Harness Wire Cover With Oval Hole Joint For 3D Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harness wire covers are either complex in structure, costly to manufacture, and prone to disengagement under twist forces, limiting their ability to protect wires moving in complex three-dimensional directions.
Innovation Solution
A harness wire cover is designed using two types of connecting members that rotate in the circumference direction and bend in the axial direction, featuring a first joint with a pin and oval hole for enhanced engagement and a second joint with a pin and round hole for flexibility, allowing smooth three-dimensional movement without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a harness wire cover uses four kinds of connecting members to enable movement in at least two directions, then the flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple connecting members into a single integrated connecting member structure. Instead of using four different types of connecting members as in prior art, this invention uses one connecting member that incorporates both the first joint (for circumferential rotation) and the second joint (for axial bending), thereby reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to move in multiple directions
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural connector and as a flexible joint mechanism. The single connecting member performs multiple functions: it connects adjacent link members, enables circumferential rotation through the first joint, enables axial bending through the second joint, and provides structural support for the wire harness, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized components
2Ease of manufacture
If a harness wire cover uses a pin and hole engagement structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability decreases due to disengagement under twist forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the joint engagement by allowing the pin to rotate within the first joint's circumferential direction. This rotational freedom enables the joint to dynamically adapt to twist forces and movement variations, preventing disengagement while maintaining easy assembly. The dynamic rotation capability allows the joint to absorb torsional stresses that would otherwise cause disengagement in static pin-hole connections
3Adaptability or versatility
If a harness wire cover is designed to be long and flexible by connecting multiple members, then the adaptability to complex movements is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the harness wire cover into multiple modular link members connected by joints, allowing each segment to be lightweight yet collectively providing three-dimensional flexibility. The segmented structure enables the cover to adapt to complex movements through the coordinated rotation and bending of individual segments, maintaining light weight while achieving the required flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple functions into a single connecting member, the patent reduces the total number of components needed to achieve three-dimensional flexibility. This consolidation eliminates redundant structural elements and fasteners, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining the cover's ability to move freely in multiple directions
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a harness wire cover flexible in 3-dimensional directions, a harness wire cover is structured by connecting a first connecting member and a second connecting member alternatively into one another where the first connecting member and the second connecting member have respectively a first joint for engaging the first and second connecting members rotatably in a circumference direction of the harness wire cover and a second joint for engaging them rotatable in an axial direction of the harness wire cover. The first joint includes one wall of the first connecting member and the other wall of the second connecting member, a first pin, and an oval hole engaged with the first pin. The second joint portion includes one pair of walls of the first connecting member and the other pair of walls of the second connecting member, a second pin, and a hole engaged with the second pin.