Selective Wire Harness Protection for High-Interference Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire harness designs for autonomous vehicles incur increased costs due to uniform protection of electric wires with protectors, which does not effectively address high-interference areas.
Innovation Solution
A wire harness configuration using a protective member composed of a protector and tape, where the tape is wound around the electric wire to overlap at least half its width, providing equivalent protection to a tube-like covering and reducing costs by selectively addressing high-interference areas with the protector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protector is uniformly provided along the entire electric wire, then the electric wire is protected from external interference members, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the protector only at specific portions of the electric wire where interference with external interference members is likely to occur, rather than uniformly along the entire wire. The control unit determines these high-risk portions based on routing information and interference member locations, applying protection selectively where needed most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electric wire into multiple portions based on interference risk levels. The control unit divides the wire routing into sections, identifies which sections are likely to contact external interference members, and applies the protector only to those specific segments, thereby reducing material usage while maintaining adequate protection.
2Reliability
If a protector is used to protect the electric wire, then the electric wire is protected against external interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing routing information of the electric wire and information on external interference members in advance. The control unit uses this pre-prepared data to automatically determine which portions require protection, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis or manual assessment during the protection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically determines the portions of the electric wire that require protection by itself, using stored routing and interference member information. This self-determination capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems or manual intervention, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective protection.
3Reliability
If tape is wound around the electric wire to provide protection, then the electric wire is protected, but the tape may peel off due to vibration and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying that the tape must have a stretch rate of 200% or more in the longitudinal direction. This parameter change in the tape's physical properties allows it to accommodate vibrations and thermal expansions without peeling, while the adhesive amount is controlled at 0.01 to 0.05 g/cm to optimize bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite approach by combining the tape with adhesive material, where the tape provides mechanical protection and the adhesive provides bonding. The specific selection of tape material with high stretch rate and controlled adhesive application creates a composite system that resists peeling under vibration and heat conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively protects electric wires against external interference while reducing costs by using a tape with high stretchability and adhesive properties, maintaining tight contact and preventing peeling, and allowing for efficient manual cutting and installation.
Implementation Method 1
the tape has a protection function equivalent to that in a case where the electric wire is covered with a tube, by being wound around the electric wire to overlap at least half of the tape in a width direction thereof
Implementation Method 2
using a tape with high stretchability and adhesive properties, maintaining tight contact and preventing peeling
Data Source
AI summary
A wire harness includes a protective member configured to protect an electric wire routed in a vehicle. The protective member is constituted by a protector and a tape. A surrounding of the electric wire is covered with at least one of the protector and the tape of the protective member. A portion where the electric wire is covered with the protector is a place where interference with the electric wire from an external interference member installed in the vehicle is large compared with a portion where the electric wire is covered with the tape. The tape has a protection function equivalent to that in a case where the electric wire is covered with a tube.