Wire Support Grommet and Bushing for Chafe-Free Panel Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing wires in openings, such as those in aircraft panels, are complex and time-consuming, leading to potential damage and hazardous wiring failures due to chafing and abrasion.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising a grommet and a bushing with petals and snaps that securely fasten to the structure, allowing easy installation and stabilization of wires without threading, accommodating various sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for securing wires in openings are used, then wires can be supported, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into multiple petals that can be independently positioned and secured. Each petal can be separately attached to the structure, allowing for simplified installation while maintaining overall structural integrity and wire support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing incorporates movable petals that can flex and adapt during installation. This dynamic design allows the petals to be easily positioned and secured to the structure, reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable wire support through proper positioning.
2Reliability
If existing methods for securing wires in openings are used, then wires can be supported, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The petals are pre-configured on the bushing in a ready-to-install state. This preliminary arrangement allows for quick deployment during installation, as the petals are already positioned and can be rapidly secured to the structure, improving installation speed without compromising wire support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing design allows the petals to self-position and self-secure to the structure through simple attachment mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces the time and effort required for installation while maintaining reliable wire support, as the system performs much of the positioning and securing automatically.
3Ease of operation
If wires are passed through openings without support, then installation is simple, but wire damage occurs due to chafing and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing acts as an intermediary component between the wire and the opening in the structure. It provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between the wire and the sharp edges of the opening, thereby eliminating chafing and abrasion while maintaining installation simplicity through the straightforward bushing attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is installed beforehand to provide protective cushioning for the wire as it passes through the opening. This pre-positioned protection prevents wire damage from chafing and abrasion before the wire is subjected to operational stresses, ensuring wire integrity while keeping the installation process simple.
4Ease of operation
If exposed wires pass through openings, then installation is straightforward, but electrical contact with structures causes hazardous failures
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as an electrical insulating intermediary between the exposed wire and the conductive structure. By positioning the bushing at the opening, it prevents direct electrical contact between the wire and the structure, eliminating the hazard of short circuits while maintaining installation ease through the simple bushing attachment process.
Data Source
AI summary
Support structures and methods for securing at least one element, such as a wire or bundle of wires, in an opening of a panel or other structure. A support assembly may comprise a grommet having an opening to accommodate the at least one element and a bushing configured to clamp around an outer surface of the grommet. The bushing may comprise one or more petals configured to contact a first surface of the structure and one or more snaps configured to contact a second surface of the structure that is opposite to the first surface.