Wiring Harness Vent Channel for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for pressure equalization in electrical assemblies, such as those used in motor vehicles, are complex, costly, and require significant effort to produce and install, while also being prone to reduced sealing effectiveness due to axial loading of radial shaft seals.
Innovation Solution
A wiring harness with a hollow channel element that serves as a pressure equalizing channel, allowing for efficient pressure equalization between electrical contact points while maintaining electrical conductivity, and optionally featuring a dirt trapping device to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressure equalizing channel is integrated into the housing, then pressure equalization is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure equalization function with the electrical wiring harness by integrating a pressure equalization channel directly into the harness structure. This eliminates the need for a separate pressure equalizing component in the housing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the sealing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring harness is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical power transmission and pressure equalization. By making the harness multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated pressure equalization components, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing effort.
2Reliability
If a plug socket with pressure equalizing channel is used, then pressure equalization is achieved, but manufacturing effort and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization channel is integrated into the wiring harness structure itself rather than being a separate plug socket component. This merging reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby easing production efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring harness serves dual purposes: electrical connectivity and pressure equalization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pressure equalization components, reducing both manufacturing complexity and installation space requirements.
3Device complexity
If a semipermeable membrane is used for venting, then pressure equalization is achieved, but reliability decreases due to easy damage and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robust, replaceable sealing element in the wiring harness that can withstand mechanical stress and contamination better than delicate semipermeable membranes. While the sealing element may eventually wear and need replacement, its durability during service life is significantly improved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible sealing element within the wiring harness that maintains pressure equalization while being more mechanically robust than semipermeable membranes. The sealing element can deform to accommodate movement and stress without rupturing.
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 proposed solution enables efficient pressure equalization with minimal effort, improving the reliability of the sealing effect and allowing for easy retrofitting of existing chambers, while also preventing contamination and maintaining electrical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the channel element forms a pressure equalizing channel by way of which a pressure equalization can take place between the first connection end and the second connection end
Data Source
AI summary
A wiring harness and an electrical assembly in which a chamber can be vented by the wiring harness are provided. The wiring harness is configured to transmit electrical power between two electrical contact points located separate from each other. The wiring harness includes an individual conductor, which includes an electrically insulating layer and forms, along a longitudinal direction of extent of the wiring harness, two connection ends of the wiring harness for electrically contacting the contact points; a hollow channel element, which is separate from the individual conductor and runs along the longitudinal direction of extent, wherein each of the ends of the channel element opens out at a respective connection end; and a wiring harness sheath, by way of which the individual conductor and the channel element are jointly sheathed along the longitudinal direction of extent.