Expandable Vehicle Wiring Grommet for Easy Snap-In Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommets for protecting wires in vehicles are difficult to install and provide inadequate protection against wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A grommet with an extendable body and snap locks that can be easily installed by transitioning from a first size ring to a second size ring, featuring a lip for engagement and locking within a wiring hole, made of polymeric material with anti-rattle tabs for secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rubber grommet or plastic snap-in grommet is used, then wire protection is provided, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into multiple functional segments: an extendable body with hinge, snap locks for securing, and a lip for positioning. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, making installation easier while maintaining wire protection
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet body is designed to be extendable from a first size ring to a second size ring using snap locks. This dynamic transformation allows the grommet to adapt during installation, transitioning from a compact insertable state to an expanded protective state, thereby improving both installation ease and wire protection
2Reliability
If a rigid grommet structure is used, then wire protection is improved, but the grommet cannot adapt to different wiring hole sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet transitions from a compact first size ring configuration to an expanded second size ring configuration through the hinge mechanism and snap locks. This dynamic adaptability allows the same grommet to fit different wiring hole sizes while maintaining adequate wire protection in both states
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple grommet design is used, then manufacturing is easier, but the grommet provides inadequate protection against wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet incorporates multiple functional segments including snap locks, hinge mechanism, and lip structure. While this increases structural complexity, each segment serves a specific protective or securing function that enhances wear and tear protection without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is made from polymeric material that combines flexibility for installation with durability for protection. This material choice allows the complex multi-component structure to be manufactured as a single injection-molded part, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing superior wear and tear protection
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 grommet provides easy installation and effective protection against wear and tear, reducing movement and rattling of wires, while maintaining a cosmetically smooth exterior.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge flexes to allow the body to move between the first and second sized rings
Implementation Method 2
one or more snap locks for locking the body in the second size ring disposed within the wiring hole
Implementation Method 3
a lip extending around the extendable body and configured to engage a wiring hole for routing one or more wires
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet for a wiring hole comprising an extendable body that is configured in a first sized ring and extendable into a second sized ring larger than the first sized ring, a lip extending around the extendable body and configured to engage a wiring hole for passing one or more wires, and one or more snap locks for locking the extendable body in the extended configuration disposed within the wiring hole on a vehicle.