Wire harness clip for vehicle component

Abstract

A deformable wire harness clip includes a body, a plurality of wedge teeth, a wire hole, a tension release lever, and a pair of hooks. The body includes an inner portion, an outer portion, a first side, and a second side. The plurality of wedge teeth is integral with the interior portion of the body. Each of the plurality of wedge teeth has an angle defined from a first side of the body to a second side of the body. The wire aperture is defined by a plurality of wedge teeth and is operable between a first dimension and a second dimension greater than the first dimension. The tension release lever is integral with the body, protrudes away from the body, and is operable between a first state and a second state. The pair of hooks is integral with the second side of the body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wiring harness clamps and wiring harnesses for components that can be included in a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The information provided in this section is presented to generally emphasize the background of the present disclosure. The work of the presently-named inventors in the field to the extent described herein, and potentially others, is not, therefore, expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0003] Many components included in a vehicle contain wiring harnesses. For example, a passenger airbag assembly can be equipped with a wiring harness. The wiring harness provides an electrical connection between the passenger airbag assembly and other electrical components of the vehicle when the passenger airbag assembly is installed on the vehicle. However, the passenger airbag assembly is typically manufactured at a location that is different from the location of the vehicle components before the passenger airbag assembly is installed on the vehicle. As a result, the passenger airbag assembly must be transported from the separate manufacturing location to the location where the vehicle is assembled. During this transportation process, the wiring harness can be susceptible to damage, quality issues, and other factors that can affect the proper operation of the passenger airbag assembly when installed on the vehicle.

[0004] For example, the transportation process can cause the wiring harness to be kinked, improperly bent, or detached from the passenger airbag assembly. As a result, the passenger airbag assembly can not operate properly if the wiring harness is damaged. To prevent damage to the wiring harness, the wiring harness can be minimally secured to the passenger airbag assembly using tape, rubber bands, or the like. However, wrapping or bundling the wiring harness to the passenger airbag assembly is not a safe or reliable solution to prevent the wiring harness from being damaged during transportation. Furthermore, the wiring harness can have excess wire when the passenger airbag assembly is installed on the vehicle. As a result, the excess wire can remain unsecured when installed on the vehicle, which can interfere or obstruct other components installed on the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a deformable wiring harness clamp. The deformable wiring harness clamp includes a body, a plurality of wedge teeth, a wire aperture, a tension release lever, and a pair of hooks. The body includes an inner portion, an outer portion opposite the inner portion, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The plurality of wedge teeth is integral with the inner portion of the body. Each of the plurality of wedge teeth has an angle defined from the first side of the body to the second side of the body. The wire aperture is defined by the plurality of wedge teeth and is operable between a first size and a second size that is greater than the first size. The tension release lever is integral with the body, projects away from the body, and is operable between a first state and a second state. The pair of hooks is integral with the second side of the body.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the first state of the tension release lever is a resting state and corresponds to the first size of the wire hole.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second state of the tension release lever is a deformed state and corresponds to the second size of the wire hole.

[0008] In some aspects, the pair of hooks includes rounded tips.

[0009] In some configurations, the plurality of wedge teeth are configured to engage with the wire of the wiring harness assembly. In some further configurations, when the tension release lever is in the second state, the wire has a bi-directional linear path relative to the wire hole. In some other further configurations, when the tension release lever is in the first state, the wire has a unidirectional linear path relative to the wire hole. The unidirectional linear path is defined by movement of the wire from the first side of the body toward the second side of the body. In some other further configurations, the deformable wiring harness clip further includes a wire insertion slot defined by the tension release lever and extending from the exterior portion of the body to the wire hole. In some other even further configurations, the wire insertion slot is operable between the first size and a second size that is larger than the first size. The second size of the wire insertion slot is sized to accommodate the wire.

[0010] In some examples, the deformable wiring harness clip further includes a mounting point that is integral with the body and fixedly attached to a vehicle component.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle component. The vehicle component includes a wiring harness assembly and a deformable wiring harness clip. The wiring harness assembly is operable between a first position and a second position. The wiring harness assembly includes a wire including a connector end, a connector coupled to the connector end of the wire, the connector including a pair of hook seats, and a stopper fixedly attached to the wire. The deformable wiring harness clip includes a body, a plurality of wedge teeth, a wire hole, a tension release lever, and a pair of hooks. The body includes an interior portion, an exterior portion opposite the interior portion, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The plurality of wedge teeth is integral with the interior portion of the body. Each of the plurality of wedge teeth has an angle defined from the first side of the body to the second side of the body. The wire hole is defined by the plurality of wedge teeth and is operable between a first size and a second size that is larger than the first size. The tension release lever is integral with the body, protrudes away from the body, and is operable between a first state and a second state. The pair of hooks is integral with the second side of the body.

[0012] Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure can include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, when the wire hole is the first size and the tension release lever is in the first state, the first state of the tension release lever is a resting state and the wire has a unidirectional linear path relative to the wire hole. The unidirectional linear path is defined from the first side of the body toward the second side of the body.

[0013] In some implementations, when the wire hole is of the second size and the tension release lever is in the second state, the second state of the tension release lever is a deformed state, and the wire has a bidirectional linear path relative to the wire hole.

[0014] In some respects, when the harness assembly is in the first position, the pair of hooks of the deformable harness clip are disposed in the pair of hook seats of the connector.

[0015] In some configurations, when the deformable harness clip is in the second position, the pair of hooks of the deformable harness clip are removed from the pair of hook seats of the connector, and a stop approaches the deformable harness clip. The size of the stop is larger than the first size of the wire hole.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes vehicle components. The vehicle components include a wiring harness assembly and a deformable wiring harness clamp. The wiring harness assembly is operable between a first position and a second position. The wiring harness assembly includes a wire having a connector end, a connector connected to the connector end of the wire, the connector including a pair of hook seats, and a stop fixedly attached to the wire. The deformable wiring harness clamp includes a body, a plurality of wedge teeth, a wire hole, a tension release lever, and a pair of hooks. The body includes an inner portion, an outer portion opposite the inner portion, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The plurality of wedge teeth are integral with the inner portion of the body and have angles defined from the first side of the body to the second side of the body. The wire hole is defined by the plurality of wedge teeth and is operable between a first size and a second size larger than the first size. The tension release lever is integral with the body, protrudes away from the body, and is operable between the first state and the second state. The pair of hooks are integral with the second side of the body.

[0017] Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, when the wire hole is of a first size and the tension release lever is in a first state, the first state of the tension release lever is a stationary state, and the wire has a unidirectional linear path relative to the wire hole. The unidirectional linear path is defined as moving from a first side of the body toward a second side of the body.

[0018] In some implementations, when the wire hole is of the second size and the tension release lever is in the second state, the second state of the tension release lever is a deformed state, and the wire has a bidirectional linear path relative to the wire hole.

[0019] In some respects, when the harness assembly is in the first position, the pair of hooks of the deformable harness clip are disposed in the pair of hook seats of the connector.

[0020] In some configurations, when the deformable harness clip is in the second position, the pair of hooks of the deformable harness clip are removed from the pair of hook seats of the connector, and a stop approaches the deformable harness clip. The size of the stop is larger than the first size of the wire hole. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle including vehicle components according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a vehicle component including a harness clip and a harness assembly according to the present invention, with the harness assembly in a first position;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged partial perspective view of the wire harness clip and wire harness assembly;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged partial perspective view of the wire harness clip and wire harness assembly;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the wire harness clip and wire harness assembly;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle component, including a wiring harness clip and a wiring harness assembly, the wiring harness assembly being in a second position;

[0028] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a wire harness clip according to the present invention, including a tension release lever in a stationary state; and

[0029] Figure 7B This includes tension release levers in a deformed state. Figure 7A A perspective view of the wire harness clip.

[0030] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that the example configuration may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0033] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0034] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish individual elements, components, regions, layers, or parts. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0035] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to or be a part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include ASICs; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that execute code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functions described; or some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0036] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor, in conjunction with an additional processor, that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory, in conjunction with additional memory, that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium and can therefore be considered tangible, non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0037] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in whole or in part, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0038] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0039] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used for temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0040] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0041] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These different implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, the programmable system including at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the programmable processor being dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0042] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. These processes and logic flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operatively coupled to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented or incorporated therein by dedicated logic circuitry.

[0043] To provide interaction with the user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen, and optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a webpage to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and 2Vehicle 10 includes vehicle component 12, such as an airbag assembly. However, it should be noted that vehicle component 12 can be any vehicle component compatible with the context of this disclosure. Vehicle component 12 includes a wiring harness assembly 14. Wiring harness assembly 14 provides electrical connections between vehicle component 12 and other electrical components included in vehicle 10. Wiring harness assembly 14 includes wires 16 that are typically tubular.

[0045] Now for reference Figures 2-5 Depending on the needs of vehicle component 12, wire 16 may comprise a single wire or a combination of wires. In some cases, depending on the needs of vehicle component 12, wire 16 may be concealed with a cover, sheath, or wire insulation. In some examples, wire 16 may be corrugated, which can advantageously aid in securing wire 16. In other examples, wire 16 may not be corrugated and can still be secured and operate with wire harness assembly 14, as described herein. If wire 16 is corrugated, the corrugation may consist of a plurality of corrugated teeth 18 included on wire 16. Figure 5 (Limited). Multiple corrugated teeth 18 with corrugation angle A 18 Positioning. Corrugation angle A 18 It is defined as the angle of each corrugated tooth 18 relative to the extension of line 16. For example, if each corrugated tooth 18 is perfectly perpendicular to line 16, the corrugation angle A is... 18 It is ninety (90) degrees.

[0046] The wire 16 also includes a connector end 20 that connects to the connector 22. The connector 22 can be any feasible connector configured to electrically connect to electrical components when mounted on the vehicle 10. Regardless of the type of connector 22, it includes a pair of hooks 24a, 24b. These hooks 24a, 24b are configured to receive components included at the vehicle component 12, as described below. The wiring harness assembly 14 also includes a stop 26. The stop 26 is securely attached to the wire 16 and can be positioned at any location along the wire 16 as needed by the vehicle component 12. The thickness of the stop 26 is greater than the thickness of the wire 16.

[0047] refer to Figures 3-5 The vehicle component 12 also includes a wiring harness clip 100. The wiring harness clip 100 has a body 102, which is a malleable material configured to adapt to plastic deformation. For example, when a force is applied to the wiring harness clip 100, the body 102 can selectively deform. In some cases, the body 102 of the wiring harness clip 100 may be acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene plastic, or a similar material. The wiring harness clip 100 is located on or near the location of the wiring harness assembly 14 on the vehicle component 12. In other words, the wiring harness clip 100 and the wiring harness assembly 14 are positioned close enough to each other that they can interact during operation.

[0048] The body 102 may have a generally circular shape and includes an inner portion 104 and an outer portion 106 opposite to the inner portion 104. The body 102 also includes a first side 108 and a second side 110 opposite to the first side 108. A plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 are integrally formed with the inner portion 104 of the body 102. Depending on the specific configuration of the wire harness clamp 100, the plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 may include any feasible number. Similar to the body 102, the plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 are configured to facilitate plastic deformation. As a result, during operation of the wire harness clamp 100 and the wire harness assembly 14, the plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 may be slightly bent, the details of which will be described in more detail below. The plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 are positioned relative to the wire 16 and relative to the inner portion 104 of the body 102 at a tooth angle A. 112 Positioning. When wire 16 engages with wire harness clamp 100, wire 16 and inner portion 104 are parallel to each other. Tooth angle A 112 The multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112 are tilted from the first side 108 toward the second side 110.

[0049] Multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112 define wire holes 114, which are configured to receive wire 16. Wire holes 114 are generally circular and extend between a first side 108 and a second side 110 of the body 102 of the harness clip 100. The body 102 also includes a tension release lever 116 integral with the body 102. The tension release lever 116 projects away from the body 102 and provides an interface for the user's fingers or hand to interact with the harness clip 100 during operation. The tension release lever 116 may be configured such that a tab, ridge, or any feasible protrusion allows the user to apply force to the tension release lever 116. The tension release lever 116 defines a wire insertion slot 118 extending from an outer portion 106 of the body 102 to the wire hole 114. For example, the wire insertion slot 118 separates the body 102 and accommodates entry into the wire hole 114 from the outer portion 106.

[0050] A pair of hooks 120a and 120b are integral with the second side 110 of the body 102 and protrude away from the body 102. The hooks 120a and 120b can be of any feasible style or type, corresponding to and positioned within the hook seats 24a and 24b of the harness assembly 14 during operation. Furthermore, the hooks 120a and 120b can be located at any position on the second side 110 of the body 102 corresponding to the positioning of the hook seats 24a and 24b. The hooks 120a and 120b include a pair of rounded tips 122a and 122b. The rounded tips 122a and 122b are capable of smoothly entering and exiting the hook seats 24a and 24b during operation, details of which will be described in more detail below.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting point 124 is integrated with the body 102 of the wire harness clip 100. The mounting point 124 can be of any style or type that facilitates the fixed mounting of the wire harness clip 100 to the vehicle component 12. In this way, the wire harness clip 100 is fixed relative to the vehicle component 12.

[0052] Now for reference Figures 2-7B During operation, the wire harness assembly 14 can engage with the wire harness clip 100 in various ways. The wire hole 114 is sized and configured to receive a wire 16. The wire 16 is configured to pass linearly through the wire hole 114. The position of the wire 16 at the wire hole 114 partially defines the position of the wire harness assembly 14. For example, when the wire harness assembly 14 is in a first position 200 ( Figure 2 When the connector end 20 of wire 16 is located at the wire harness clamp 100, the pair of hooks 120a and 120b of the wire harness clamp 100 are disposed in the pair of hook seats 24a and 24b of the connector 22, securing the connector 22 to the wire harness clamp 100. The first position 200 can be beneficial to the wire harness assembly 14 during the transport of vehicle component 12 or when vehicle component 12 is removed from vehicle 10. Because the pair of hooks 120a and 120b are disposed in the pair of hook seats 24a and 24b in the first position 200, the wire harness assembly 14 is secured to the wire harness clamp 100, thereby securing it to the vehicle component 12. Securing the wire harness assembly 14 to the wire harness clamp 100 advantageously reduces the potential damage to the wire harness assembly 14 that may occur during the transport or assembly of vehicle component 12.

[0053] When the wire harness assembly 14 is in the second position 202 ( Figure 6When the wire 16 connector end 20 is positioned away from the wire harness clamp 100, the second position 202 of the wire harness assembly 14 is achieved. Furthermore, in the second position 202 of the wire harness assembly 14, the hooks 120a and 120b of the wire harness clamp 100 are removed from the hook seats 24a and 24b of the connector 22. When the hooks 120a and 120b are removed from the hook seats 24a and 24b, the connector 22 disengages from the wire harness clamp 100. When the wire harness assembly 14 is in the second position 202, the stop 26 is close to the wire harness clamp 100. Because the stop 26 is larger than the wire hole 114, it prevents the stop 26 from passing through the wire hole 114. Therefore, the second position 202 of the wire harness assembly 14 can be in any position when the hooks 120a and 120b are removed from the hook seats 24a and 24b, and the stop 26 remains close to the first side 108 of the body 102 of the wire harness clamp 100. When vehicle component 12 is mounted on the vehicle, the second position 202 can facilitate the wiring harness assembly 14. In other words, a user can pull connector 22 out of the wiring harness clamp 100 to connect connector 22 to another electrical component included in the vehicle 10. In the second position 202, depending on the configuration and / or placement of vehicle component 12 and / or other electrical components included in the vehicle 10, connector 22 can operatively extend from a second side 110 of the body 102 of wiring harness clamp 100. Regardless of whether wiring harness assembly 14 is in the first position 200 or the second position 202, wire 16 remains secured at wiring harness clamp 100.

[0054] The rounded tips 122a and 122b of the hooks 120a and 120b facilitate the attachment or detachment of the connector 22 from the wire harness clamp 100 without significant resistance from the hooks 120a and 120b. The hooks 120a and 120b can be selectively positioned in and removed from the hook seats 24a and 24b due to user pulling motion. For example, a user can pull the connector 22 out of the wire harness clamp 100 to connect the connector 22 to an electrical component. In some cases, a user can secure the connector 22 to the wire harness clamp 100 by pushing the connector 22 toward the wire harness clamp 100 until the hooks 120a and 120b engage with the hook seats 24a and 24b. The linear travel direction of the wire 16 through the wire hole 114 can vary depending on the state of the tension release lever 116, as will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Further reference Figures 2-7BThe tension release lever 116 of the wire harness clip 100 is operable between a first static state 300 and a second deformed state 302. For example, the static state 300 may be defined by the body 102 of the wire harness clip 100 without plastic deformation. The static state 300 of the tension release lever 116 corresponds to a first dimension 400 of the wire hole 114 and a first dimension 404 of the wire insertion slot 118. The first dimension 400 of the wire hole 114 is designed in size to tightly and securely receive the wire 16. For example, when the wire hole 114 is in the first dimension 400, a plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 firmly press against the wire 16. The first dimension 400 of the wire hole 114 enables a unidirectional linear path for the wire 16. For example, when the wire hole 114 is in the first dimension 400, the wire 16 can move linearly in one direction from a first side 108 of the body 102 toward a second side 110 of the body 102. The first dimension 404 of the wire insertion slot 118 is designed to prevent the wire 16 from passing through it. In other words, when the wire insertion slot 118 is at the first dimension 404, the wire 16 is too large to be installed in the wire insertion slot 118. As a result, if the wire 16 is installed in the wire hole 114, it is prevented from exiting the wire hole 114 through the wire insertion slot 118.

[0056] The unidirectional linear motion of line 16 is due to the tooth angle A of multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112. 112 Due to tooth angle A 112 Defined from a first side 108 to a second side 110 of the body 102, a plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112 allow the wire 16 to move from the first side 108 toward the second side 110. When the user pulls the connector 22 out of the cable clamp 100, the wire 16 may travel linearly in one direction. Tooth angle A 112 To prevent the line 16 from moving backward (i.e., from the second side 110 of the body 102 toward the first side 108 of the body 102). For example, the first dimension 400 of the line hole 114 prevents the re-engagement of the hooks 120a, 120b with the hook seats 24a, 24b due to the engagement of the plurality of wedge teeth 112 with the line 16. The restricted movement of the line 16 is due to the tooth angle A of the plurality of wedge teeth 112 extending from the first side 108 toward the second side 110. 112 As line 16 travels from the first side 108 toward the second side 110, the plurality of wedge teeth 112 can undergo a certain degree of plastic deformation toward the second side 110 of the body 102 (i.e., away from line 16). The plastic deformation of the plurality of wedge teeth 112 reduces the clamping amount applied to line 16 by the plurality of wedge teeth 112 and allows for unidirectional travel toward the second side 110 of the body 102. If an attempt is made to pull line 16 toward the first side 108 of the body 102, the plurality of wedge teeth 112 can undergo plastic deformation toward the first side 108 of the body 102 (i.e., toward line 16). If the plurality of wedge teeth 112 undergo plastic deformation toward line 16, due to the tooth angle A... 112Multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112 will clamp the wire 16 to a greater extent. Therefore, when the wire hole 114 is at the first dimension 400, the tooth angle A 112 The engagement of multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112 with the line 16 prevents the line 16 from traveling from the second side 110 of the body 102 toward the first side 108.

[0057] Further reference Figures 2-7B If line 16 is corrugated, the corrugation angle A of multiple corrugated teeth 18 18 The tooth angle A can be equal to or nearly equal to the tooth angle A of multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112. 112 When line 16 translates from the first side 108 toward the second side 110, due to the similar angle A 18 A 112 Multiple corrugated teeth 18 can slide over multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112. When the wire hole 114 is at the first dimension 400, the corrugated teeth 18 of the wire 16 are prevented from passing through the multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112 from the second side 110 toward the first side 108. For example, when the wire 16 is translated toward the first side 108, in addition to the multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112 engaging the wire 16, the corrugated teeth 18 can also engage the multiple wedge-shaped teeth 112.

[0058] Tension release lever 116 responds to the applied lever force F 116 The wire harness clamp 100 transitions from a first static state 300 to a second deformed state 302. For example, the main body 102 of the wire harness clamp 100 responds to a lever force F applied to the tension release lever 116. 116 Plastic deformation occurs. The deformation state 302 of the tension release lever 116 directly corresponds to the wire hole 114 with a second size 402. Similarly, the deformation state 302 of the tension release lever 116 directly corresponds to the wire insertion slot 118 with a second size 406. The second size 402 of the wire hole 114 is larger than the first size 400 of the wire hole 114. Likewise, the second size 406 of the wire insertion slot 118 is larger than the first size 404 of the wire insertion slot 118. The varying dimensions of the wire hole 114 and the wire insertion slot 118 are adapted by the plastic deformation of the body 102 of the wire harness clamp 100.

[0059] Compared to the first dimension 400 of the wire hole 114, when the wire 16 is positioned within the wire hole 114 having a second dimension 402, the plurality of wedge teeth 112 do not directly engage with the wire 16. In some cases, when the wire hole 114 is at the second dimension 402, the plurality of wedge teeth 112 can be completely disengaged from the wire 16. As a result, a bidirectional linear path is accommodated for the wire 16 as it passes through the wire hole 114. In other words, when the tension release lever 116 is in the deformed state 302, the connector 22 can move toward or away from the wire harness clamp 100.

[0060] For example, when connector 22 moves toward wire harness clamp 100, wire 16 freely passes through wire hole 114 from the second side 110 of body 102 toward the first side 108 of body 102. When connector 22 is removed from wire harness clamp 100, wire 16 passes through wire hole 114 from the first side 108 of body 102 toward the second side 110 of body 102. When tension release lever 116 is in deformed state 302 and wire hole 114 is in second size 402, wire harness assembly 14 can change between first position 200 and second position 202 due to the bidirectional linear travel of wire 16. Therefore, depending on the states 300, 302 of tension release lever 116, wire harness assembly 14 can be selectively operated to change from first position 200 to second position 202, or from second position 202 to first position 200.

[0061] Still refer to Figures 2-7B As described above, the second dimension 406 of the wire insertion slot 118 is larger than the first dimension 404 of the wire insertion slot 118. The second dimension 406 of the wire insertion slot 118 is larger than the wire 16, which allows the wire 16 to pass through the wire insertion slot 118. As an example, during the assembly of vehicle component 12, a lever force F is applied to the tension release lever 116. 116 Wire 16 can be installed into wire hole 114. Rod force F 116 The tension release lever 116 is changed from a first stationary state 300 to a second deformed state 302, and thus the wire insertion slot 118 is changed from a first size 404 to a second size 406. At this time, the wire 16 can be inserted into the wire hole 114 through the wire insertion slot 118. Similarly, but in reverse, the wire 16 can be removed from the wire hole 114 to serve, for example, vehicle component 12. Thus, when the wire insertion slot 118 is in the second size 406, the wire 16 can be removed through the wire insertion slot 118.

[0062] When the lever force F applied to the tension release lever 116 116 Upon removal, due to the plastic deformation characteristics of the main body 102 of the wire harness clip 100, the tension release lever 116 changes from the second deformed state 302 to the first stationary state 300. Thus, the tension release lever 116 returns to the stationary state 300, the wire hole 114 returns to the first dimension 400, and the wire insertion slot 118 returns to the first dimension 404.

[0063] Refer again Figures 1-7BWhen the wiring harness assembly 14 is in the first position 200, the connector 22 is secured to the wiring harness clamp 100. As a result, the vehicle component 12 can be transported from its manufacturing location to the vehicle assembly location with minimal risk of damage to the wiring harness assembly 14. When the vehicle component 12 is installed on the vehicle 10, the user can pull the connector 22 out of the wiring harness clamp 100. This allows the wire 16 to pass through the wire hole 114 from the first side 108 of the body 102 toward the second side 110. This changes the wiring harness assembly 14 from the first position 200 to the second position 202. Due to the tooth angle A of the plurality of wedge-shaped teeth 112... 112 The cable is angled from the first side 108 toward the second side 110, thus accommodating the unidirectional linear travel of the cable 16 through the cable hole 114. When the tension release lever 116 is in a stationary state 300, the cable 16 is prevented from traveling from the second side 110 to the first side 108. At this point, when the tension release lever 116 is in a stationary state 300, the connector 22 does not need to re-engage with the cable harness clip 100.

[0064] When the rod force F 116 When tension release lever 116 is applied, the body 102 of the wire harness clamp 100 undergoes plastic deformation, and tension release lever 116 changes from a rest state 300 to a deformed state 302. Furthermore, the wire hole 114 changes from a first size 400 to a second size 402, and the wire insertion slot 118 changes from a first size 404 to a second size 406. Since the second size 402 of the wire hole 114 is larger than the first size 400, the second size 402 of the wire hole 114 accommodates the bidirectional linear travel of the wire 16 through the wire hole 114. This allows connector 22 to re-engage with wire harness clamp 100 because the wire 16 can travel linearly from the second side 110 towards the first side 108 of the body 102. Furthermore, the second size 406 of the wire insertion slot 118 is larger than the wire 16. This allows the wire 16 to be removed from or inserted into the wire hole 114 through the wire insertion slot 118. When lever force F... 116 When removed from the tension release lever 116, the tension release lever 116 returns to the stationary state 300, the wire hole 114 returns to the first dimension 400, and the wire insertion slot 118 returns to the first dimension 404.

[0065] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0066] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A deformable wire harness clip, comprising: a body including an inner portion, an outer portion opposite the inner portion, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; a plurality of wedge teeth integral with the inner portion of the body, each of the plurality of wedge teeth having an angle defined from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a wire aperture defined by the plurality of wedge teeth, the wire aperture operable between a first size and a second size greater than the first size; a tension release lever integral with the body and projecting away from the body, the tension release lever operable between a first state and a second state; and a pair of hooks integral with the second side of the body.

2. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 1, wherein, The first state of the tension release lever is a rest state, the first state corresponding to the first size of the wire aperture.

3. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 1, wherein, The second state of the tension release lever is a deformed state, the second state corresponding to the second size of the wire aperture.

4. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 1, wherein, The pair of hooks includes rounded tips.

5. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of wedge teeth are configured to engage with a wire of a wire harness assembly.

6. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 5, wherein, The wire has a bi-directional linear path relative to the wire aperture when the tension release lever is in the second state.

7. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 5, wherein, The wire has a unidirectional linear path relative to the wire aperture when the tension release lever is in the first state, the unidirectional linear path defined by movement of the wire from the first side of the body toward the second side of the body.

8. The deformable wire harness clip of claim 5, further comprising a wire insertion slot defined by the tension release lever and extending from the outer portion of the body to the wire aperture.

9. The deformable wire bundle clamp of claim 8, wherein, The wire insertion slot is operable between a first size and a second size greater than the first size, the second size of the wire insertion slot dimensioned to accommodate the wire.

10. The deformable wire harness clip of claim 1, further comprising a mounting point integral with the body and fixedly attached to a vehicle component.

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