Segmented Grommet with Resilient Cushion for Aircraft Harness Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional harness retention mechanisms for aircraft electrical power harnesses are time-consuming and expensive to install, as they often require frequent adjustments of clamps and spacers to maintain the harness at a desired location within apertures, and may obstruct air channels with sealant materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of grommets with a resilient cushion and retention mechanism that securely retain the harness at a desired cross-sectional location within an aperture without the need for adjustments or sealant materials, featuring a grommet body that encircles the harness and a retention mechanism to interlock with the structural component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamps and spacers are used to retain the harness, then the harness can be retained at a desired location, but frequent adjustments are required during installation which increases installation time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is divided into distinct functional segments: a grommet body for structural support, a resilient cushion for positioning and retention, and a retention mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without requiring adjustments during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient cushion is pre-formed with a specific shape designed to retain the harness at the desired cross-sectional location. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for adjustments during installation, as the retention geometry is already optimized before installation occurs.
2Reliability
If conventional retention mechanisms are used, then harness retention is achieved, but the process becomes expensive due to multiple adjustments and labor
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated grommet component: the grommet body provides structural support, the resilient cushion provides harness retention and positioning, and the retention mechanism provides secure attachment. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate clamps, spacers, and adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient cushion is designed to automatically retain the harness at the desired location through its pre-formed geometry and material properties. The component serves itself by providing retention without requiring external adjustment or intervention during installation.
3Reliability
If sealant materials are used in conventional mechanisms, then retention is achieved, but air channels may be obstructed reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (sealant material) is completely removed from the system. The grommet achieves harness retention and sealing functions through mechanical means—the resilient cushion and retention mechanism—without requiring any sealant materials that could obstruct air channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient cushion acts as an intermediary between the harness and the grommet body, providing retention and positioning through its deformable nature. This intermediary approach allows for effective harness retention without requiring sealant materials that could interfere with air flow channels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The grommet system simplifies installation, reduces the need for adjustments, prevents air channel obstruction, and maintains the harness at a precise location, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing the risk of hot spots.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient cushion is located within the tubular receiving region and is configured to extend between the harness and the grommet body when the harness is received within the tubular receiving region. The resilient cushion is shaped to retain the harness at a desired cross-sectional location within the tubular receiving region.
Data Source
AI summary
Grommets for supporting harnesses and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The grommets include a grommet body, a resilient cushion, and a retention mechanism. The grommet body is configured to be received within an aperture that is defined by a structural component and defines a tubular receiving region that is sized to receive the harness. The resilient cushion is located within the tubular receiving region and is configured to extend between the harness and the grommet body. The retention mechanism is configured to selectively retain the grommet body within the aperture. The methods include locating the resilient cushion around an external surface of the harness, locating a first body portion and a second body portion around an external surface of the resilient cushion, and operatively interlocking the first body portion with the second body portion to form the grommet body.