T-Joint Mount for Agricultural Sprayer Wire Harnesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire harness and cable securing methods for agricultural sprayers are labor-intensive, require multiple parts, and are aesthetically and reliably dependent on installer skill, lacking repeatability and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A mounting arrangement for T-joints in wire harnesses or control cables that includes a base block and identical clamping shells, which can be securely attached to a boom using a single threaded fastener, with alignment and locking features for easy and reliable installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available tie-wraps and clamps are used to secure wire harnesses to booms, then the harnesses can be secured to the booms, but the installation becomes more labor intensive and requires more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate securing components (clamps, tie-wraps, mounting hardware) into a single integrated T-joint mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a base block with integrated clamping mechanisms that secure the T-joint in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and simplifying installation while maintaining reliable securing.
2Reliability
If commercially available tie-wraps and clamps are used to secure wire harnesses to booms, then the harnesses can be secured to the booms, but the installation requires more labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate securing components (clamps, tie-wraps, mounting hardware) into a single integrated T-joint mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a base block with integrated clamping mechanisms that secure the T-joint in one piece, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and simplifying installation while maintaining reliable securing.
3Reliability
If commercially available tie-wraps and clamps are used to secure wire harnesses to booms, then the harnesses can be secured to the booms, but the installation repeatability and aesthetic appearance become highly dependent on installer skill
Solution Approach 1:
The T-joint mounting assembly is pre-configured with alignment features, pre-positioned clamping shells, and integrated mounting holes that guide proper installation. The base block includes built-in alignment tabs and the clamping shells have predetermined positioning features that ensure correct placement and orientation, making the installation process straightforward and achieving consistent, repeatable results regardless of installer skill level.
4Device complexity
If a single threaded fastener is used to attach the mounting arrangement to the boom, then the installation is simplified and parts are reduced, but the securing strength must be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a base block for mounting to the boom, clamping shells for securing the T-joint, and integrated alignment features. This segmentation allows the single fastener to be optimally positioned and sized for strong attachment to the boom, while the clamping shells provide additional securing force on the T-joint itself, distributing the securing function across multiple elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting arrangement and method are provided for securing a T-joint in a control cable connectable in electrical communication with an electrical device, such as an electrically controlled nozzle, attached to a mounting surface such as the boom of an agricultural product sprayer. The mounting arrangement includes a base block adapted for fixed attachment to the mounting surface, and a pair of first and second clamping shells adapted and cooperatively configured for attachment to the base block and one another to define an internal cavity of the mounting arrangement between the clamping shells and the base block for receiving and retaining the T-joint within the mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement is attached to the boom with a single threaded fastener. The clamping shells are identical and lock to one another and the base block without additional fasteners.