Conduit With Movable Locking Member For Engine Block Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit systems for mounting electrical wiring harnesses on motor vehicle engine blocks are inadequate, as they fail to provide a reliable and lasting connection, especially in environments subject to vibration, and are difficult to install in tight spaces due to reliance on plastic catches and lack of positive locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A conduit with a fixed immobilizing member and a movable immobilizing member that can assume an intermediate position for preliminary retention, featuring externally threaded locking means and transverse positioning capabilities, allowing for easy installation and secure mounting on various-sized mountings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If plastic catches are used to immobilize elongate objects, then the device can be simple in structure, but the objects can detach over time due to vibration and high stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic movable support part that can be positioned in different locations along the mounting to accommodate various mounting widths. This movable part, when pressed against the mounting, creates a clamping force that positively retains the elongate object, preventing detachment under vibration and stress while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is divided into fixed support parts and a movable support part that can be independently positioned. The movable part acts as a separate retention mechanism that can be activated independently, providing reliable retention through positive mechanical engagement rather than relying solely on plastic catches
2Ease of operation
If enough room is provided on each side of the mounting for manipulating support parts, then the support parts can be correctly manipulated, but the device cannot be installed in small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support part can be dynamically positioned at different locations along the mounting, allowing the device to adapt to various mounting widths and space constraints. The operator can manipulate the movable part sequentially, first positioning it to establish preliminary retention, then adjusting it to the final position for secure retention, making installation feasible in tight spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support part is first positioned to create preliminary retention of the elongate object before final positioning. This preliminary action secures the object in place, allowing subsequent manipulation of the movable part to its final position without risk of the object detaching, facilitating installation in confined spaces
3Device complexity
If a movable immobilizing element is used without locking means, then the device structure is simple, but the element is not locked when not being guided and retention is not positive
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support part is designed to be manually positioned by the operator without requiring additional locking mechanisms. The part serves itself by being directly manipulable and retainable, creating a positive mechanical retention through the operator's own action of pressing it against the mounting, eliminating the need for separate locking means while maintaining reliability
4Ease of manufacture
If catches are used to lock the body and insert together, then the conduit can be assembled, but the connection is not under tension and cannot provide a positive lock
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support part creates a dynamic connection that can be actively engaged by the operator. When pressed against the mounting, it generates a clamping force that places the connection under tension, creating a positive mechanical lock that prevents separation under vibration and stress, unlike static catch-based systems
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 conduit ensures a reliable and lasting connection even under high stress conditions, such as vibrations, by providing a positive lock through threaded locking means and facilitating easy installation with minimal manual effort, ensuring the conduit remains securely attached to the mounting.
Implementation Method 1
The locking means comprise externally threaded means
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit is mountable to a mounting, such as the engine block of an automobile, and includes a body defining an area for receiving elongate elements, such as cables. A first locking member is stationary relative to the body, and a second locking member is mobile relative to the body. The movable locking member is capable of assuming an intermediate position, in which it defines, together with the body, a preliminary support space for the mounting. The conduit includes a locking feature capable of moving the movable locking member from the intermediate position to a locking position.