Elastic Bellows Wire Harness Boot for Multi-Directional Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior members, such as rubber boots for electric wires in vehicles, have limited expandability, which restricts the size of the interior space and the connectors that can be used.
Innovation Solution
An exterior member comprising a tube with a first bellows portion for axial bending and a second bellows portion for peripheral expansion, made of an elastic material, to enhance expandability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rubber boot is expanded to increase the interior space, then the expandability is improved, but the structural integrity and shape stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into multiple bellows portions (first bellows portion with axial ridges and valleys, second bellows portion with peripheral ridges and valleys) that can independently deform. This segmentation allows the tube to expand in a controlled manner while maintaining structural integrity, as each segment handles specific deformation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows portions are designed to be dynamically deformable, allowing the tube to transition between expanded and contracted states. The elastic material enables the structure to adapt its shape during expansion while returning to its original form, maintaining stability through reversible deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single bellows structure is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the expandability in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bellows portions are merged into a single integrated tube structure made of elastic material. This combination allows the tube to achieve expandability in both axial and peripheral directions simultaneously, providing multi-directional adaptability while maintaining a unified structural form.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a second bellows portion that operates in the peripheral direction, complementing the first bellows portion that operates in the axial direction. This dimensional addition transforms the structure from single-directional to multi-directional expandability without creating separate independent components.
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 improved expandability of the exterior member allows for larger connectors and increased circuit capacity within the same physical dimensions, enhancing versatility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the tube is made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior member that includes: a tube that is configured for passing a wire therethrough, wherein the tube includes: a first bellows portion in which first ridge portions and first valley portions are alternately arranged in an axial direction of the tube; and a second bellows portion in which second ridge portions and second valley portions are alternately arranged in a peripheral direction of the tube, and the tube is made of an elastic material.