Wire Harness Installation Apparatus with Integrated Guide Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing installation apparatuses for wire harnesses in vehicles are complex, prone to foreign matter intrusion, and increase costs due to multiple components, which can damage the wire harness and require additional space.

Innovation Solution

A simplified installation apparatus with a case and slider system where the slider is guided by ribs on the case's inner face, reducing the need for a separate guide rail, and a slit width smaller than the rib distance to contain foreign matter, preventing damage and optimizing space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate guide rail is formed outside the case, then the slider can be guided in the sliding direction, but the device complexity increases and cost increases due to multiple component parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguiding functionVSAvoidnumber of component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail function is merged with the case by forming ribs on the inner surface of the case. The ribs extend in the sliding direction and guide the slider along with the wire harness, eliminating the need for a separate guide rail component while maintaining the guiding function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is given multiple functions: it not only receives and protects the wire harness but also provides guiding function through the ribs formed on its inner surface. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the slit width is made large to allow easy passage of the wire harness, then the wire harness can be easily installed, but foreign matter can intrude into the case and damage the wire harness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire harness installationVSAvoidforeign matter intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Ribs are introduced as intermediary structures between the slit and the wire harness. These ribs extend from the bottom wall toward the slit and provide guidance for the wire harness during installation and operation, allowing the slit to remain narrow while preventing foreign matter intrusion and ensuring proper wire harness positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire harness is allowed to flex and deform within the case as it passes through the narrow slit. The flexible nature of the wire harness enables it to navigate the constrained space created by the narrow slit while the ribs guide its movement and prevent foreign matter entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the guide rail is formed integrally with the case, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision becomes difficult to achieve due to the complicated shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure integrationVSAvoidmolding difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding function is segmented into multiple ribs rather than requiring a single complex integrated guide rail. Each rib is a simple structural element that can be easily molded into the case, and collectively they provide the necessary guidance function without creating molding difficulties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If projecting piece portions are formed on the case for mounting, then the installation apparatus can be securely fastened, but the volume of the installation apparatus increases requiring additional space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation apparatus volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is nested within the case body rather than projecting outward. Fastening holes are formed in the bottom wall of the case, allowing mounting fasteners to pass through and secure the case to the fixed structural body without requiring additional projecting piece portions that would increase the overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7402044B2Installation apparatus

Publication Date: 2008.07.22 YAZAKI CORP

AI summary

An installation apparatus for installing a wire harness over a fixed structural body and a movable structural body which is slidably provided to the fixed structural body, the installation apparatus includes a case that receives the wire harness such that the wire harness extends in a sliding direction of the movable structural body, and is folded back into a generally U-shape, and a slider that holds a distal end-side portion of the wire harness extending from the folded-back portion toward a distal end of the wire harness, and is slidably supported on the case so as to move in the sliding direction of the movable structural body, and is movable in accordance with a sliding movement of the movable structural body. The case includes an inner face which extends in the sliding direction of the movable structural body. The slider is received within the case, and slides on the inner face of the case so that the slider is guided in the sliding direction of the movable structural body.