Wire Harness Cover Retention via Inward Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wire harnesses with waterproof covers are prone to detachment when subjected to high loads, posing a risk of exposure to water and other external factors.
Innovation Solution
A wire harness design featuring a cylindrical connector shell, a flexible conductor, a fixing member, and a cover with a rib that protrudes inward, which is fastened to the connector shell using a fixing band, restricting movement and retaining the cover when pulled by a high load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a waterproof cover is mounted on the end portion of the pipe, then the wires are protected from water and external factors, but the cover may come off when pulled by a high load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rib structure that protrudes inward from the cover's inner surface, creating a new dimensional feature (radial protrusion) that interacts with the connector shell. This rib engages with a corresponding groove or surface on the connector shell, transforming the retention mechanism from simple friction-based attachment to a geometric interlocking system that resists axial pulling forces through radial engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: the outer cover body, the inward-protruding rib, and the engagement interface with the connector shell. This segmentation allows the rib to specifically handle the retention function under load while the main cover body maintains its protective function, separating the mechanical retention role from the protective enclosure role.
2Reliability
If additional positioning members are added to retain the cover, then the cover retention improves, but the connector shell size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retention function directly into the cover structure itself by integrating the rib protrusion as an inherent feature of the cover. This eliminates the need for separate positioning members or additional retention components, as the cover's own geometry provides the retention mechanism. The rib is formed as part of the cover molding process, combining the protective cover and retention features into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure serves its own retention function through the self-contained rib feature that engages with the connector shell. The cover does not require external positioning members or additional components to maintain its position, as its own geometric features (the rib) provide the necessary retention capability, making the system self-sufficient.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cover structure is simplified, then manufacturing ease improves, but the cover may not be retained under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cover appears to be a thin-walled protective enclosure that is molded as a single piece. The rib feature is integrated into this thin-walled structure without requiring additional thickening or reinforcement of the entire cover, maintaining the lightweight and easy-to-manufacture characteristics while providing the necessary retention capability through the localized rib geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A wire harness that includes a cylindrical connector shell; a cylindrical flexible conductor; a fixing member for fixing the flexible conductor to an end of the connector shell; and a cover that covers the connector shell and the flexible conductor, wherein: the cover is fixed through fastening to the connector shell by a fixing band that is arranged on an outer circumferential surface of a leading end of the cover, and the cover includes: a connector fastener that is fastened to the connector shell by the fixing band; a covering that covers the fixing member; and a rib that protrudes inward between the connector fastener and the covering.