Thermoplastic Mounting Ring for Vehicle Seat Cable Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting electrical conduits or harnesses in vehicle seat frames often result in repeated contact and friction between the cable and the frame, leading to damage, especially when the cable passes through reinforcement, as seen in previous solutions like notched frames which increase friction and risk cutting the cable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mounting ring made of thermoplastic material with a circular configuration and a central housing to securely hold the CNB cable outside the edges of the frame, reducing contact with the frame's cutting edge and minimizing damage through a beveled slot and radial branches for secure clipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cable passes through the frame reinforcement directly, then the installation is simple, but the cable is subjected to repeated contact and friction with the frame edges leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting ring as an intermediary component between the cable and the frame. This ring has a central housing that receives the cable and positioning projections that engage with the frame, thereby mediating the interaction and preventing direct contact between the cable and the frame edges that would cause friction and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring is made of thermoplastic material which is less resistant than metal, serving as a sacrificial protective element. If damage occurs, the ring can be replaced rather than the expensive cable, making this a cost-effective solution to protect the cable integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable hinged sleeve is used to hold the cable, then the cable is protected from friction, but the solution is not applicable when the cable must pass through the reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ring is designed with a universal structure that can be clipped onto the frame and simultaneously guide the cable through the reinforcement. The combination of the perimeter with opening for frame engagement and the central housing for cable reception makes it adaptable to the specific requirement of passing through reinforcement while maintaining friction protection.
3Ease of operation
If parallel notches are made in the frame to pass the cable, then the cable can pass through the reinforcement, but friction increases and the cable sheath is cut into over time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ring acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for notches in the frame. The cable passes through the central housing of the ring rather than through notches in the frame, and the ring's positioning projections engage with the frame to hold the assembly in place, thereby mediating the cable passage and preventing direct friction against the frame edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring is made of thermoplastic material forming a flexible yet protective shell around the cable. This flexible housing accommodates the cable and protects it from the rigid frame edges, preventing the cutting damage that occurs with rigid notch configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting ring (6) intended for being fit into a cut-out of a flange (1) of the seat portion of the seat, which comprises a perimeter (61), sized such as to be force fit into a cut-out (1C) of the flange (1) of the frame (10) of the seat portion (1A) of the vehicle seat (S) and provided with an opening (6F) such that the CNB cable (2) can pass through same. The ring (6) is provided with radial arms that connect the perimeter (61) to a central wall forming a recess (7) for the CNB cable (2). The CNB cable (2) can access said recess (7) through a hole (6R).