Vehicle Cab Access Port for Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs face challenges in creating passages for conduits through vehicle walls, leading to issues with structural integrity, environmental exposure, and corrosion, as manufacturers lack control over passage locations and sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reclosable access port system with a mounting structure and tube member that extends through the vehicle wall, allowing for controlled conduit placement and sealing, featuring a flange and fasteners for secure attachment and a removable cover for passage opening, with the option to apply sealant for enhanced environmental sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passages for conduits are cut through vehicle walls after manufacturing, then conduits can be connected between components inside and outside the cab, but the passages compromise structural integrity and are susceptible to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming passages through vehicle walls during the original manufacturing process rather than cutting them later. This allows the passages to be created with proper structural considerations, using methods that minimize structural compromise and allow for appropriate sealing and protective measures to be integrated into the wall structure itself.
2Ease of operation
If passages are formed after the vehicle leaves the manufacturer, then body builders can connect components, but the manufacturer loses control over passage location and sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming passages through vehicle walls during the original manufacturing process rather than cutting them later. This allows the passages to be created with proper structural considerations, using methods that minimize structural compromise and allow for appropriate sealing and protective measures to be integrated into the wall structure itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If grommets or seals are used to cover passages, then some environmental protection is provided, but environmental substances can still easily migrate through due to the short distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by extending passages through tubular structures that protrude into the cab interior, creating a longer three-dimensional path for environmental substances to travel through. This extends the sealing distance from a simple surface-level grommet to a multi-dimensional pathway that is more effective at blocking environmental migration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are provided for different conduit needs, then versatility is improved, but unused openings provide environmental exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the passage system configurable and adaptable. Multiple passage locations can be pre-formed in the walls, and the appropriate passages can be activated or deactivated based on the specific vehicle configuration and conduit requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different uses while maintaining environmental protection when passages are not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has an operator cab with a wall defining an interior of the operator cab. An opening is formed through the wall of the operator cab, and a port is connected to the wall of the operator cab around the opening. The port includes a mounting structure connected to the wall and a tube member extending from the mounting structure and defining a passage therein, where the passage of the tube member is aligned with the opening. One or more conduits can then extend through the opening and the passage of the tube member. One or more additional openings may be formed through other portions of the wall of the cab, and each such opening may have a port and/or one or more conduits extending through.