Protection shield positioning assembly and positioning device therefor and method of use

A method and assembly for protecting a device connected to a wiring harness is disclosed. The assembly includes a protective shield having a bore for receiving the device and a positioning device. An elongated wiring harness extends from the device being protected and through the bore of the protective shield. The positioning device is formed having a band that surrounds a central space. At least one flexible, resilient finger extends radially inwardly from the band into the central space. At least one of the fingers forcibly engages the harness sleeve to maintain the positioning device and the protective shield in a predetermined protection position along the harness sleeve at least partially surrounding the device being protected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention concerns a device for positioning and maintaining a protective sleeve or other elongated item at a predetermined position covering a sensor or other object.

2. Related Art

Sensors used in automotive applications, such as oxygen sensors which provide data to control engine operation and performance, are often mounted within the engine compartment of a vehicle where they are subject to a harsh environment including intense radiant heat, sources of abrasion and constant vibration during vehicle operation. In view of the harsh environment, it is advantageous to cover the relatively delicate sensors with protective sleeving which can damp vibration, protect against abrasion and reflect radiant heat. Such sleeves often comprise an elongated tube having an inner damping layer of a non-woven material, for example, polyester felt. The inner damping layer is surrounded by a reflective layer comprising, for example, an aluminum foil layer laminated with a reinforcing layer such as a woven scrim of polymer filaments or a polymer sheet material.

Due to the nature of the protective sleeve and its environment, it is difficult to attach the sleeve to the sensor in a manner which will allow the sleeve to be reliably secured in a desired position and also be readily removable for installation and servicing of the sensor. Adhesives, tape and frictional fits are used to effect attachment, but these methods all suffer various disadvantages. Adhesive attachment to the sensor, while generally secure, permanently attaches the sleeve to the sensor. As a result, this method does not allow for easy removal of the sleeve for servicing of the sensor or reuse of the sleeve. In addition, tape and friction fits can be unreliable and not feasible in view of the heat and vibration encountered by the sensor and its protective sleeve within the engine compartment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a positioning device for holding a first elongated member at a predetermined position along a second elongated member. The second elongated member is positioned within a bore extending through the first elongated member. The positioning device comprises a band surrounding a central space. At least one flexible, resilient finger is attached to the band. Each finger has a first end attached to the band and a second end that extends radially inwardly into the central space. At least one of the second ends is engageable with the second elongated member received within the central space. The band and the fingers are slidably movable along the second elongated member to the predetermined position upon the application of a force to the band directed along the second elongated member. To move the band, the force must be sufficient to overcome the resistance between the fingers and the second elongated member. At least one of the fingers forcibly engage the second elongated member and hold the band in the predetermined position in the absence of the force. The band is engageable with the first elongated member for holding it in the predetermined position along the second elongated member.

In one preferred embodiment, the band is elongated, has a circular perimeter, and may be tapered. The band may be sized to interfit over an outer surface of, or within the bore of the first elongated member. A rim is attached to the band and extends radially outwardly therefrom. The rim is engageable with the first elongated member.

In practical applications, one aspect of the invention comprises an assembly used to hold a protective shield in position relative to a sensor connected to a wiring harness. The assembly includes the protective shield, which has a bore for at least partially receiving the sensor, an elongated harness sleeve that is positionable to extend outwardly from the sensor and through the bore of the thermal protection shield, (the harness sleeve being positionable to at least partially surround and protect the wiring harness), and a positioning device, as described above, for holding the protective shield at a predetermined position along the harness sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method of protecting a device connected to an end of an elongated wiring harness having an outer harness sleeve. The method comprises providing an annular band having a central space and at least one flexible, resilient finger having a first end attached to the band and a second end extending radially inwardly toward a central space. Further, providing a tubular protective shield and positioning the protective shield in a protective position at least partially surrounding the device to provide protection to the device. Further yet, disposing the harness sleeve in the central space of the band and sliding the band along the harness sleeve into engagement with the thermal protection shield to releasably maintain the protective shield in the protective position. The sliding movement of the band causes at least one of the second ends of the fingers to flexibly engage the harness sleeve upon application of an axially applied force on the band. At least one of the second ends of the fingers remains in engagement with the harness sleeve and maintains the band in and the protective shield in the protection position in absence of the force.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring in more detail to the drawings,FIG. 1shows an exploded view of a positioning device assembly10according to one presently preferred construction used to position and maintain or hold, used synonymously herein, a first elongated member, represented here as an abrasion, acoustic, EMI, or heat or thermal protection shield, for example, and referred to hereafter as a sensor sleeve12, for example, over a sensor14mounted within an engine compartment16of a vehicle. In this example, the sensor sleeve12comprises an elongated tubular shield, also referred to herein as tube18, having a bore20sized to at least partially receive the sensor14. The tube18, by way of example and without limitation, is preferably constructed having a vibration damping layer22and an outwardly facing reflective layer24.

The sensor14, for example, an oxygen sensor, is connected to a microprocessor (not shown) via a wiring harness26through which it provides data used by the microprocessor to control engine operation and performance. Preferably, the wiring harness26is covered by a second elongated member, represented here as an elongated protective harness sleeve28, for example, that extends generally along the length of the wiring harness26. The harness sleeve28can be extruded, molded or otherwise fabricated from any material or fabric, such as a polymeric material, and is represented here, by way of example, as having annular corrugations30extending circumferentially about the harness sleeve28to provide radial stiffness and bending flexibility thereto.

The positioning device assembly10includes the harness sleeve28and a positioning device32, wherein the positioning device32engages both the harness sleeve28and the sensor sleeve12. In use, as shown in a comparison ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the harness sleeve28is received within the bore20of the sensor sleeve12. The sensor sleeve12is moved lengthwise along the harness sleeve28and positioned surrounding the sensor14to provide protection, for example, thermal and other shielding protection to the sensor14. The positioning device32, while in engagement with harness sleeve28, is moved by sliding the positioning device32lengthwise along the outer surface of the harness sleeve28by application of a sufficient axially directed force. The positioning device32is slid into engagement with the sensor sleeve12, and can be, for example, disposed over an outer surface of, or as shown here, received at least in part within the bore20of the sensor sleeve12. Simultaneous engagement of the positioning device32with both the harness and sensor sleeves28,12maintains the sensor sleeve12at a predetermined position along the harness sleeve28that coincides with it surrounding and protecting the sensor14in addition to providing additional protection to the harness sleeve28. In addition, the positioning device32can be further fixed to the sensor sleeve12, such as by utilizing fasteners, i.e. staples or rivets, adhesives and/or weld joints, for example.

FIGS. 3-11illustrate positioning devices constructed in accordance with presently preferred embodiments. In one presently preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 3, the positioning device32is formed of a flexible, resilient material, such as a heat resistant polymer, such as nylon, for example, and comprises a band34surrounding a central space36. The band34is elongated along a central axis35and has a circular perimeter so that it may readily engage the circular bore20of the sensor sleeve12, as shown inFIG. 2. It should be recognized that the positioning device32could be fabricated from any suitable material, including metal and composite materials, for example.

The device32as at least one, and shown here as a plurality of flexible, resilient fingers38that extend radially inwardly adjacent an end of the band34into the central space36, and shown here, by way of example, as extending toward a central axis35. The fingers38, in this embodiment, by way of example only, are wedge or generally pie shaped and positioned in spaced apart relation to one another about the circumference of the band34to define wedge shaped spaces37therebetween. The wedge shaped spaces37in the embodiment illustrated are represented as being similar in size and shape to the wedge shaped fingers38, though they could be larger or smaller, depending on the desired performance standards for the intended application. Each finger38has a free end38athat preferably has a shape that is substantially complementary to the harness sleeve28(seeFIGS. 1 and 2) or other elongated items that it will engage. Accordingly, if the harness sleeve28is generally circular in cross-section, thereby having a convex outer surface, as shown, then the free ends38apreferably have a complementary concave surface that defines an arc of a circle substantially similar in diameter as the circular arc defined by the outer surface of the harness sleeve28. Of course, it should be recognized that the fingers38could be provided in any suitable number and could be shaped other than generally pie shaped, such as being rectangular, curvilinear, or otherwise, depending on the application.

The fingers38are fixed to the band34at ends opposite the free ends38ain the manner of a cantilever spring. The cantilever action is advantageous because it allows the finger ends38ato resiliently deflect generally along the central axis35of the positioning device32to permit the positioning device32to be moved axially relative to the harness sleeve28along it length. The harness sleeve28, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, when used in conjunction with the fingers38, is particularly advantageous if it has the annular corrugations30extending circumferentially about the sleeve28. The corrugations30are formed of alternating circumferentially extending annular crests30aand circumferentially extending annular channels or troughs30bto provide a natural engagement and locking feature for the fingers38that ensures reliable positioning of the positioning device32, and yet, allows the positioning device30to move easily upon the application of a force on the band34in an axial direction along the harness sleeve28. Such a force, applied to the band34with sufficient magnitude, causes the fingers38to deflect axially away from the band34during assembly, as shown inFIG. 1, in the manner of cantilevers and permit the ends38ato ride over the crests30aand snap resiliently between adjacent corrugations30and into the troughs30b(FIG. 2) to establish a new position for the positioning device32. Of course, for the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the fingers38deflect axially inwardly toward the band34if the device32is being moved from its assembled position toward a disassembled position away from the sensor14. It is also feasible, in the absence of corrugations30, to rely on friction between the finger ends38aand the elongated item that they engage. Furthermore, the elongated item need not be harness sleeve28, as the fingers38might directly engage the wiring harness in the absence of a protective sleeve. For any embodiment, the force applied to move the positioning device32must be sufficient to overcome the resistance between the fingers38and any elongated component that they engage. The resistance to deflection applied by the fingers38can be altered by adjusting the their length, overall size, number and type and/or thickness of material formed from in manufacture.

The positioning device32has a rim40extending radially outwardly from the band34. In this example, the rim40is positioned at the same end of the band34as the fingers38. The rim40acts as a stop when the positioning device32is pushed to a fully assembled position relative to the sensor sleeve12.

FIG. 4shows an alternate embodiment33of the positioning device, substantially similar to device32but, wherein the fingers38are positioned adjacent to one another, and thus, substantially omits the spaces between the adjacent fingers38. Instead, the adjacent fingers38are spaced circumferentially from one another by slits41having a generally uniform width along their length.

FIG. 5shows another alternate embodiment42of the positioning device. The positioning device42comprises an elongated, tapered band44to which are attached a plurality of fingers46. The band44defines a central space48into which the fingers46extend. The fingers46are arranged circumferentially around the band44adjacent to one another (alternately, they may be in spaced apart relation as in the first embodiment above). Preferably, the ends46aof fingers46are shaped (in this case with a circular arc) to accommodate the elongated item that they will engage during use. A rim50extends radially outwardly from the band44, wherein the rim50is positioned at an opposite end of band44from the fingers46.

FIG. 6illustrates another alternate embodiment52of the positioning device. Again, the device52comprises a band54to which a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers56are attached. The band54is not elongated as in the embodiments previously described but, nevertheless, defines a central space58into which the fingers56extend. The fingers56, although shown in spaced apart relation to one another, thereby defining wedge shaped spaces as in the first embodiment, could be formed as shown inFIG. 4adjacent one another.

FIG. 7illustrates another alternate embodiment60of the positioning device. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, wherein the device60comprises a band62to which a plurality of resilient, flexible full length fingers64are attached, however, shorter reduced length partial fingers65extend between the full length fingers64to define partial wedge shaped spaces67between the full length fingers64adjacent free ends66of the fingers64. The partial fingers65are represented here, by way of example, as being similar in width to the full length fingers64, however, the widths of the partial fingers65could be varied to be wider or narrower than the full length fingers64, as desired for the intended application.

The truncated partial fingers65preferably extend a predetermined length inwardly such that they remain spaced in a slight clearance relative to the harness sleeve28received therethrough (FIG. 8), thereby facilitating the ease with which the device60can be moved along the length of the associated harness sleeve28, while still acting to maintain the harness sleeve28in a generally concentric relation to the device60. Accordingly, the harness sleeve28is prevented from moving radially between the spaced fingers64. Although a slight clearance fit may be preferred in some applications, it is contemplated that a line-to-line fit could exist between the shorter fingers65and the harness sleeve28, or other elongate member received therethrough. Otherwise, the device60is generally the same as describe above in reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 9illustrates another alternate embodiment68of the positioning device. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, wherein the device68comprises a conically tapered band70to which a plurality of resilient, flexible full length fingers72are attached. However, the device68has shorter reduced length partial fingers73extending between the full length fingers74to define partial wedge shaped spaces74between the full length fingers72in the same fashion as described above in relation toFIGS. 7 and 8. Accordingly, given the discussion above in relation toFIGS. 7 and 8, no further discussion is believed necessary.

FIG. 10illustrates another alternate embodiment76of the positioning device. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, wherein the device76comprises a band77that is generally flat, to which a plurality of resilient, flexible full length fingers78are attached. However, the device76has shorter reduced length partial fingers79extending between the full length fingers78to define partial wedge shaped spaces80between the full length fingers78in the same fashion as described above in relation toFIGS. 7-9. Accordingly, given the discussion above in relation toFIGS. 7-9, no further discussion is believed necessary.

FIG. 11illustrates another alternate embodiment82of the positioning device. This embodiment can by used in accordance with any of the embodiments discussed above which have an elongate band, and is illustrated here as having full length fingers83and partial length fingers85in alternating sequence. A band84of the device82is represented, by way of example, as being generally oval in shape. Accordingly, the band is preferably used in conjunction with a sensor sleeve86having an oval bore88of complimentary size and shape to an outer surface of the band84, such that the band84can be readily received and attached in the oval bore88, preferably in a close fit therewith. It should be recognized that although the band84is represented as being oval, it could take on any non-circular shape in radial cross-section, as desired, such as square or otherwise.

FIG. 12illustrates another alternate embodiment90of the positioning device. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4, and7-8, wherein the device90comprises a band92to which at least one, and shown as a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers94are attached, however, the positioning device90is formed as one piece of material with a protective sensor sleeve96. The sensor sleeve96can be fabricated having any suitable length and circumferential shape, depending on the application. Further, the sensor sleeve96can have an inner protective layer98of any suitable material to provide added protection against vibration, abrasion, acoustic, EMI, and/or thermal affects. Otherwise, the positioning device90and its associated features function generally the same as discussed above in relation toFIGS. 1-4, and7-8, and so, no further discussion is necessary.

FIG. 13illustrates another alternate embodiment100of the positioning device. This embodiment can be constructed with at least one, and shown as a plurality of fingers102,103extending radially into a central space104of the positioning device100. Rather than the fingers102,103extending inwardly to form a single opening, as in the previous embodiments, the fingers102, extend toward one axis to form one opening105, while the fingers103extend inwardly toward a separate axis to form another opening107separate from the opening105. As such, the separate openings105,107allow the positioning device100to receive a pair of elongate members therein, such as a pair of separate wire harnesses106.

Accordingly, in view of the description of the presently preferred embodiments above, it should be recognized that positioning devices constructed in accordance with the invention can be fabricated in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations to accommodate many different applications. It should be further understood that the devices can be used in conjunction with a single wire harness, a pair of wire harnesses, or more. If more than two wire harnesses are to be received in the positioning devices, the finger or fingers can be fabricated to project toward as many axes to form as many openings as necessary to accommodate multiple wiring harnesses. It should also be understood that the fingers of the positioning devices can formed having any suitable shape and size, and that they can be provided as full fingers, as inFIGS. 3-6, or have partial fingers, as inFIGS. 7-11.

Positioning devices and positioning assemblies constructed in accordance with the invention provide numerous advantages for securing protective sleeves or other items at a predetermined position along an elongated item, such as a wiring harness, for example. By way of example and without limitation, they securely fasten and/or maintain the protective sleeve at the desired position to protect a component, such as an electrical sensor, and yet, are easily moved along the elongated item to reposition the protective sleeve. This allows the protective sleeve to be quickly removed from the item for component maintenance and then readily repositioned to protect the component without damage to the sleeve, thereby allowing it to be reused. Furthermore, the positioning assembly or device can be part of a sub-assembly that includes the component being protected, the wiring harness, the harness sleeve and the component sleeve. This contributes to a reduction is costs associated with the integration of the sub-assembly into the vehicle, as the steps of assembling the protective sleeve are minimized.

Obviously, in light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.