Carrier Mesh Cable Set Assembly for Stable Harness Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The production and handling of prefabricated cable sets in the automotive industry are complex and time-consuming due to their flexible and dimensionally unstable nature, requiring significant manual effort and complex bundling methods, which complicates assembly and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a carrier network with a flat, flexible structure where cables are laid directly on the network without a cover layer, simplifying attachment and handling by eliminating the need for additional fastening layers and allowing for automated or manual laying, with the network serving as a support and separating element during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cables are individually attached to a foil-like carrier with mesh structure and adhesive layers, then attachment to support components is simplified, but the structure becomes more complex and requires additional materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment to support componentVSAvoidcarrier structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the adhesive layer and one insulation layer from the carrier structure, allowing cables to be held in position by the mesh structure alone. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the attachment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh structure of the carrier automatically holds and positions the cables through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for external adhesive layers. The structure serves its own function of securing cables without requiring additional fastening materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If cables are laid manually or semi-automatically with complex bundling methods, then precise laying geometry is achieved, but production time and labor increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaying geometryVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier mesh is pre-configured with the final laying geometry of the cables before production begins. Cables are laid directly onto this pre-formed mesh structure, which automatically maintains the correct geometric arrangement, eliminating the need for complex bundling operations during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the carrier function and the geometric positioning function into a single mesh structure. The carrier mesh simultaneously provides support, maintains laying geometry, and enables automated cable placement, merging multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components and operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If prefabricated cable harnesses are made flexible for adaptability, then installation flexibility is improved, but dimensional stability deteriorates making handling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible mesh structure as the carrier that can be easily handled and adapted to different installation geometries. The mesh's inherent flexibility allows it to conform to various shapes while maintaining its structural integrity and the positioned cables during transport and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4459642A1Method for producing a pre-fabricated cable set and pre-fabricated cable set
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 LEONI BORDNETZ-SYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4459642A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4459642A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4459642A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

To produce a pre-assembled cable set (2) with multiple conductors (12), a carrier mesh (4) is placed on a laying board (6). The carrier mesh has a plurality of openings (16) separated from each other by dividers (14). The conductors (12) are laid on one side of the carrier mesh (4) and attached to it without a cover layer. The conductors (12) are positively secured to the carrier mesh (4) using fastening elements (26), such as cable ties.