet retaining feature 132 moves from the first slot 128a to the second slot 128b, thereby retaining the wire retainer 108 in the second position relative to the grommet 106.
[0063] When fully assembled in the second position, the wire prongs 126 are urged toward each other (i.e., toward the central axis 120 of the grommet assembly 112) into the loop formed by the wire member 114. The leading edge of the wire prongs 126 urges or biases the wire member 114 into the grommet cavity 116 via the internal curvature of the wire member 114.
[0064] In some examples, the grommet body portion 106a defines one or more features within the cavity 116 that are configured to push and / or guide the wire prongs 126 toward the central axis 120 when in the second position. For example, the illustrated grommet assembly 112 includes a set of internal shoulders 134 that are configured to guide (e.g., push or bias) the wire prongs 126 inwardly (i.e., toward each other as indicated by arrows 134a, 134b), thereby increasing the retention force of the wire member 114. By pushing the wire prongs 126 toward each other, the wire prongs are positioned within the opening defined by the wire member and can therefore apply force directly to the wire member 114.
[0065] Grommet body portion 106a is shown as a generally rectangular (e.g., rectangular prism) with a tapered front end, but other shapes may also be envisioned, including, for example, a cylindrical shape. Grommet 106 may be manufactured in various sizes depending on the application. In some examples, wire member 114 further includes one or more attachment lead portions 114c, which are configured to be coupled to first member 102, inserted into the first member, or otherwise engage the first member. One or more attachment lead portions 114c may be positioned at the end of linear portion 114a opposite to u-shaped portion 114b. As shown, one or more attachment lead portions 114c are transverse relative to linear portion 114a. For example, one or more attachment lead portions 114 may be 60 to 120 degrees relative to the axis of its corresponding linear portion 114a.
[0066] The grommet body portion 106a includes one or more retention tabs 124 resiliently coupled to and extending outwardly from a sidewall of the grommet body portion 106a. The one or more retention tabs 124 are configured to engage the second component 104 via the opening 110 (e.g., via a perimeter). In the illustrated example, the grommet body portion 106a includes four retention tabs 124 arranged such that two retention tabs 124 are positioned on opposite sides of the grommet cavity 116. Although four retention tabs 124 are illustrated, additional or fewer retention tabs 124 may be employed depending on the size of the grommet 106.
[0067] Where desired, a retaining tab 124 may be disposed on each side of the grommet body portion 106a. In the illustrated example, a pair of one or more retaining tabs 124 are configured to retain (e.g., sandwich the second component 104 between one or more retaining tabs 124 and the underside of the lip portion 106b or seal 122). In some examples, the grommet assembly 112 may be inserted into the opening 110 to define a parts assembly (PIA).
[0068] During assembly, it may be useful to assemble the first component 102 and the second component 104 by first inserting the grommet assembly 112 into the opening 110 of the second component 104 to form a parts assembly (PIA) and then inserting the wire component 114 of the first component 102 to form the assembly. Figure 4a to Figure 4h An example assembly process for assembling the fastening system 100 to a final position is described below.
[0069] Grommet 106 and wire retainer 108 can be manufactured using injection molding techniques, additive manufacturing, or otherwise from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. In some examples, grommet 106 and / or wire retainer 108 can be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM)), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process. In other examples, grommet 106 and wire retainer 108 can be made of metal (or metal alloy).
[0070] The seal 122 can be made of a foam material, a thermoplastic, a rubber material, etc. Example thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. In another example, the seal 122 can be formed by a die cutting process and positioned on the lip portion 106b. As an illustration, the seal 122 can be formed separately and cover, adhere or otherwise positioned on the lip portion 106b. For example, the seal 122 can be overmolded with the grommet 106 and / or formed with the grommet by a two-component injection molding (2k) process.
[0071] The wire member 114 may be formed by shaping a metal wire to assume a desired shape. For example, the wire member 114 may be formed by bending a linear segment of a metal wire to form the desired shape for the wire member 114.
[0072] Figure 4a to Figure 4h An example assembly process for assembling the fastening system 100 to present its final position is shown. In step 1, as Figure 4a As shown, a grommet 106 (and, where applicable, a seal 122) is provided. Figure 4b In step 2, the frame portion 108a of the wire retainer 108 is inserted into the grommet cavity 116 formed in the grommet 106 by a linear motion (such as a straight push in the direction indicated by arrow 118). The insertion can be done directly or via the wire member 114. The wire retainer 108 is pushed inward until it reaches a first position relative to the grommet 106. At this point, the frame portion 108a can be inserted directly or via the wire member 114. Once in the first position, the grommet 106 and the wire retainer 108 form a grommet assembly 112, as shown. Figure 4c Then, the grommet assembly 112 is inserted into the opening 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 4d As shown (step 4), until the seal 122 is compressed against the second component 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 4e As depicted (step 5).
[0073] During this process, the tapered surface at the front end of the grommet 106 engages the opening 110, thereby compressing the outer prongs 126 inwardly toward the central axis 120. As the outer prongs 126 pass through the opening 110, they extend outwardly away from the central axis 120 (thereby returning to their default position), thereby securing the grommet assembly 112 to the second component 104.
[0074] Once the grommet assembly 112 is coupled to the second member 104, the leading end of the wire member 114 is inserted into the wire cavity 130, as shown. Figure 4fAs shown (step 6). The wire member 114 is pushed into the wire cavity 130 using the linear motion indicated by arrow 118, as shown in FIG. Figure 4g Finally, the wire member 114 is pushed further into the wire cavity 130 using the same linear motion, as shown in FIG. Figure 4h As shown (step 8), until it reaches the second position.
[0075] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Alternatively, the present method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims
1. A grommet assembly for securing a first component having a wire component to a second component having an opening, the grommet assembly comprising: a wire retainer defining a wire cavity configured to receive the wire member, wherein the wire retainer comprises: one or more grommet retention features extending outwardly from the wire retainer, and one or more wire prongs extending inwardly into the wire cavity and configured to engage the wire member and secure the wire member within the wire cavity; and a grommet assembly configured to engage the second component via the opening, wherein the grommet assembly comprises: Seals, and A grommet defines a retainer cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the wire retainer.
2. The grommet assembly of claim 1, wherein: The wire retainer includes a frame portion and a head portion.
3. The grommet assembly of claim 2, wherein: The frame portion defines the wire cavity.
4. The grommet assembly of claim 2, wherein: The one or more grommet retention features are coupled to the head portion.
5. The grommet assembly of claim 2, wherein: The one or more wire prongs are resiliently coupled to the head portion.
6. The grommet assembly of claim 5, wherein: The one or more wire prongs are resiliently coupled to the head portion.
7. The grommet assembly of claim 1, wherein: The grommet assembly includes a grommet body portion and a grommet neck portion.
8. The grommet assembly of claim 7, wherein: A lip portion is positioned at an interface between the grommet body portion and the grommet neck portion.
9. The grommet assembly of claim 8, wherein: The seal is coupled to the lip portion.
10. The grommet assembly of claim 7, wherein: The grommet neck portion includes a set of vertically aligned slots on each of a pair of opposing sides of the grommet neck portion.
11. The grommet assembly of claim 10, wherein: The set of vertically aligned slots includes a first slot associated with the first position and a second slot associated with the second position.
12. The grommet assembly of claim 7, wherein: The grommet body portion includes a set of internal shoulders configured to guide the wire prongs inwardly.
13. The grommet assembly of claim 1, wherein: The leading edge of the one or more wire prongs is shaped to correspond to an inner curvature of the wire member.
14. A grommet assembly for securing a first component having a wire component to a second component having an opening, the grommet assembly comprising: a wire retainer defining a wire cavity configured to receive the wire member, wherein the wire retainer includes a frame portion and a head portion; a plurality of grommet retention features extending outwardly from the head portion; a plurality of wire prongs extending inwardly from the head portion into the wire cavity and configured to engage the wire member and secure the wire member within the wire cavity; and A grommet assembly is configured to engage the second component via the opening, wherein the grommet assembly includes a seal and a grommet defining a retainer cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the wire retainer.
15. The grommet assembly of claim 14, wherein: The one or more wire prongs are resiliently coupled to the head portion.
16. The grommet assembly of claim 15, wherein: The grommet assembly includes a grommet body portion and a grommet neck portion.
17. The grommet assembly of claim 16, wherein: A lip portion is positioned at an interface between the grommet body portion and the grommet neck portion.
18. The grommet assembly of claim 16, wherein: The grommet body portion includes a set of internal shoulders configured to guide the wire prongs inwardly.
19. A grommet assembly for securing a first component having a wire component to a second component having an opening, the grommet assembly comprising: a wire retainer defining a wire cavity configured to receive the wire member, wherein the wire retainer includes a frame portion and a head portion; a plurality of grommet retention features extending outwardly from the head portion; a plurality of wire prongs extending inwardly from the head portion into the wire cavity and configured to engage the wire member and secure the wire member within the wire cavity; and a grommet assembly configured to engage the second component via the opening, wherein the grommet assembly includes a seal and a grommet defining a retainer cavity, the retainer cavity being configured to receive at least a portion of the wire retainer, and Wherein, the grommet includes a set of internal shoulders configured to guide the wire prongs inwardly.
20. The grommet assembly of claim 19, wherein: The one or more wire prongs are resiliently coupled to the head portion.