Rotatable Wire Harness Protector Link Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protectors for electrical wires cannot change shape without replacing the covering member, limiting their adaptability for fitting connectors or navigating around screws.
Innovation Solution
A protector design featuring a first unit with a coupling-target portion and a second unit with a rotatable coupling portion, along with a restriction portion to control rotation, allowing the units to change shape while preventing excessive rotation and ensuring the electrical wire is not caught.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the covering member is made fixed in shape, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The covering member is divided into multiple link members (first link member, second link member, third link member) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the covering member to change its overall shape by adjusting the relative angles between segments, providing adaptability to different configurations while maintaining simplicity within each individual segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering member transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with rotation joints. The link members can rotate relative to each other around the wire harness, enabling the covering member to adapt its shape dynamically to accommodate different connector positions and routing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new covering member is used for each shape configuration, then the shape adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single covering member with multiple rotatable link members serves multiple functions: it can configure itself to protect wire harnesses with connectors at various positions, accommodate different routing paths, and adapt to various installation environments. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to manufacture separate covering members for different configurations, reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the covering member is made expandable and contractible, then the shape changeability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering member is segmented into discrete link members connected by rotation joints, allowing shape change through angular adjustment rather than expansion/contraction. This segmentation provides shape adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity, as each link member remains a basic cylindrical form without complex expandable mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A protector includes: a first unit into which an electrical wire is to be inserted; and a second unit into which a portion of the electrical wire is to be inserted, the portion being other than a portion that is not to be inserted into the first unit. The first unit includes a coupling-target portion, and the second unit includes a coupling portion that is coupled to the coupling-target portion so as to be rotatable relative to the coupling-target portion.