Wire Harness Clamp Structure for Reduced Radial Routing Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle wire harnesses experience an increase in outer dimensions in the radial direction due to the clamp attachment, which can lead to space constraints and inefficiencies in routing and fixation.

Innovation Solution

A wire harness design that incorporates a first route regulator with an insertion inlet and a first coupling part, and a fixing member with a second coupling part that couples to the first coupling part, allowing for a reduced radial footprint by eliminating the need for the second coupling part to cover the entire circumference of the first route regulator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the holding part of the clamp covers the entire circumference of the route regulating member, then the route regulating member is securely fixed, but the outer dimensions of the wire harness increase in the radial direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidradial dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The holding part is divided into a first holding portion that contacts the route regulating member and a second holding portion that contacts the outer sheath, creating segmented fixation zones that reduce radial dimension while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding part is configured to contact only specific local regions (the route regulating member and the outer sheath) rather than covering the entire circumference, achieving secure fixation with reduced radial footprint through localized contact points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the second coupling part covers the entire circumference of the first route regulator, then the coupling is more stable, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidcoupling structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is segmented into a first coupling part on the route regulator and a corresponding second coupling part on the fixing member, where only partial circumferential engagement is required, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining coupling stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling parts are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide stable coupling through complementary shapes, eliminating the need for complete circumferential coverage and reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11967809B2Wire harness
Publication Date: 2024.04.23 SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
  • US11967809B2 patent drawing
  • US11967809B2 patent drawing
  • US11967809B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wire harness including: a wire harness body that includes an electric wire and an outer sheath configured to cover an outer circumference of the electric wire; a first route regulator that is to be attached to an outer circumference of the outer sheath and is configured to regulate a route of the wire harness body; and a fixing member configured to fix the first route regulator to an attachment target.