Deformable Cable Sleeve for Variable Harness Size and Compact Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable sleeves, such as grommets, face challenges in accommodating varying sizes of cables without material stress, leading to potential breakage and inefficient space usage, especially in the automotive sector where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A cable sleeve with a deformable material that can transition from a first configuration with a smaller cross-sectional area and larger perimeter to a second configuration with a larger cross-sectional area and smaller perimeter, allowing for increased space without substantial material stretching, and optionally a third configuration for further expansion, ensuring central positioning and reduced stress on the material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the grommet's cross-sectional area is increased to accommodate thicker cables or cables with larger connectors, then the space requirement for cables is satisfied, but the material is stretched which results in increased stresses and makes the grommet susceptible to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by introducing a collapsible portion that can change configuration between first and second states. This allows the cross-sectional area to be reduced without stretching the material, as the collapse is achieved through geometric reconfiguration rather than material deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is divided into a fixed portion and a collapsible portion. The collapsible portion can be further segmented into multiple segments that can collapse independently or collectively. This segmentation allows selective reduction of cross-sectional area while maintaining structural integrity of the fixed portion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grommet's cross-sectional area is increased to accommodate larger cables, then cables with larger connectors can be guided through, but the grommet occupies a relatively large space even after assembling
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet employs a dynamic collapsible portion that can transition between expanded and collapsed configurations. When cables are inserted, the grommet maintains a larger cross-sectional area for ease of insertion. After assembly, the collapsible portion can be collapsed to reduce the space occupied by the grommet, thereby satisfying space restrictions in the automotive sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible portion can be collapsed into a compact form that nests within or alongside the fixed portion, significantly reducing the overall space occupied by the grommet after cable assembly while maintaining adaptability for different cable sizes during the assembly process.
3Area of stationary object
If the grommet's cross-sectional area is increased by stretching the material, then larger cables can be accommodated, but the perimeter length increases which further increases space occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet uses a dynamic geometric transformation where the collapsible portion changes its configuration by folding or collapsing segments rather than stretching material. This allows the cross-sectional area to be reduced while the perimeter length is reduced proportionally or even more significantly, avoiding the space occupation issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible portion may employ asymmetric segment designs where segments of different sizes or shapes collapse in a specific sequence or pattern. This asymmetric collapse allows optimization of both cross-sectional area reduction and perimeter length reduction, achieving greater space efficiency than symmetric designs.
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 solution enables the cable sleeve to accommodate cables of all sizes without material stress, improving durability, reducing the likelihood of breakage, and optimizing space usage, while maintaining a compact form once assembled.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve body comprising a portion made of deformable material; wherein the portion is designed to have a first configuration, which is predefined, and to adopt a second configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to cable sleeve (1) for receiving one or more cables, such as a harness for a vehicle, the sleeve (1) comprising: a sleeve body (10) comprising a portion (20) made of deformable material; wherein the portion (20) is designed to have a first configuration, which is predefined, and to adopt a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the cross-sectional area (21) of the portion (20) is smaller than in the second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the perimeter (22) length of the cross-sectional area (21) is larger than or equal to the second configuration.