Sealed Pass-Through Grommet Assembly With Lock Ring Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grommet systems require cumbersome and costly processes for installation, involving substantial compressive force to stretch routing elements over fasteners and lack clear indications of complete seal compression and fastening.
Innovation Solution
A grommet assembly with a primary seal and a lock ring that simplifies installation by requiring less force, featuring a grommet with a platform, panel, and ring portions, and a lock ring with clamping features that form a secondary seal upon rotation, providing visual, haptic, and audible indications of complete fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional grommet systems use substantial compressive force to stretch routing elements over fasteners, then the routing elements can be secured through the structure, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and requires more force than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet assembly is divided into separate functional components: a grommet body with a first seal, a lock ring with a second seal, and clamping features. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be separated from the fastening function, enabling secure routing element retention without requiring excessive compressive force during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seals are pre-positioned on the grommet and lock ring components before assembly. The first seal is attached to the grommet body and the second seal is attached to the lock ring, so that when these components are assembled together, the seals are already in place to provide immediate sealing action without requiring additional compressive force during the installation process.
2Ease of operation
If conventional grommet systems use simple fastening mechanisms, then the installation process is simpler, but there is no clear indication that complete seal compression and fastening has been achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring rotation mechanism provides tactile feedback through the engagement of clamping features with corresponding features on the grommet body. As the lock ring is rotated, the clamping features engage with the clamped object and eventually engage with corresponding features on the grommet body, providing a clear mechanical indication that the assembly is complete and the seals are properly compressed.
3Reliability
If conventional grommet systems require stretching routing elements over fasteners, then the routing elements can be secured, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sealing function (grommet body with first seal) from the fastening function (lock ring with second seal and clamping features), the system eliminates the need to stretch routing elements over complex fastener structures. The routing element simply passes through the grommet body, and the lock ring is then rotated to engage the clamping features, providing secure retention without time-consuming stretching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping features are pre-formed on both the grommet body and the lock ring, and the seals are pre-positioned on these components. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly where the routing element is inserted and the lock ring is simply rotated into place, eliminating time-consuming stretching and compression operations while maintaining reliable securing of the routing element.
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet assembly is configured to be installed within an opening and includes a grommet, a primary seal, and a lock ring. The grommet includes a platform, a panel portion extending from a first surface, and a ring portion extending from a second surface. The ring portion defines a passageway extending through the grommet and includes a plurality of grommet clamping features arranged around the ring portion. The primary seal extends around a periphery of the grommet. The lock ring includes a central hub having a plurality of ring clamping features arranged around the central hub. The displacement of the lock ring relative to the grommet engages each one of the plurality of ring clamping features with a corresponding one of the plurality of grommet clamping features to fasten the lock ring to the grommet to form a secondary seal between the grommet and the lock ring.