Shielded Conduction Path Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shielded conduction paths risk damaging the insulating covering of sheathed electrical wires due to the inward projection of the lance locking portion on the shield shell during attachment.

Innovation Solution

A shielded conduction path design featuring a lock hole on the circumferential surface of the shield shell and a lock arm with a protruding lock projection on the inner holder, which locks the holder and shell without projecting inward, preventing damage to the electrical wire.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lance locking portion projects circumferentially inward in the shield shell to lock the inner holder, then the locking function is improved, but the insulating covering of the sheathed electrical wire may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoiddamage to insulating covering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resin layer as an intermediary substance between the lance locking portion and the sheathed electrical wire. This resin layer fills the space between the inward-projecting locking portion and the wire, preventing direct contact and potential damage while allowing the locking mechanism to function effectively. The resin acts as a cushioning mediator that resolves the conflict between secure locking and wire protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the sheathed electrical wire is inserted into the shield shell while the inner holder is not housed, then the attachment process is simplified, but the wire may be damaged by the locking portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment processVSAvoiddamage to insulating covering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-filling the resin layer into the shield shell before inserting the sheathed electrical wire. This resin layer is already in place to cushion and protect the wire from the lance locking portion during the insertion process, eliminating the need for complex sequential assembly while preventing damage from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the lock projection is provided on the arm portion, then the locking between inner holder and shield shell is secured, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking function into the existing lock arm structure by providing the lock projection on the arm portion. This integrates the locking mechanism with the already-present lock arm, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining secure locking between the inner holder and shield shell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10629330B2Shielded conduction path

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

A shielded conduction path includes a conduction path main body in which sheathed electrical wires are surrounded by a tubular braided wire. An inner holder through which the sheathed electrical wires pass and is made of a synthetic resin. The shielded conduction path further includes a shield shell to which the braided wire is fixed and configured to house the inner holder. A lock hole is formed in a circumferential surface of the shield shell. A lock arm is formed in the inner holder, and locks the inner holder and the shield shell in an attached state by locking to the lock hole.