Segmented Grommet Webs for Cable Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener grommets with continuous material surfaces between flanges require high assembly forces and increase weight due to insufficient flexibility and unnecessary material usage, while aiming to provide secure cable fixation.

Innovation Solution

A grommet design featuring connecting webs between flanges, creating material recesses that reduce material usage and assembly forces, with four or six connecting webs offering a compromise for balanced holding forces and weight savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a continuous area of grommet material is provided between the two flanges, then the grommet structure is simple and continuous, but the assembly forces increase and flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrommet structureVSAvoidassembly forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous material area between flanges is segmented into multiple discrete connecting webs (four or six webs arranged circumferentially). This segmentation reduces the total material volume while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing assembly forces and improving flexibility without compromising the grommet's ability to secure the cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a continuous area of grommet material is provided between the two flanges, then the grommet structure is simple and continuous, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrommet structureVSAvoidgrommet weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous material area is divided into discrete connecting webs, which significantly reduces the total material volume required. This segmentation directly reduces the grommet weight while maintaining sufficient structural strength and cable-holding capability through the distributed web configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of stationary object

If material is reduced by creating free spaces between flanges, then weight and assembly forces decrease, but holding forces on cable may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrommet weightVSAvoidholding forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented connecting webs are strategically positioned and sized to maintain adequate contact area with the cable while reducing overall material usage. The circumferential distribution of four or six webs ensures uniform force distribution around the cable, preserving holding strength despite reduced total material volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting webs are designed with optimized dimensions and spacing to concentrate material where it is most needed for cable contact and force transmission. This local quality optimization ensures that holding forces are maintained at critical interfaces while minimizing material in less critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design reduces assembly forces and weight while maintaining high holding forces, ensuring permanent and immovable cable fixation with reduced material usage.

Implementation Method 1

despite the use of elastic material for the grommet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3299222B1Improved snap-in grommet geometry for conduit support
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 HIRSCHMANN AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3299222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3299222B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3299222B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fastening arrangement with a grommet (1) which is to be fixed to a fastening element, wherein the grommet (1) has two opposing spaced-apart flanges (4, 5) which come into contact with the surface of the fastening element when the grommet (1) has been fixed there, characterized in that the two flanges (4, 5) are connected to each other by at least one connecting web (6), preferably several connecting webs (6), forming recesses.