Harness Clip Mounting System for Gas Turbine Fan Cases
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting structures for electrical and fluid conduits in gas turbine engine fan cases are costly, time-consuming to assemble, and require additional support structures for composite materials, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A harness assembly with a clip comprising a fixed and movable portion, interlocking teeth, and a lever for infinite position adjustment, along with a retainer system that secures the harness to the base using slots and barbs, allowing for adjustable and secure mounting without mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting structures with machined, stamped, and bent sheet metal components along with studs or fasteners are used, then secure mounting of wire harnesses and fluid conduits is achieved, but assembly becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mounting components (base, clip, retainer) into an integrated assembly where the retainer is formed as part of the base structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure mounting of conduits
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer features self-aligning and self-locking characteristics where the fingers automatically engage with the conduit and the slots guide proper positioning, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and additional fastening operations
2Reliability
If conventional mounting structures with multiple machined and stamped components are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components into a more integrated structure where the retainer is formed integrally with the base, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from traditional machined and stamped metal components to alternative fabrication methods that may include casting, molding, or forming processes, which can reduce manufacturing complexity and cost for this specific mounting application
3Strength
If additional support structures are added to composite fan cases to support conventional mounting structures, then structural support is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting function into distinct elements (base for attachment to fan case, retainer for conduit holding, clip for positioning) that can be independently optimized, allowing the base to provide structural support while the retainer provides conduit securing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mounting assembly, attaches to the fan case, and supports the retainer mechanism, eliminating the need for separate support structures that would be required with conventional mounting systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 2B
AI summary
A disclosed harness assembly includes a base including a mounting surface and an opening that receives a mount end of a harness clip. A lockable clip is moveable between open and closed positions to secure one or more supply conduits or wire harnesses. The opening of the base includes a securement feature that corresponds with the mount end to hold the harness in a desired orientation relative to the base, to provide a fixed topographical routing.