Adaptive Manifold With Interchangeable Sizing Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire harness manifold systems require a large inventory of differently sized connectors and reducers to accommodate various conduit segments, which are cumbersome and prone to assembly issues due to their limited directional flexibility and tendency to become loose during service.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive manifold with uniformly sized connection openings that utilize interchangeable sizing adapters with arcuate retention and securing ribs to securely fit conduits of different sizes, allowing a standard manifold to accommodate a range of conduit sizes by using the correct adapter, and featuring a hinge for closure and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple differently sized connectors and reducers are used to accommodate various conduit segments, then the ability to connect different conduit sizes is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to connect different conduit sizesVSAvoidinventory of differently sized connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold is designed with a universal body that can accommodate multiple conduit sizes through interchangeable adapters rather than requiring multiple specialized connectors. The standardized opening size combined with various adapters allows a single manifold design to serve multiple functions across different conduit dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Adapters are nested within the manifold openings, with each adapter containing securing ribs that interface with the conduit. The adapter structure allows the conduit to be received within the adapter, which in turn is received within the manifold opening, creating a nested arrangement that simplifies the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If reducers are clipped onto conduit segments to increase outer diameter, then the flexibility to fit larger manifold openings is improved, but the reliability and assembly ease deteriorate due to loose fitting and assembly difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to fit manifold openingsVSAvoidsecure connection during service

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of modifying the conduit segment with external reducers, the invention inverts the approach by providing adapters within the manifold that modify the opening size. This eliminates the need for external attachments on the conduit and provides a more reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary element between the manifold opening and the conduit segment. It mediates the connection by providing a standardized interface on one side (securing ribs that fit the conduit corrugation) and an standardized opening interface on the other side, ensuring reliable and secure connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If externally clipped reducers are used on conduit segments, then some size flexibility is achieved, but the ease of operation and assembly worsen due to being loose pieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize flexibilityVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter and manifold are designed to work together as an integrated system. The adapter is received within the manifold opening and retained by retention ribs, merging the adapter function with the manifold structure rather than being a separate loose piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapters are pre-configured with specific securing rib patterns that correspond to different conduit sizes. This preliminary configuration allows for quick selection and installation of the appropriate adapter without requiring complex assembly procedures or adjustments during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11180095B1Adaptive manifold system

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 NEXANS SA

AI summary

An adaptive manifold includes first and second halves of a manifold body, connected via a hinge, with at last two openings, where the haves are closeable to receive and retain at least two different conduits into the at least two openings. Each of the openings in the manifold are uniformly sized and has a plurality of arcuate retention ribs. Each of the openings are configured to receive a sizing adapter, each sizing adapter having a plurality of securing ribs having an inside and outside surface, such that the outside surface of the securing ribs of the sizing adapters are uniformly sized, arcuate, and adapted to be interfit between the retention ribs of the opening. The inside surfaces of the securing ribs are arcuate and dimensioned to fit into a corrugation of a conduit, so that when the manifold is closed, the conduits are engaged with the inside surfaces of the sizing adapters retaining the conduits within the openings of the manifold.