Grommet Rib Design for Axial Displacement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommets face inefficiencies in attachment due to frictional forces causing the main portions to project from the base, limiting sealing effectiveness and requiring additional manual adjustment, thus reducing working efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ribs on the boot's main and connecting portions to restrict axial displacement, preventing the main portions from being projected from the base during attachment, allowing for automatic positioning and secure sealing without additional work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the base is pressed into the insertion hole during attachment, then the grommet can be installed, but the folded back portions of the connecting portions can be unfolded or stretched due to frictional forces, causing the main portions to project from the base
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure is designed in advance to counteract the frictional forces that occur during attachment. The rib extends from the main portion toward the connecting portion and contacts the pipe, creating a preliminary restraining force that prevents the main portions from projecting during the pressing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The rib is pre-positioned in the boot structure before attachment occurs. During the pressing operation, the rib is already in place to immediately engage with the pipe and prevent displacement, eliminating the need for post-attachment adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the main portions are allowed to move flexibly relative to the base, then the insertion hole can be reliably sealed even with variations in pipe attaching positions, but the main portions can be projected from the base during attachment, requiring additional manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The boot structure is designed with different local properties: the main portions maintain flexibility for sealing adaptation, while the rib provides localized restraint at the critical interface with the pipe. This localized quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of adaptability and ease of operation
3Productivity
If the connecting portions are fully stretched during attachment, then the grommet can be installed, but the movable ranges of the main portions relative to the base are limited, reducing sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure provides dynamic restraint rather than rigid fixation. It allows the connecting portions to stretch during attachment while maintaining control over main portion displacement, preserving the necessary movable range for sealing effectiveness
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
Enables quick and reliable attachment of the grommet to the insertion hole by preventing axial displacement, enhancing working efficiency and maintaining effective sealing.
Implementation Method 1
frictional forces produced between the pipes 150 and the insertion bores 122a or interference or contact of the main portions 122 with projected portions 152
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet configured to seal an insertion hole formed in a panel into which a pipe is inserted may include a base that is configured to be connected to the insertion hole, a boot that is integrally formed in the base and has a thinned wall thickness, and at least one rib that is formed in the boot. The boot has a truncated cone-shaped main portion having an insertion bore into which the pipe can be inserted, and a connecting portion that is folded back from a circumferential periphery of the main portion via a folded back portion and is connected to the base. The at least one rib is formed in the main portion and the connecting portion while straddling the folded back portion, so as to restrict the main portion from being axially displaced relative to the base.