Segmented Wire Harness Brackets for Flexible Multi-Slot Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wire harness arrangements in vehicles face challenges such as inflexibility, installation inaccuracies, and transportation difficulties due to rigid bracket connections, which hinder space optimization and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A flexible wiring structure featuring brackets with gaps and an impact-resistant sleeve allows for adjustable installation angles and bending, enabling easier installation and transportation by separating brackets and protecting wire harnesses with a flexible sheath.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If brackets are connected through clip-into-slot structure to form seamless connection, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and installation adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into multiple independent sections with gaps between them, allowing each section to be installed separately and providing flexibility in installation while maintaining structural integrity through the bracket design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible protective sleeve is introduced to cover the wire harness passing through the gaps between brackets, providing protection while allowing the wire harness to bend and adapt to different installation paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If rigid materials are used for brackets to ensure durability, then strength is improved, but flexibility and bending capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket durabilityVSAvoidbending capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is segmented into multiple sections rather than being a single rigid piece, allowing the overall structure to be flexible while each individual section maintains its strength and durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible protective sleeve compensates for the rigidity of the bracket sections, enabling the wire harness to bend and adapt to different paths while the rigid bracket sections provide structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If brackets are connected in series to form long strip structure, then wire harness protection is improved, but transportation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire harness protectionVSAvoidtransportation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket structure is segmented with gaps between sections, allowing the components to be easily separated and folded for compact transportation while still providing continuous protection when installed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket structure transitions from a static rigid form during installation to a dynamic foldable form during transportation, with the gaps between sections enabling easy folding and compact storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3734781B1Wiring structure for multi-slot connection
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LTD
  • EP3734781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3734781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3734781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a wiring structure for multiple wiring slots connection to be installed at the bottom of a vehicle to protect an wire harness, wherein the wiring structure comprises: a plurality of brackets (1,3), each having two end parts, and a gap (6) being provided between the end parts of two brackets disposed adjacent to each other; at least one wire harness (2) disposed inside the bracket and extending through the plurality of brackets; a sleeve (4) being flexible, provided on the outer periphery of the wire harness, and overlapped with the gap in an axial direction. Compared with the prior art, the wiring structure of the present disclosure has the advantages of convenient installation for wire harnesses, elimination of installation tolerance, wide applications, and convenient transportation.