Conductive Elastic Grommet for Shielded Wire Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grommets for shield electric wires with braided coverage have complex assembly processes, reducing assemblability due to the need for water cut-off valves and adhesive members, which complicates the insertion and sealing of the wire and braid.
Innovation Solution
A grommet with an elastically deformable electrically conductive main body and shield terminals made of conductive materials, where the electric wire is inserted through a continuous insertion portion, and the braid is connected to shield terminals that are assembled with the main body, eliminating the need for water cut-off valves and adhesive members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water cut-off valves and adhesive members are used to ensure water-tight sealing, then water cut-off performance is improved, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water cut-off function and electrical connectivity function into a single integrated grommet structure. The elastic close contact portion made of electrically conductive material simultaneously provides water-tight sealing and electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate water cut-off valves and adhesive members, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: mechanical support, water-tight sealing, and electrical connectivity. The elastic close contact portion with electrically conductive material serves both sealing and electrical conduction purposes, allowing a single component to replace multiple separate components in the assembly process
2Reliability
If multiple operation processes are used including inserting electric wire through water cut-off valve, arranging braid, and applying adhesive member, then water-tight sealing is ensured, but assemblability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire insertion, sealing, and electrical connection operations into a single simplified process. The electric wire is inserted directly through the grommet body and the elastic close contact portion automatically provides both water-tight sealing and electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate operations of arranging braid, applying adhesive members, and assembling water cut-off valves
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic close contact portion with electrically conductive material provides self-sealing and self-connecting functionality. When the electric wire is inserted, the elastic material automatically deforms to create a water-tight seal around the wire while maintaining electrical conductivity, without requiring external adhesive members or complex assembly operations
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
This design simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of parts and operations, while maintaining water-tight sealing and electrical connectivity, thus enhancing assemblability and reducing the risk of gaps that could compromise water cut-off performance.
Implementation Method 1
a main body, which is arranged in close contact with an opening of an attachment member, through which a shield electric wire having an electric wire covered with a braid is inserted, and which includes an elastically deformable electrically conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a grommet having: a main body, which is arranged in close contact with an opening of an attachment member, through which a shield electric wire having an electric wire covered with a braid is inserted, and which includes an elastically deformable electrically conductive material; a pair of shield terminals that are arranged respectively on one side and the other side of the attachment member, are connected with end portions of the braid, are assembled with the main body, and include an electrically conductive material; and an insertion portion, which is formed of a member continuous with the main body, through which the electric wire exposed from the braid is inserted, and which comes into close contact with the outer circumference of the electric wire.