Wire Harness Sheath Structure With Insert-Count Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheath structures for wire harnesses lack a mechanism to prevent improper use based on the number of routed members inserted, leading to potential erroneous mounting and instability.
Innovation Solution
A sheath structure comprising an outer cylindrical member and an inner cylindrical member with engageable and non-engageable portions, where the inner member is designed to interfere with the outer member when maximum routed members are inserted, preventing erroneous fitting, and engages when a prescribed number is inserted, allowing proper fitting and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner member is designed to be always engageable with the outer member, then the structure provides continuous support and stability, but it prevents proper usage flexibility and may cause improper mounting when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The inner member's engagement state is made dynamic rather than fixed. The first and second portions can transition between engaged and disengaged states with the engaging portion, allowing the structure to adapt its support function based on the number of routed members inserted. When maximum routed members are inserted, the portions disengage to prevent improper mounting; when fewer members are inserted, they engage to provide support.
2Reliability
If the first and second portions interfere with the end portion of the outer member when disengaged, then fitting is prevented for safety, but it may complicate the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second portions are designed to preliminarily prevent fitting with the outer member when disengaged, by interfering with the end portion. This preliminary anti-action ensures that improper mounting is blocked before it can occur, while the interference design is such that it does not complicate proper assembly when the portions are in the engaged state.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheath structure includes an outer member, and an inner member formed in a cylindrical shape in a state in which a first portion and a second portion are engaged with an engaging portion, and capable of being fitted into the outer member from an end portion of the outer member. In the inner member, the first portion and the second portion are not engaged with the engaging portion but interfere with the end portion of the outer member and are not capable of being fitted into the outer member, when a maximum insertable number of the predetermined routed members insertable into the outer member are inserted therein. The first portion and the second portion are engaged with the engaging portion and capable of being fitted into the outer member, when the predetermined routed members of a prescribed number smaller than the maximum insertable number are inserted therein.