Electric Wire Holding Structure With Low Edge Portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electric wire holding structures in bus bar modules hinder smooth routing of electric wires due to interference with side wall portions when pushing the wire through the gap between locking pieces, resulting in poor workability.

Innovation Solution

The electric wire holding structure features a design with low edge portions on the side wall portions closer to the bottom than the locking pieces, recesses on the side wall portions, a guide portion that inclines towards the bottom, and slits forming a flexible arm, allowing for easier and interference-free routing of the electric wire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If locking pieces are provided on upper edge parts of side wall portions to prevent electric wire from slipping out, then the electric wire is securely housed, but the side wall portions interfere with fingers pushing the electric wire, reducing routing workability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric wire retentionVSAvoidrouting workability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall portion is segmented into two distinct functional zones: an upper locking piece region that retains the electric wire, and a lower guide region with reduced height that facilitates finger insertion and wire pushing. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side wall portion transitions from a uniform vertical structure to a stepped structure with varying heights in the vertical dimension. The lower edge portion has reduced height compared to the upper edge, creating a dimensional variation that allows fingers to access the gap between locking pieces without being blocked by the full height of the side wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the electric wire is pushed into the housing groove portion through the gap between locking pieces, then the electric wire is prevented from being caught by the lid portion, but the side wall portions still interfere with the pushing action

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting workabilityVSAvoidside wall structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The side wall portion has non-uniform local quality with different heights at different locations. The lower edge portion has reduced height specifically at the regions where finger access is needed, while the upper edge maintains full height for locking function. This local variation in geometry optimizes the structure for its dual purposes without requiring complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11532856B2Electric wire holding structure and bus bar module

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

An electric wire routing groove portion in which an electric wire is hosed includes a bottom portion; a pair of side wall portions that are erected from the bottom portion and are provided facing each other; and locking pieces that protrude from the side wall portions in directions in which the locking pieces approach each other and are formed with a gap through which the electric wire is passed between distal ends of the locking pieces. The side wall portion includes low edge portions formed on both sides of the locking pieces and provided closer to the bottom portion than a position of the locking piece on a bottom portion side.