Split Wire Guide Structure for Narrow-Width Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire guide devices are too large in the width direction, making them difficult to install in limited spaces, which hampers their usability in applications where space is constrained, such as in vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A wire guide device comprising a first and second divided part that combine to form a wire insertion hole with one end open toward the cable guide and the other end open upward, featuring upper and lower guide portions that restrict displacement orthogonal to the width direction, allowing for compact design and improved installability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fitting structures with protruding portions and groove portions are used to combine the first and second divided parts, then the combining operation is guided, but the size of the wire guide device in the width direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombining operation guidanceVSAvoidsize in width direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the guide portions from the width direction to the height direction. The upper guide portion is formed on the upper wall and the lower guide portion on the lower wall, allowing the first and second divided parts to be combined by sliding in the height direction rather than the width direction. This dimensional change enables the fitting structures to provide guidance without increasing the width of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the guide portions extend in the width direction as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by having them extend in the height direction. The upper guide portion extends from the upper wall downward, and the lower guide portion extends from the lower wall upward, creating guidance in the opposite dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If the wire guide device is made compact in the width direction, then installability is improved, but the fitting structures may become difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize in width directionVSAvoidfitting structure implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the manufacturing difficulty by changing the dimension in which the guide portions are formed. Instead of requiring complex lateral fitting structures in the width direction, the guide portions are formed vertically on the upper and lower walls, allowing the divided parts to be combined by simple vertical sliding that is easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11881693B2Wire guide device including first divided part and second divided part

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD

AI summary

A wire guide device includes a first divided part and a second divided part that can be combined in a width direction. In a combined state, the first divided part and the second divided part form an insertion hole 19 through which a wire passes in a direction intersecting the width direction. One end of the insertion hole is open toward a cable guide, and the other end of the insertion hole is open upward. The upper side of the insertion hole is covered by upper walls of the first divided part and the second divided part. The upper walls of the first divided part and the second divided part are formed in the width direction, are abutted against each other, and include upper guide portions that restrict displacement in a direction orthogonal to the width direction.