Split Heat-Shrink Wrap Locking for Bulky Wire Harness Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat shrink tubes are impractical for applications with space restrictions or bulky wire harness connectors due to the need to slide them over the connector head, which is not feasible in all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A heat shrinkable wrap with expandable locking features along its longitudinal edges, allowing for a formfitting or forcefitting connection to create a tubular structure without needing to slide over bulky connectors, utilizing thermoplastic or elastomeric materials with a softening temperature of 140 °C and fixed by gluing or welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If regular heat shrink tubes are used, then they provide protection and sealing, but they cannot be applied when there are space restrictions or bulky wire harness connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shrinkable wrap is divided into two separate longitudinal edges with independent locking features, allowing it to be wrapped around bulky connectors without needing to slide over them. The two edges can be independently secured to the substrate, enabling application in constrained spaces where the wrap can be positioned and locked in place without requiring insertion from one end.
2Adaptability or versatility
If split loom tubings or spiral wrap tubings are used, then they can be applied in constrained spaces, but they do not take the shape of the underlying wire harness substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shrinkable wrap utilizes thermal shrinkage properties of the heat shrink material to change its dimensional parameters. When heated, the wrap shrinks radially to conform tightly to the shape of the underlying wire harness substrate, providing a formfitting connection that adapts to the substrate's geometry while maintaining the ability to be applied in constrained spaces through the split design.
3Device complexity
If a single locking feature is used, then the structure is simpler, but the connection between longitudinal edges is not continuous and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is segmented into multiple locking elements distributed along the longitudinal edges. Each locking element provides an independent engagement point, creating multiple discrete connections between the edges. This segmentation of the locking mechanism ensures that the connection is continuous and secure along the entire length of the wrap, preventing opening during shrinkage and service while maintaining manageable complexity through modular locking elements.
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.
Implementation Method 1
the body comprises a heat shrink material
Implementation Method 2
the thermoplastic material of the locking features has a softening temperature of 140 °C
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~7B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heat shrinkable wrap 1, 10 comprising a body 6, 60 comprising two longitudinal edges 7, 8, 70, 80 and two transverse edges; a first locking feature 2, 20 which expands along a first longitudinal edge 7, 70 and a second locking feature 4, 40 which expands along a second longitudinal edge 8, 80; wherein the body 6, 60 comprises a heat shrink material; wherein the first locking feature 2, 20 at the first longitudinal edge 7, 70 comprises at least two first locking elements 3, 30 which expand along the first longitudinal edge 7, 70 and the second locking feature 4, 40 at the second longitudinal edge 8, 80 comprises at least two second locking elements 5, 50 which expand along the second longitudinal edge 8, 80; wherein the first locking elements 3, 30 and the second locking elements 5, 50 are adapted for engaging with each other, for establishing, in an engaged state, at least two connections between the first locking feature 2, 20 and the second locking feature 4, 40; wherein, when the connection between the first locking feature 2, 20 and the second locking feature 4, 40 is established, the body 6, 60 and the locking features 2, 20, 4, 40 form a tubular structure.