System for routing and securing elongate routed components of a vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large and complex off-road agricultural vehicles face difficulties in routing and securing elongate components like hydraulic hoses, fuel lines, and wire harnesses due to their length and bulk, making repeatable installation time-consuming and challenging.
Innovation Solution
A routing and securing system using a base block in one plane and a retainer in another plane, with concave receptacles and arms to securely hold elongate components, allowing for easier installation and removal, and accommodating varying numbers of components across multiple locations on a vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional routing methods are used for elongate components, then installation can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and difficult to reproduce consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system is divided into modular components including base blocks with receptacles, retainers with arms, and mounting brackets. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently selected and assembled, enabling faster and more consistent installation across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The base blocks and retainers are designed as universal components that can accommodate various types of elongate routed components (hoses, wires, cables) and can be mounted in different locations on the vehicle. The standardized interface allows the same components to serve multiple routing needs across different vehicle models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more elongate routed components are installed, then system functionality is enhanced, but routing and securing becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple base blocks can be installed along the vehicle to handle different groups of elongate components. Each base block with its retainer assembly manages a specific set of components, dividing the overall routing task into manageable segments that can be installed and secured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is positioned in a second plane that overlaps the first plane where the base block receptacles are located. This two-plane arrangement allows the retainer arms to secure components from above while the base blocks provide lateral support, creating a three-dimensional securing structure that efficiently manages multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If slot width is increased for easier component installation, then assembly becomes easier, but securing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer operates in a second plane overlapping the base block plane, allowing it to apply securing force from above while the base block receptacles provide lateral constraint. This multi-dimensional approach enables wider slots for easier insertion while maintaining secure retention through the combined action of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base block receptacles and retainer arms work together as a combined securing system. The receptacles provide initial guidance and lateral support, while the retainer arms apply downward pressure to lock components in place. This merged system achieves both easy assembly and reliable securing that neither component could achieve alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A routing and securing system with adjacent components is provided to route and secure hoses, lines, and harnesses of vehicles in a manner that is repeatable and straightforward and can be documented. The routing and securing system uses a base block provided in a first plane and a retainer, or wrap, provided in a second plane. The base block provides concave receptacles, or slots, for seating elongate routed components in the first plane, while the retainer overlaps the elongate routed components in the second plane to secure the elongate routed components to their respective concave receptacles. A mounting bracket may be used to mount the routing and securing system to the vehicle, and may also be used to join a pair of routing and securing systems together.