Modular Cable Sleeve Assembly for Adjustable Connector Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommet clips for electric cables in the automotive sector are either cost-intensive or have predefined connector sizes, limiting flexibility and requiring adaptation for different cable sizes, and often damage the connection means when size adjustments are made.
Innovation Solution
A cable sleeve assembly with a connection means split into two pieces, allowing the opening size to be increased or decreased without damage, featuring a modular design with adjustable protrusions and a clip connection for secure cable guidance and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grommet clip is overmolded with the grommet, then the connection is secure and integrated, but the cost increases and the opening size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means is divided into separate components (grommet and clip) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together, allowing for cost-effective production while maintaining secure connection through the integrated assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grommet clip opening is made large enough for large connectors, then large connectors can pass through, but the cable fixation is loose and environmental protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed with flexible elements that can dynamically adjust to accommodate different connector sizes during insertion, then provide secure fixation once the connector is in place, ensuring both versatility and protection
3Ease of manufacture
If the grommet opening is pre-defined during manufacturing, then the production process is simple, but the maximum connector size is limited and design changes require adaptation of the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the grommet and clip into independent components, each can be manufactured with standard processes, while the assembly provides flexibility for different connector sizes without requiring adaptation of the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The clip design allows for adjustment of opening parameters to accommodate different connector sizes while maintaining the same basic structure, enabling versatility without redesigning the entire assembly
4Strength
If the connection means is made as a single rigid piece, then the structure is simple and strong, but the opening size cannot be adjusted without damaging the connection means
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the connection means into separate components allows the opening size to be adjusted by selecting different component combinations while maintaining structural strength through proper design of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables dynamic adjustment of the opening configuration to match different cable and connector sizes while preserving the structural integrity of each individual component
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cable sleeve assembly (i) for mounting on a part, such as a vehicle body part, the cable sleeve assembly (i) comprising: a cable sleeve (10) for receiving one or more cables, such as a harness for a vehicle; a connection means (20) comprising an opening (23) configured to receive and to substantially hold the cable sleeve (10), the connection means (20) configured to be mounted on the part (40), such as the vehicle body part; wherein the connection means (20) is split into at least two pieces (21, 22), preferably two pieces (21, 22), which allows the size of the opening (23) to be increased and/or decreased.