Modular Wire Harness Sheathing with Interlocking Tubular Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheathing members for electric wires in vehicles are limited in versatility due to their specific forms, leading to increased costs in management, manufacture, and transportation, as multiple forms are required to accommodate varying wire configurations, and they can only be used in specific settings.
Innovation Solution
A sheathing member comprising multiple tubular units with varying stiffness and flexibility, connected using a projection and groove system that allows for overlap and secure engagement, enabling the combination of path-restricting and deformation-allowing units to adapt to different wire configurations and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sheathing members in different forms are prepared to accommodate various wire configurations, then adaptability to different settings is improved, but manufacturing cost, transportation cost, and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheathing member is divided into multiple tubular units that can be connected in series. Each tubular unit has a standard form, but by connecting different numbers of units, various lengths and configurations are achieved. This segmentation allows a single standard component to replace multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular units are designed with universal connection structures (lapping portions with projections and grooves) that allow any tubular unit to connect with any other tubular unit. This universality enables a single type of tubular unit to serve multiple functions and configurations, replacing the need for multiple specialized sheathing members.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sheathing members in different forms are prepared to accommodate various wire configurations, then adaptability to different settings is improved, but transportation cost and management cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheathing member is divided into multiple tubular units that can be connected in series. Each tubular unit has a standard form, but by connecting different numbers of units, various lengths and configurations are achieved. This segmentation allows a single standard component to replace multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows for easy replacement and reconfiguration of tubular units. If a sheathing member needs to be adjusted or repaired, individual tubular units can be disconnected and replaced without wasting the entire sheathing member, reducing material waste and management costs.
3Reliability
If tubular units are connected using overlap and engagement structures, then connection reliability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is segmented into simple projection and groove elements that are integrated into the tubular units. These segmented features work together to provide reliable connection without requiring complex external fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection and groove structures are designed to automatically engage with each other when tubular units are connected. The lapping portions align and the projections fit into the grooves through simple insertion, allowing the connection to secure itself without additional fasteners or complex assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheathing member includes: a plurality of tubular units into each of which a wiring material having conductivity is inserted; and a connecting unit configured to connect respective open ends of the plurality of tubular units with each other, in which the tubular units respectively include lap portions in which the open ends to be connected overlap each other along a diameter direction, and the connecting unit includes a projection that is provided in the lap portion of one of the tubular units to be connected and projects along the diameter direction, and a groove unit that is provided in the lap portion of the other of the tubular units to be connected, includes a first groove extending from the open end along an axis direction and a second groove extending from an axially-extended end of the first groove along a circumference direction, and has the projection passed therethrough.