Two-Piece Grommet With Angled Ribs For Panel Thickness Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommets, both one-piece and two-piece, face challenges such as requiring matching height with panel openings, lack of robust retention, and inadequate protection for objects passing through, especially on the opposite side of the grommet insertion, and necessitate object disconnection or cutting during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece grommet assembly with an elastomeric region and grommet frame, featuring angled ribs for insertion and removal forces, and cable ties for secure retention, allowing objects to be removed and reinstalled without disconnection or cutting, and accommodating varying panel thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece grommet is used, then the grommet structure is simple, but the grommet cannot accommodate varying panel thicknesses and provides inadequate protection on the opposite side
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into two separate pieces: a first grommet piece that contacts the first surface of the panel and a second grommet piece that contacts the second surface. This segmentation allows each piece to be independently sized and configured to accommodate varying panel thicknesses while maintaining protection on both sides of the panel opening.
2Ease of manufacture
If clips are used to attach grommet pieces, then the grommet can be assembled, but the clips easily break and the grommet halves can separate
Solution Approach 1:
A cable tie is introduced as an intermediary fastening element that wraps around both grommet pieces and the panel opening. This cable tie provides a robust retention mechanism that distributes stress evenly, preventing the grommet pieces from separating while avoiding the brittleness issues associated with rigid clips.
3Ease of operation
If a single-piece grommet is inserted, then installation is simple, but the grommet height must match the panel opening depth exactly
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the grommet into two separate pieces that can be independently sized, the system allows the first grommet piece to contact the first surface and the second grommet piece to contact the second surface. This enables accommodation of various panel thicknesses without requiring exact height matching, as each piece can be selected or adjusted to fit its respective surface.
4Reliability
If the grommet is replaced, then protection can be renewed, but the object must be disconnected or cut from the old grommet
Solution Approach 1:
The two-piece grommet structure allows the first and second grommet pieces to be independently removed and replaced. Since the pieces are separate and held by a cable tie rather than being permanently fixed, they can be detached without requiring disconnection or cutting of the passing object, enabling easy maintenance and replacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides robust retention and protection for objects, enabling easy replacement without object disconnection or cutting, and compatibility with a range of panel thicknesses, enhancing durability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric region extending from the grommet frame and configured to be inserted within the aperture. The elastomeric region defines a plurality of ribs angled such that the ribs are configured to provide an insertion force when the elastomeric region is inserted within the aperture and provide a removal force greater than the insertion force
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet assembly configured to be disposed within an aperture in a panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface is presented herein. The grommet assembly includes a grommet frame configured to contact the first surface of the panel and an elastomeric region extending from the grommet frame and configured to be inserted within the aperture. The elastomeric region defines a plurality of ribs angled such that the ribs are configured to provide an insertion force when the elastomeric region is inserted within the aperture and provide a removal force greater than the insertion force when the elastomeric region is withdrawn from the aperture. A method of manufacturing the grommet assembly is also presented.