Dashboard Wire Bundle Channel With Coplanar Anti-trickle Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dashboard water runoff protection systems are bulky and inefficient in cramped spaces, failing to allow rapid evacuation of condensation water amidst electrical components.

Innovation Solution

A compact beam chute with coplanar conductor element paths and an anti-runoff cap, made of flexible plastic material, designed to fit through narrow slots and securely guide cables while protecting electrical components from water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional duct systems with gutters are used for water runoff protection, then water evacuation function is provided, but the system becomes bulky and cannot pass through cramped spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrunking sizeVSAvoidwater protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor elements are divided into multiple coplanar paths within the trunking, allowing the bundle to be arranged in a flattened configuration. This segmentation of the conductor bundle into parallel paths reduces the overall thickness of the trunking while maintaining electrical functionality, enabling it to fit through cramped dashboard spaces without compromising water protection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a traditional three-dimensional duct structure to a flattened, two-dimensional coplanar arrangement of conductor paths. By organizing conductors in parallel planes rather than volumetric stacking, the trunking achieves reduced thickness while maintaining its water evacuation function through the integrated gutter system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If traditional duct systems are used, then water runoff protection is provided, but rapid evacuation of condensation water is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater evacuation speedVSAvoidtrunking structure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the water evacuation function directly into the trunking structure by integrating a gutter system within the same component that houses the conductor elements. This combination eliminates the need for separate water management components, enabling rapid condensation water evacuation while maintaining a simple and compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trunking is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical protection for conductor elements, structural support, and rapid water evacuation through its integrated gutter system. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems, achieving fast water removal without increasing structural complexity

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

3Length of stationary object

If conductor elements are arranged in coplanar paths, then trunking thickness is reduced for passing through narrow slots, but support and guidance of strands becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrunking thicknessVSAvoidstrand support and guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by providing specific support and guidance features at critical locations within the coplanar paths. Attachment portions and retaining structures are strategically positioned at points where conductor elements require stabilization, ensuring proper strand support and guidance only where needed rather than throughout the entire trunking structure, thus maintaining thin profile while achieving effective conductor management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3661810B1Dashboard wire bundle channel with Anti-trickle cap
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3661810B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3661810B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Wire bundle channel (1) for a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least one wire bundle comprising a plurality of wires made of a conductive element (10), the channel (1) comprising a first portion comprising a first passage for wires made of a conductive element arranged so as to receive the plurality of wires (10), characterized in that the channel (1) further comprises a second portion comprising a plurality of coplanar passages for wires made of a conductive element, each passage being arranged to receive a wire from the plurality of wires (21, 22, 23, 24, 25).