Push Through Grommet Installation Extension Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the automotive industry, installing grommets through apertures often requires awkward and non-ergonomic reach motions, making the process uncomfortable and difficult, especially when accessing tight spaces like engine compartments.
Innovation Solution
A push-through grommet design featuring a frustoconical main body portion, a cylindrical installation extension with projections for easier gripping, and a flange that allows for concentrated force application, reducing the need for extended reach and facilitating easier installation by elongating the grommet during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grommet is installed by pulling it through the aperture using traditional methods, then the grommet can be secured in place, but the installer must extend reach into awkward and non-ergonomic positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional installation method by changing from pulling the grommet through the aperture to pushing it through. The push extension protrudes from the aperture side, allowing installers to apply force from the accessible side rather than reaching into tight spaces to pull from the other side. This inversion of the installation force direction eliminates awkward reach motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The push extension acts as an intermediary element that extends the effective reach of the installer's hand or tool. By providing a protruding surface on the grommet that extends beyond the aperture, it creates a leverage point that allows force application from a comfortable distance, mediating between the installer and the grommet body within the aperture.
2Productivity
If the installer reaches into tight spaces to pull the grommet through, then the grommet can be installed, but the installer experiences discomfort and difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the installation force application method from pull-based to push-based. The push extension allows force to be applied from the aperture side, inverting the traditional approach where force must be applied from the opposite side. This inversion enables installers to work from comfortable positions without contorting their bodies to reach into tight engine compartments.
3Strength
If traditional grommet installation methods are used, then the grommet can be secured through the aperture, but excessive force and awkward positioning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The push extension serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides leverage and force multiplication. By extending beyond the aperture, it creates a longer moment arm that allows installers to apply force more efficiently. This intermediary element reduces the total force needed compared to directly manipulating the grommet body within the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The push extension adds a dimensional element by protruding outward from the aperture plane. This extension into the third dimension (perpendicular to the aperture surface) creates additional leverage and mechanical advantage, allowing force application at a distance that reduces the effort required compared to in-plane manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a grommet are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the grommet includes a grommet body having a main body portion, a flange, and an installation extension, an outer surface of the flange at least partially defining a recess, the installation extension connected to the main body portion within the recess and extending at least partially out of the recess, the grommet body having a passage passing therethrough.