Split Cable Sleeve Assembly for Variable Connector Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grommet solutions for guiding electric cables in vehicles are cost-intensive, limit flexibility during assembly, and require adaptation for different cable sizes, often resulting in a bottleneck when using cables with connectors.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable sleeve assembly with a split connection device that can be adjusted in size without damage, featuring a deformable cable sleeve and a rigid connection device, allowing for easy adaptation to various cable sizes and shapes, and secure fixation with a clip connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an overmolded grommet clip is used to mount the grommet, then the grommet can be securely fixed to the vehicle body part, but the cost increases and the clip must be made large enough to accommodate even large connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate components: a grommet and a mounting clip. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the grommet can be small and precise while the clip provides the mounting function, avoiding the need for an oversized integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various grommet sizes and connector types. The clip's aperture can be elastically deformable or adjustable, allowing it to adapt to different cable and connector dimensions without requiring custom-designed clips for each application.
2Ease of operation
If a pre-assembled grommet with mounting clip is used, then the grommet can be easily mounted to the vehicle body, but the opening size is predefined and limits the maximum connector size that can pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip incorporates elastic or adjustable elements that allow the aperture size to change dynamically. This enables the same clip design to accommodate various connector sizes by elastically deforming or adjusting the aperture opening during the cable insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is pre-assembled with the mounting clip during manufacturing, preparing the complete assembly for easy installation. However, the clip's adjustable nature allows it to adapt to different final application requirements, combining preliminary preparation with flexible adaptability.
3Reliability
If the grommet opening is made small to secure cable fixation, then cable stability improves, but cables with connectors cannot pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip's aperture is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to temporarily expand during cable insertion and then contract to a smaller size for secure cable fixation. This dynamic size change resolves the contradiction between initial access and final stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformability of the clip aperture provides a cushioning effect during insertion, allowing connectors to pass through without damage while ensuring tight fixation afterward. The material properties cushion the transition from insertion mode to fixation mode.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, flexible, and secure method for guiding cables with connectors, reducing the risk of environmental damage and accommodating different cable sizes without predefining the opening size, thus enhancing assembly efficiency and adaptability in the automotive sector.
Implementation Method 1
A modular cable sleeve assembly with a split connection device that can be adjusted in size without damage, featuring a deformable cable sleeve
Implementation Method 2
secure fixation with a clip connection mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cable sleeve assembly for mounting on a part, such as a vehicle body part. The cable sleeve assembly includes a cable sleeve for receiving one or more cables, such as a harness for a vehicle and a connection device including an opening configured to receive and to substantially hold the cable sleeve. The connection device is configured to be mounted on the part, such as the vehicle body part. The connection device is split into at least two pieces, preferably two pieces, which allows the size of the opening to be increased and/or decreased.