Shielded Wire Harness Waterproofing Without Drying Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire harnesses with shielded electric wires face challenges in maintaining the effectiveness of waterproofing agents applied to exposed electromagnetic shield members, as these agents often fail to dry properly, leading to compromised waterproofing performance and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wire harness design that includes a shielded electric wire with a removable sheath exposing the electromagnetic shield member, where an insulating cover is used to limit the area of waterproofing agent application, preventing it from hindering drying and ensuring tight contact with the sheath and insulating coating, while a reinforcing member enhances rigidity and prevents deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the waterproofing agent is applied to the exposed electromagnetic shield member to form a waterproofing area, then the waterproofing performance is improved, but the waterproofing agent permeates into the sheath and cannot dry properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sheath into two functional zones: a waterproofing formation zone where the agent contacts the shield member, and a drying zone where the sheath remains intact to allow evaporation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the waterproofing function from the drying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different portions of the sheath: the end portion is modified to be permeable to the waterproofing agent, while the main body remains intact to provide drying capability. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of waterproofing and drying.
2Reliability
If the waterproofing agent is applied generously to ensure coverage, then the waterproofing performance is improved, but the drying process is hindered and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the waterproofing agent only to the necessary extent - specifically to the exposed electromagnetic shield member and the immediate interface with the sheath - rather than applying it excessively throughout. The sheath's permeable structure ensures adequate distribution without over-application, reducing material waste and cost.
3Reliability
If the sheath is completely removed to expose the electromagnetic shield member, then the waterproofing agent can be applied effectively, but the structural integrity and protection of the wire harness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is segmented rather than completely removed: the end portion is removed or made permeable to allow waterproofing agent application, while the main body of the sheath is retained to maintain structural integrity and mechanical protection of the wire harness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is modified locally at the end portion to enable waterproofing agent penetration, while the rest of the sheath maintains its original protective function. This localized modification preserves overall structural strength while enabling the required waterproofing functionality.
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
This design improves the waterproofing performance by allowing the agent to dry effectively, reducing application amounts, and lowering manufacturing costs, while maintaining the agent's contact with critical surfaces, thus enhancing the wire harness's durability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a waterproofing agent applied to the shield member exposed portion and permeated into the electromagnetic shield member
Implementation Method 2
the waterproofing agent that has permeated into the sheath through the electromagnetic shield member needs to be sufficiently dried and solidified
Data Source
AI summary
A wire harness includes a shielded electric wire that includes a first coated electric wire that includes a first core electric wire and a first insulating coating that covers the first core electric wire, an electromagnetic shield member that covers the first coated electric wire, a sheath that covers the electromagnetic shield member, and a shield member exposed portion from which the sheath is removed and the electromagnetic shield member is exposed, an insulating cover that covers the shield member exposed portion, and a waterproofing agent applied to the shield member exposed portion and permeated into the electromagnetic shield member. The waterproofing agent is in tight contact with an inner circumferential surface of the sheath and an outer circumferential surface of the first insulating coating. The cover covers a portion of the shield member exposed portion.