Vehicle Wire Exterior Member Identifying Mark Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior members for electric wires in vehicles face challenges in identifying marks due to complex coloring processes, increased manufacturing costs, and reduced visibility when bent, especially under vehicle floors, where metal exterior members are costly and inefficient to produce.
Innovation Solution
A long cylindrical exterior member with a bent section and an identifying mark of a different color on the outer surface, positioned to face the exposed side, allowing for easier recognition and reduced material usage, regardless of material type, with the option to use linear or dotted marks for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple kinds of identifying marks with different colors and sizes are intermittently given on the exterior member, then the identifying property is improved, but the coloring process becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing identifying marks only at specific locations (one end or both ends) of the exterior member rather than distributing multiple marks throughout. This localized approach maintains identifying functionality while simplifying the coloring process and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifying marks are segmented into discrete locations (ends of the exterior member) rather than being continuously distributed. This segmentation allows for simpler coloring processes while maintaining clear identification capability.
2Shape
If the exterior member is bent to correspond to the floor shape, then the wiring shape is maintained, but the identifying mark moves to a position difficult to visually recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The identifying marks are preliminarily positioned at the ends of the exterior member before bending. This preliminary positioning ensures that after bending, the marks remain at accessible locations (exposed ends) where they can be easily visually recognized, rather than being obscured by the bent configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric marking strategy where marks are placed at specific ends rather than uniformly distributed. This asymmetric placement ensures that at least one identifying mark remains visible and accessible after the exterior member is bent to conform to the floor shape.
3Loss of information
If the whole outer surface of the metal exterior member is colored to have an identifying color, then the identifying property is improved, but material cost increases due to large amount of color agent used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating identifying marks only at the ends of the exterior member rather than coloring the entire outer surface. This localized marking significantly reduces the quantity of color agent required while maintaining sufficient identifying property for distinguishing the electric wire.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying color agent to the entire surface (excessive action), the patent uses partial action by applying identifying marks only at specific locations (ends), which is sufficient for identification purposes and reduces material consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
This exterior member (12) is provided with an exterior member main body (14) having a prescribed background color, and an identification marking (15A) having a prescribed identification color different from the background color. The exterior member (12) is supported by a support body (8) while one side is left exposed. The identification marking (15A) is provided so as to face the one side.