angled grommet

Abstract

An adaptive grommet is configured to be received within an opening of a component and to accommodate non-planar geometries. The adaptive grommet includes a grommet body and a skirt extending from the grommet body, the skirt including retention features configured to engage a perimeter of the opening. The adaptive grommet defines a bend axis that separates a first grommet region and a second grommet region, allowing for relative movement between the regions to accommodate angled or curved surfaces. In certain embodiments, the skirt includes an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall forming, for example, a V-shaped cross-section to provide an outward biasing force, and a plurality of clips to retain the grommet within the opening. The adaptive grommet can include one or more notches to facilitate bending, and can be formed as a unitary polymeric structure.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 790,238, filed April 17, 2025, entitled “Angled Grommet,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Automotive components require fastening solutions that offer high reliability and operational efficiency while being easy to manufacture and assemble. A grommets are mechanical components used to reinforce holes (e.g., as part of a fastening assembly), protect cables or materials from abrasion, and provide a secure interface between different parts of a system. Grommets can be used in applications ranging from electrical wiring and piping systems to automotive components and consumer electronics. One function is to prevent damage from sharp edges, vibration, or friction, while also helping to organize and stabilize components passing through openings.

[0004] Traditional grommets are typically optimized for flat, uniform surfaces and standardized hole geometries; however, many modern applications involve irregular, curved, or uneven surfaces where traditional grommets may not perform effectively. In these cases, poor fit can lead to inadequate sealing, reduced durability, or increased wear, including abrasion of cables and surrounding materials.

[0005] Therefore, an improved grommet design is needed that can adapt to non-flat surfaces and provide reliable performance under various conditions. Such an improved grommet design will enhance protection, extend component life, and enable more flexible integration in a wider range of applications. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to a grommets, which are substantially illustrated and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, and are set forth more fully in the claims. More specifically, it relates to an angled or adaptive grommets for use in forming a connection between two components, such as vehicle components, through cables, blocked holes, or other applications where reinforcement and / or protection of openings in the components is desired (e.g., to avoid sharp edges). Attached Figure Description

[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein.

[0008] Figure 1a A side assembly view of a fastening system having a fastener assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated, the fastener assembly having an adaptive cable loop configured in a first orientation.

[0009] Figure 1b Examples Figure 1a Side assembly view of the fastening system.

[0010] Figure 1c A side assembly view of a fastening system having a fastener assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated, the fastener assembly having an adaptive cable loop configured in a second orientation.

[0011] Figure 1d Examples Figure 1c Side assembly view of the fastening system.

[0012] Figure 2a Examples Figures 1a to 1d Top-side isometric view of the adaptive cable loop.

[0013] Figure 2b An example of a bottom isometric view of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0014] Figure 2c A top-view plan view of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0015] Figure 2d An example of a bottom-view plan view of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0016] Figure 2e An example of a front view of the first side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0017] Figure 2f An example of a front view of the second side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0018] Figure 2g An example of a front view of the third side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0019] Figure 2h An example of a front view of the fourth side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0020] Figure 2i An example is shown along the cutting line AA ( Figure 2c (Isometric view of the cross-section of the adaptive cable loop.)

[0021] Figure 2j An example is shown along the cutting line AA ( Figure 2c (A side view of the cross-section of the adaptive cable loop.)

[0022] Figure 3a Examples Figures 1a to 1dTop-side isometric view of the adaptive cable loop.

[0023] Figure 3b An example of a bottom isometric view of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0024] Figure 3c A top-view plan view of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0025] Figure 3d An example of a bottom-view plan view of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0026] Figure 3e An example of a front view of the first side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0027] Figure 3f An example of a front view of the second side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0028] Figure 3g An example of a front view of the third side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0029] Figure 3h An example of a front view of the fourth side of an adaptive cable loop is shown.

[0030] Figure 3i An example is shown along the cutting line BB ( Figure 3c (Isometric view of the cross-section of the adaptive cable loop.)

[0031] Figure 3j An example is shown along the cutting line BB ( Figure 3c (A side view of the cross-section of the adaptive cable loop.) Detailed Implementation

[0032] Unless otherwise expressly stated or indicated in the text, items mentioned in the singular should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa. Unless otherwise stated or indicated by the context, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of parallel clauses, sentences, words, etc. Unless otherwise stated herein, descriptions of ranges of values ​​herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to refer individually to any and all values ​​falling within and / or encompassing that range, and each individual value within that range is incorporated into the specification as if it were described separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “rear” are words used for convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms. For example, although in some examples the first side is positioned adjacent to or near the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order of side arrangement. It should be understood that directional references (e.g., up, down, upward, downward) are used for convenience with respect to orientations shown in figures and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0033] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be interpreted as indicating deviations that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to work satisfactorily for the intended purpose. Ranges and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The terms “e.g.” and “for example” introduce one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Terms such as “may,” “possibly,” and “in some examples” are used to reflect contemplated variations. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for implementing the disclosed examples.

[0034] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more items in a 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".

[0035] This document discloses an adaptive grommet (e.g., an angled grommet) configured to adapt to non-planar surfaces (e.g., bent, curved, and / or other non-planar surfaces). The adaptive grommet offers several advantages over alternative configurations. For example, if the adaptive grommet is molded in an angled position with angled retaining features (e.g., clips), this configuration increases design and manufacturing complexity and requires more expensive tooling. Alternatively, if the adaptive grommet is molded in an angled position with retaining features aligned with the demolding direction, the resulting structure exhibits reduced and uneven retaining strength. Furthermore, if the adaptive grommet is molded in a flat configuration without notches or other compliant features, subsequent bending during assembly may lead to part deformation and poor retaining performance.

[0036] In one example, an adaptive loop is configured to be received within an opening of a component. The adaptive loop includes a loop body and a skirt extending from the loop body. The skirt includes a plurality of retaining features configured to engage the periphery of the opening. The adaptive loop defines a bending axis such that a first loop region and a second loop region can move relative to each other to accommodate a non-planar surface. In some examples, the adaptive loop includes at least one notch associated with the bending axis and configured to facilitate bending of the adaptive loop along the bending axis.

[0037] In another example, the adaptive cable loop of the previous example includes a skirt with an inner wall and an outer wall that form a generally V-shaped cross-section.

[0038] In some examples, the outer wall includes a free end that defines a lip that is configured to abut the surface of the member.

[0039] In one example, the inner and outer walls cooperate to generate a spring force that biases the skirt panel outward against the opening.

[0040] In another example, multiple retaining features include clips configured to deflect elastically during insertion into the opening.

[0041] In some examples, the clips are distributed around the perimeter of the skirt panel.

[0042] In one example, the skirt panel includes twelve clips, with three clips arranged on each of the four sides.

[0043] In another example, the skirt panel defines a gap between the underside of the lip and the upper surface of the retaining feature, which is configured to be part of the receiving component.

[0044] In some examples, at least one notch includes a pair of aligned notches that define a bending axis.

[0045] In one example, the notch reduces the material thickness at the bending axis to facilitate bending.

[0046] In another example, the additional notch is positioned to allow bending around an axis transverse to the bending axis.

[0047] In some examples, the grommets are defined by the grommets themselves.

[0048] In one example, the opening of the grommets is roughly circular.

[0049] In another example, the opening of the loop is offset relative to the geometric center of the loop body.

[0050] In some examples, the grommet body is generally planar and defines a generally rectangular perimeter.

[0051] In one example, the grommet body is solid and has no opening.

[0052] In another example, the grommet body and skirt are formed as a single structure.

[0053] In some examples, the grommet body and the skirt are formed separately and then connected together.

[0054] In one example, the adaptive cable loop is formed from a polymer material.

[0055] In another example, the adaptive grommets are configured to flex in opposite directions along the bending axis to accommodate different angular orientations of the components.

[0056] Figures 1a to 1d An assembled view and a post-assembled view of a fastening system 100 are shown, which includes a fastener assembly 112 with an adaptive grommets 102. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The fastening system 100 is shown in the assembly view and the post-assembly view, respectively, in the first orientation (upward as indicated by arrow 130a). Figure 1c and Figure 1d The fastening system 100 is shown in the assembled view and the post-assembled view in a second orientation (downward as indicated by arrow 130b). These figures together demonstrate that the adaptive grommets 102 can adapt to different angular configurations while maintaining proper engagement within the fastening system 100.

[0057] Fastening system 100 may include fastener assembly 112 configured to engage first component 104 to second component 106. The illustrated fastener assembly 112 includes a first fastener 108 (e.g., a male fastener, such as a bolt or screw), a second fastener 132 (e.g., a female fastener, such as a nut), and an adaptive grommets 102. The second fastener 132 is configured to threadedly receive the first fastener 108 along axis 122. In some embodiments, the second fastener 132 may be rotatably secured relative to the second component 106, such as by riveting, welding, press-fitting, or other attachment methods, such that rotation of the first fastener 108 results in axial advance along axis 122 while the second fastener 132 remains substantially stationary.

[0058] To facilitate the installation of the fastener assembly 112, the first component 104 may include a first opening 114, and the second component 106 may include a second opening 120. The first opening 114 may be generally circular and sized to receive at least a portion (e.g., axially) of the first fastener 108, such as a shank 108b. The second opening 120 may typically be sized to receive at least a portion of the adaptive grommets 102, and is generally rectangular in the illustrated example, but other shapes are contemplated.

[0059] The adaptive loop 102 typically defines an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 126. When installed, the upper portion 110 is typically positioned on top of and abuts against the second member 106, while the lower portion 126 is positioned within and / or extends through a second opening 120. The lower portion 126 includes or defines retaining features configured to secure the adaptive loop 102 relative to the second member 106.

[0060] During installation, the adaptive grommets 102 can be attached to the second component 106 by inserting the lower portion 126 into the second opening 120 in the direction indicated by arrow 118. The lower portion 126 includes a skirt 124 having a plurality of clips 116 configured to resiliently deflect as needed to pass through the second opening 120 and subsequently engage the periphery of the second opening 120 to hold the adaptive grommets 102 in proper positioning. The interaction between the clips 116 and the periphery of the second opening 120 provides sufficient holding force to maintain the placement of the adaptive grommets 102 before and during the assembly of the fastener assembly 112.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the second component 106 is non-planar at the mounting position of the adaptive grommet 102. That is, the first portion 106a and the second portion 106b of the second component 106 are positioned at an angle relative to each other. Each of the first portion 106a and the second portion 106b is illustrated as generally planar, but other shapes, including curved portions or other irregular portions, are conceivable. As illustrated, a second opening 120 extends from the first portion 106a to the second portion 106b, thereby bridging or spanning the curved portion therebetween. Thus, the adaptive grommet 102 is configured to flex, bend, and otherwise adapt to the non-planar shape of the second component 106.

[0062] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b In the example, the second portion 106b bends upward relative to the first portion 106a; therefore, the adaptive loop 102 is configured to flex upward accordingly. Thus, as illustrated, the second loop region 110b bends upward relative to the first loop region 110a. Conversely, in Figure 1c and Figure 1d In the example, the second portion 106b bends downward relative to the first portion 106a; therefore, the adaptive loop 102 is configured such that the second loop region 110b bends downward relative to the first loop region 110a.

[0063] Each of the first opening 114 and the second opening 120 may be formed during the manufacture of the respective component (e.g., stamping, punching, molding, or casting) or may be formed in a secondary operation (e.g., drilling, laser cutting, or machining). Optional chamfers, rounded edges, or introduced features may be included to facilitate the insertion, centering, and alignment of the adaptive grommets 102 and / or the first fastener 108.

[0064] The first fastener 108 may include a head 108a, a shank 108b, and in some cases, a flange. The head 108a may be hexagonal or otherwise configured to facilitate tool engagement. The shank 108b may include external threads configured to mate with a corresponding internal threaded bore. The flange (when present) may increase the contact surface area between the head 108a and the first component 104, thereby distributing clamping force and reducing localized stress. Although exemplified as a bolt, other fasteners such as pins, studs, rivets, or other mechanical fasteners are contemplated.

[0065] The second fastener 132 may include an internally threaded bore or other attachment features configured to engage the first fastener 108. The bore may be configured to thread into the externally threaded shank 108b of the first fastener 108. The second fastener 132 may be rotatably secured relative to the second component 106 such that rotation of the first fastener 108 about axis 122 causes the fastener to advance axially without causing significant rotation of the second fastener 132 or the adaptive loop 102. Although nut is exemplified, other configurations are contemplated. In some examples, the second fastener 132 may be integrally formed with or attached to the adaptive loop 102. For example, the adaptive loop 102 may include internal threads, pawls, or other engagement features configured to receive and retain the first fastener 108.

[0066] In some examples, the first component 104 and the second component 106 may be made of different materials, and the adaptive grommets 102 may be used to provide isolation between adjacent components (as well as the first fastener 108 and the second fastener 132) to mitigate galvanic corrosion.

[0067] In some examples, the first component 104 and the second component 106 may be formed of different materials, and the adaptive grommets 102 may be used for electrical and mechanical isolation of adjacent components 104, 106 and associated fasteners 108, 132. Therefore, the adaptive grommets 102 can also reduce or mitigate the possibility of galvanic corrosion between different materials, while also accommodating relative movement or vibration between components.

[0068] Sealing elements can be provided to mitigate the ingress of dust, dirt, water, or other environmental contaminants. For example, a compressible seal can be positioned around the periphery of the adaptive grommets 102 to abut against the second component 106 during installation. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible seal can be positioned radially around the shank 108b and axially between the underside of the first component 104 and the head 108a to provide a partial seal at the fastener interface.

[0069] The first component 104 and the second component 106 may include automotive panels, trim components, structural members, pillars, dashboard components, seat frames, center consoles, protective panels, sheet metal frames, or other substrates. These components may be made of metals or metal alloys, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (including glass fiber), or combinations thereof.

[0070] The adaptive cable ring 102 can be made from polymeric materials using injection molding or additive manufacturing processes, including but not limited to fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directional energy deposition, photopolymerization, or similar processes. Material selection can be based on desired properties such as flexibility, elasticity, environmental resistance, and durability.

[0071] While particularly suited for automotive applications, the fastening system 100 and the adaptive grommets 102 are not limited thereto and can be used in a variety of industries and environments, including but not limited to structural components, appliances, housings, equipment enclosures, and other mechanical or electromechanical systems. Although the adaptive grommets 102 are shown in conjunction with fastener assembly 112, they can also be used independently of such assemblies. For example, the adaptive grommets 102 can be used for cable routing, wire management, fluid line access, panel interfaces, or other applications requiring edge protection, sealing, vibration isolation, or reinforcement. Therefore, while the adaptive grommets 102 are illustrated and described herein in conjunction with the first fastener 108 and the second fastener 132 for connecting the two components 104, 106, it should be understood that the adaptive grommets 102 are not limited to such constructions or uses and can be adapted for use in any suitable application requiring compliant or protective interfaces.

[0072] Figures 2a to 2j Various views of the adaptive cable loop 102 in transport or uninstalled positioning are illustrated, while Figures 3a to 3j Corresponding views of the adaptive cable loop 102 in its mounted or bent position are illustrated. In these figures, for clarity, the first component 104 and the second component 106 are omitted to better illustrate the structure and deformation characteristics of the adaptive cable loop 102. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The top side isometric view and the bottom side isometric view are shown respectively. Figure 2c and Figure 2d The top view and the bottom view are shown respectively. Figures 2e to 2h The front views of the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the adaptive cable loop 102 are shown. Figure 2i and Figure 2j Examples are given along... Figure 2c The isometric view and side view of the cross-section are taken by the cutting line AA. Similarly, Figure 3a and Figure 3b The top side isometric view and the bottom side isometric view are shown respectively. Figure 3c and Figure 3d The top view and the bottom view are shown respectively. Figures 3e to 3h The front views of the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the adaptive cable loop 102 are shown. Figure 3i and Figure 3j Examples are given along... Figure 3c The isometric view and side view of the cross section cut by the cutting line BB.

[0073] As illustrated, the adaptive grommet 102 typically includes a grommet body 138 and a skirt 124. The grommet body 138 and the skirt 124 are illustrated as an integral structure; however, it is conceivable that these components may be manufactured separately and subsequently joined by adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical interlocking, overmolding or other suitable attachment techniques.

[0074] The grommet body 138 defines a grommet opening 134. In the illustrated example, the grommet body 138 is generally planar and has a generally rectangular perimeter, but other shapes are contemplated, including circular, square, or irregular geometries. The grommet opening 134 is illustrated as being generally located at the center of the grommet body 138, but in some embodiments, it may be offset to accommodate, for example, the location of the bent axis 128 or other geometric constraints. As shown, the grommet opening 134 may be circular, but other shapes are contemplated, including elliptical, slotted, and polygonal openings. In other examples, the grommet body 138 may be solid (i.e., without the grommet opening 134) to serve as a plug. The skirt 124 is positioned around the grommet body 138 and defines or otherwise provides a retaining feature configured to engage the second component 106.

[0075] like Figure 2i , Figure 2j , Figure 3i and Figure 3j As best illustrated, the skirt 124 may consist of multiple sidewalls, including an inner sidewall 124a and an outer sidewall 124b. In the illustrated example, the inner sidewall 124a and the outer sidewall 124b are joined to form a generally V-shaped cross-section. The skirt 124 extends generally downward from the loop body 138 at a lateral angle relative to the loop body 138. The inner sidewall 124a is connected to the loop body 138 at one end and to the outer sidewall 124b at the apex of the V-shape at the other end. The outer sidewall 124b is connected to the inner sidewall 124a at the apex at one end and extends to a free end that flares outward from the loop body 138 and the skirt 124. The free end of the outer sidewall 124b may define a lip 124c, which is configured to abut against the top surface of the second component 106 when installed. When installed, the skirt 124 exerts an outward force on the periphery of the second opening 120, partly due to the spring force generated by the V-shaped cross section (although other shapes are also possible), to help hold the adaptive grommets 102 in place.

[0076] In the illustrated example, the outer surface of the outer sidewall 124b defines a plurality of clips 116 distributed around its periphery. These clips 116 are configured to deflect along with the outer sidewall 124b as needed during installation to pass through the second opening 120. In the illustrated configuration, the skirt 124 defines twelve clips 116, with three clips positioned on each of the four sides. During installation, the second component 106 is received within a gap 140 formed on the underside of the lip 124c and the upper surface of the clips 116, thereby effectively clamping the second component 106 and enhancing the holding force. Depending on the size and / or shape of the adaptive grommets 102, more or fewer clips may be considered.

[0077] The skirt panel 124 also defines a pair of aligned notches 136, which together define a bending axis 128 that serves as a hinge between the first loop region 110a and the second loop region 110b. As illustrated, the notches 136 are generally triangular and designed with a pair of angled walls 136a, 136b. In the unmounted position, the angled walls 136a, 136b define a first angle (α°), such as... Figure 2g and Figure 2h As illustrated, this first angle can be increased or decreased depending on the shape of the second component 106 on which an angled wall is mounted. For example, refer to Figure 3g and Figure 3hWhen the second loop region 110b bends upward relative to the first loop region 110a, the first angle (α°) can be increased to a second angle (β°). The first angle (α°) can be, for example, 45 to 75 degrees, or about 60 degrees. The second angle (β°) is a function of the first angle (α°) plus or minus (depending on the orientation) the angle of the second portion 106b of the second component 106.

[0078] The notch 136 reduces the amount of material at the bending axis 128, thereby facilitating bending at the bending axis 128 with reduced force and minimizing stress concentration. In some examples, the loop body 138 can be modified to facilitate controlled bending at the desired location. For example, the loop body 138 can be notched or thinner along the bending axis 128. In some examples, the first loop region 110a and the second loop region 110b can be manufactured with a movable hinge between them (coinciding with the bending axis 128).

[0079] Although two opposing notches 136 are illustrated (e.g., one notch on each of the longer sides of the skirt 124), additional notches 136 may be provided to facilitate additional or multi-directional bending. For example, a third notch 136 may be positioned on the shorter side of the second grommet region 110b, as... Figure 2a and Figure 2b As indicated. Positioning this additional notch 136 in this location allows the second loop region 110b to bend relative to the first loop region 110a along the bending axis 128, and around an axis transverse to the bending axis 128, thereby providing increased adaptability to complex or multi-axial non-planar geometries.

[0080] Although specific embodiments have been described, it should be understood that variations in geometry, materials, orientation, and construction can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The adaptive cable loop 102 can be adapted to different component geometries, fastening arrangements, and environmental conditions, and can include additional or alternative features required for specific applications.

[0081] Therefore, although this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, this method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, this method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims both literally and under the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. An adaptive grommet, the adaptive grommet being configured to be received within an opening of a component, the adaptive grommet comprising: The main body of the cable ring; and Skirt, the skirt extending from the main body of the grommet, The skirt panel includes a plurality of retaining features configured to engage the periphery of the opening, and The adaptive loop defines a bending axis such that the first loop region and the second loop region can move relative to each other to accommodate the non-planar surface of the component.

2. The adaptive cable loop of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and the outer wall forming a generally V-shaped cross-section.

3. The adaptive grommet of claim 2, wherein the outer wall includes a free end that defines a lip that is configured to abut against the surface of the component.

4. The adaptive grommet of claim 2, wherein the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall cooperate to generate a spring force that biases the skirt outward against the opening.

5. The adaptive grommet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retaining features include clips configured to resiliently deflect during insertion into the opening.

6. The adaptive cable loop of claim 5, wherein the clips are distributed around the periphery of the skirt.

7. The adaptive cable loop of claim 6, wherein the skirt panel includes a plurality of clips arranged on each of the four sides.

8. The adaptive grommet of claim 1, wherein the skirt defines a gap between the underside of the lip and the upper surface of the retaining feature, the gap being configured to receive a portion of the component.

9. The adaptive loop of claim 1, wherein the adaptive loop includes at least one notch associated with the bending axis and configured to facilitate bending of the adaptive loop along the bending axis.

10. The adaptive cable loop of claim 9, wherein the at least one notch comprises a pair of aligned notches that define the bending axis.

11. The adaptive cable loop of claim 10, wherein the notch reduces the thickness of the material of the skirt at the bending axis to facilitate bending.

12. The adaptive cable loop of claim 10, wherein the additional notch is positioned to allow bending around an axis transverse to the bending axis.

13. The adaptive loop of claim 1, wherein the loop body defines a loop opening.

14. The adaptive cable loop of claim 13, wherein the opening of the cable loop is generally circular.

15. The adaptive cable loop of claim 13, wherein the opening of the cable loop is offset relative to the geometric center of the cable loop body.

16. The adaptive cable loop of claim 1, wherein the cable loop body is generally planar and defines a generally rectangular perimeter.

17. The adaptive grommets of claim 1, wherein the grommets are solid and have no openings.

18. The adaptive cable loop of claim 1, wherein the cable loop body and the skirt are formed as an integral structure.

19. The adaptive grommet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grommet body and the skirt are separately formed and connected together.

20. The adaptive cable loop of claim 1, wherein the adaptive cable loop is formed of a polymer material.

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