Split Heat-Shrink Tubing With Integrated Lock for Bulky Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat shrink tubes are impractical for applications with access issues or space restrictions, particularly when dealing with large bulky wire harness connectors or bundles, as they require sliding over the connector head, which is not feasible in such environments.
Innovation Solution
A heat shrinkable wrap with two longitudinal edges and integrated locking features that expand along these edges, allowing for a form-fitting or force-fitting connection to create a tubular structure without needing to slide over bulky connectors, using thermoplastic or elastomeric materials with a softening temperature of 140°C, and manufacturing methods involving extrusion, cross-linking, and air pressure expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If regular heat shrink tubes are used, then wire harness protection is achieved, but they cannot be applied to substrates with access issues or space restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shrink tube is divided into two longitudinal halves that can be separated, allowing each half to be independently positioned and secured around bulky connectors or in constrained spaces, eliminating the need to slide the entire tube over the substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features extend outward from the tube surface in a third dimension, allowing the split tube to be secured without requiring linear sliding motion, enabling installation in spaces where linear access is blocked
2Ease of operation
If split loom tubings or spiral wrap tubings are used, then access to constrained spaces is enabled, but they do not take the shape of the underlying wire harness substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shrink material undergoes thermal contraction when heated, changing its dimensional parameters to shrink and conform tightly to the underlying wire harness substrate, achieving a form-fitting appearance similar to regular heat shrink tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The tube combines heat shrink material with integrated locking features made of thermoplastic or elastomeric material, creating a composite structure that provides both the form-fitting shrinkage capability and the mechanical locking functionality
3Reliability
If locking features are integrated into the heat shrinkable wrap, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are integrated directly into the tube structure during the extrusion process, merging the tube formation and locking feature creation into a single manufacturing step, avoiding separate assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features are designed to automatically engage with each other when the split tube is assembled, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex adjustment mechanisms
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
Enables secure and continuous connection of wire bundles with large bulky connectors and in constrained spaces, preventing the wrap from opening during shrinkage and providing a flame-retardant solution for wire harness protection.
Implementation Method 1
the body comprises a heat shrink material
Implementation Method 2
applying air pressure to the internal tube to expand it
Implementation Method 3
directing coolant water on the tube to freeze the polymer chains to stop further expansion of inner tube
Implementation Method 4
the first locking elements and the second locking elements are adapted for engaging with each other, for establishing, in an engaged state, at least two connections between the first and the second locking feature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heat shrinkable wrap comprising a body comprising two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges; a first locking feature which expands along a first longitudinal edge and a second locking feature which expands along a second longitudinal edge; wherein the body comprises a heat shrink material; wherein the first locking feature at the first longitudinal edge comprises at least two first locking elements which expand along the first longitudinal edge and the second locking feature at the second longitudinal edge 8, 80 comprises at least two second locking elements which expand along the second longitudinal edge; wherein the first locking elements and the second locking elements are adapted for engaging with each other, for establishing, in an engaged state, at least two connections between the first locking feature and the second locking feature; wherein, when the connection between the first locking feature and the second locking feature is established, the body and the locking features form a tubular structure.