Modular Cable Bulkhead Sealing with Separable Half-Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulkhead crossing devices for electrical harnesses are difficult to modulate, have limited sealing and insulation due to material deformation, and are challenging to install, requiring large holes for bundles of cables, which is not satisfactory for noise and thermal insulation in the automotive field.

Innovation Solution

A modular device comprising separable assemblies with an external sealing lip and sound insulation components, allowing adaptation to various harness sizes and numbers, with a clipping system for easy installation and improved airtightness and soundproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bulkhead crossing devices are used, then the electrical harness can pass through the partition, but the sealing and insulation are relatively low due to material deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidmaterial deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple separable half-plates (first and second sets) that can be assembled around the electrical harness. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different harness sizes without significant deformation, maintaining sealing quality while avoiding the material deformation issues of conventional single-piece designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses adjustable parameters including the number and arrangement of half-plates, the size of the opening, and the inclusion of optional sound insulation assemblies. These parameter changes enable the device to maintain optimal sealing and insulation performance across various harness configurations without suffering from material deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional bulkhead crossing devices are used, then the electrical harness can pass through, but the installation is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device consists of separable half-plates that can be easily assembled around the electrical harness during installation. This segmentation enables quick assembly without requiring complex tools or procedures, significantly improving installation speed and ease of operation compared to conventional single-piece devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates flexible and adaptable components including optional sound insulation assemblies that can be added or removed based on specific installation requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the device to be quickly adapted to different situations without increasing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bulkhead crossing devices are used, then a hole must be large enough to pass cable boxes, but this reduces sealing and insulation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to harness sizeVSAvoidsealing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses multiple separable half-plates that can be configured in different arrangements to accommodate various harness sizes and cable box configurations. This segmentation allows the opening to be precisely fitted to the harness without requiring excessive clearance, thereby maintaining sealing and insulation performance while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate different electrical harness configurations through its adjustable half-plate arrangement and optional sound insulation assemblies. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to adapt to various harness sizes without compromising sealing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Weight of stationary object

If conventional bulkhead crossing devices are used, then the device can be made of limited materials, but the mass is relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice massVSAvoidmaterial flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separable half-plates and optional sound insulation assemblies, allowing selective use of materials with different properties. This segmentation enables the use of lighter materials while maintaining the required adaptability and sealing performance, reducing the overall device mass compared to conventional single-piece designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device can incorporate composite constructions combining different materials including the half-plates and optional sound insulation assemblies. This use of composite materials allows optimization of the weight-to-performance ratio, achieving high adaptability and sealing quality with reduced mass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3123579B1Device for sealed passage of a cable bundle
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 RENAULT SA
  • EP3123579B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3123579B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3123579B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bushing device (1) for a wiring harness (8) passing through an opening (9) of a partition (7), comprising at least one first assembly (2) having: a hollow inner portion (10) with a tubular profile; a outer portion, coaxial with the inner portion, comprising an outer sealing lip (12) intended for resting peripherally around and against an insulator (6) placed in the periphery of the opening (9), said first assembly being made up of two first half-plates (2A, 2B). According to the invention, the device comprises a second assembly (4), made up of two second separable half-plates (4A, 4B), which are capable of closing around the wiring harness.