Vehicle Wire Harness Path Restrictors With Adjustable Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire harnesses for vehicles lack adjustable positioning of straight and bend restricting parts, which complicates assembly and affects the durability and protection of the wire harness.
Innovation Solution
A wire harness design with adjustable first and second path restricting members, where the first path restricting member has an insertion opening extending along its length and engages with a second path restricting member having a raised or recessed part, allowing for adjustable positioning and improved assembly workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the position of the straight restricting part is fixed relative to the bend restricting part, then the structure is simple, but the assembly workability and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the position of the straight restricting part adjustable relative to the bend restricting part by providing multiple predetermined positions. This dynamic positioning capability improves assembly workability and adaptability to different wire harness configurations, while the adjustment mechanism remains relatively simple through the use of engagement protrusions and grooves.
Solution Approach 2:
The path restricting member is divided into functionally distinct segments: the bend restricting part with a specific cross-sectional shape for curved sections, and the straight restricting part with different cross-sectional characteristics for linear sections. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while enabling flexible positioning through the engagement mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the path restricting member is designed as a single integrated component, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different wire harness paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The path restricting member incorporates adjustable positioning that allows adaptation to different wire harness paths. The straight restricting part can be positioned at multiple predetermined locations along the bend restricting part, enabling the same component to accommodate various routing configurations without requiring custom designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The path restricting member is designed as a universal component that can handle both bent and straight portions of wire harness paths. By integrating both the bend restricting part and the straight restricting part with adjustable positioning, a single component performs multiple functions and adapts to different installation scenarios.
3Reliability
If the engagement mechanism is simplified, then the manufacturing is easier, but the reliability of the engagement between path restrictors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into distinct male and female components: engagement protrusions on one part and corresponding engagement grooves on the other. This segmentation provides reliable mechanical engagement while keeping each component's geometry relatively simple and suitable for standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement protrusions and grooves act as intermediary elements that mediate the connection between the straight restricting part and the bend restricting part. These intermediary features provide reliable positioning and engagement without requiring complex fastening mechanisms or precision machining.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire harness to be attached to a vehicle body, the wire harness including: a wire harness main body having an electrical wire and an exterior tube covering the electrical wire; a first path restrictor attached to an outer periphery of the exterior tube and restricting a path of a straight part which is a portion of a path of the wire harness main body that is straight; a second path restrictor attached to the outer periphery of the exterior tube and restricting a path of a bent part which is a portion of the path of the wire harness main body that bends; and an engagement engaging the second path restrictor in a circumferential direction of the wire harness main body.