FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, rule 13]
TITLE: “A WIRING HARNESS RETRACTING MECHANISM FOR A DOOR ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD THEREOF”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the disclosure and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD:
Present disclosure, in general, relates to automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to door panels that include assemblies of wiring harnesses. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a mechanism for retracting a wiring harness into the door panel during operation and a door assembly thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE:
Generally, a door assembly of a vehicle includes a door, a door panel, and a door frame. The door panel includes electrical components such as but not limited to a reverse parking sensor, a camera, a tail lamp, a window retractor, power window switches, side indicators, a registration plate lamp, brake lamps, etc. Electrical power for energizing and operation of the electrical components installed inside the door assembly is supplied through at least one wiring harness. The wiring harness is a collection of wires/cables used to supply the electric power and the wiring harness can be channelized as a single cable assembly. The wiring harness is channelized from a vehicle body frame to the door panel of the door assembly. The wiring harness is channelized through the openings made in the vehicle body frame and the door assembly.
In vehicles including winged door panels, such as required in vehicles including, ambulance vehicles, the winged door panels may be opened to about 270 degrees, for easy and fast movement of boarding and deboarding into and out from the vehicle. During opening of the door assembly, a portion of the wiring harness is provided to retain inside the door panel, which may be drawn-out to compensate for the length of the wiring harness when the door of the vehicle is opened. The drawn-out wiring harness is sagged in a space created between the vehicle body frame and the door assembly while the door is open. The wiring harness may be pinched between the vehicle body frame and the door panel while the door of the vehicle is closed due to lack of retraction of the wiring harness into the door panel.
The sagging of the additional wiring harness may be pinched while the door of the vehicle is closed. Due to the pinching of the wiring harness, the wiring harness may be damaged and needs regular replacement with the new wiring harness. The replacement of the wiring harness regularly and in a short period of time is tedious, costly and laborious.
Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE:
One or more shortcomings of the limitations stated above are overcome by a mechanism and a door assembly as claimed. Additional features and advantages are realized through the aspects and techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a mechanism for retracting a wiring harness is disclosed. The mechanism includes a clamp, a wiring harness, at least one resilient member, and a holder. The clamp is rigidly fixed to a portion of a door panel of the door assembly. At least one resilient member is defined with a first end and a second end. The first end of at least one resilient member may be connected to the clamp. The second end of at least one resilient member is being connectable to at least a portion of a wiring harness. The wiring harness is movably disposed in the door assembly. The at least one resilient member is configured to operate to a first condition to displace the wiring harness from a door, when the door assembly is operated to an open condition. The at least one resilient member is configured to operate to a second condition to retract the wiring harness into the door, when the door assembly is operated to a closed condition. Further, a holder is configured to connect the second end of the at least one resilient member to the wiring harness.
In an embodiment, the clamp is mounted to an inner panel of the vehicle door.
In an embodiment, the second end of the at least one resilient member is connected at a predefined portion along the length of wiring harness through the holder.
In an embodiment, the second end of the at least one resilient member is connected to the holder by means of a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism such as but not limited to a hook coupling, a snap-fit coupling, a fastening mechanism, a screw coupling, a nut-bolt fastening, a joining, a riveting, and an adhesive coupling.
In an embodiment, at least one resilient member is operated between the first condition and a second condition. In the first condition the at least one resilient member expands while the door of the vehicle is in an open condition. In the second condition the at least one resilient member contracts/relaxes [relaxes to regain at least one resilient member’s original condition] while the door of the vehicle is in a close condition.

In an embodiment, at least one resilient member retracts the wiring harness into the door panel while the door is closed.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The door assembly comprises a door, at least one panel, and a wiring harness retracting mechanism. The door is adapted to fit to an opening of the vehicle and the panel is connected to an inner portion of the door. The mechanism for retracting a wiring harness includes a clamp, a wiring harness, at least one resilient member, and a holder. The clamp is rigidly fixed to a portion of a door panel of the door assembly. The at least one resilient member is defined with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the clamp and the second end is being connectable to at least a portion of a wiring harness. The wiring harness is movably disposed in the door assembly. The at least one resilient member may be configured to operate to a first condition to displace the wiring harness from the door, when the door assembly is operated to an open condition. The at least one resilient member may be configured to operate to a second condition to retract the wiring harness into the door, when the door assembly is operated to a closed condition. Further, the holder may be configured to connect the second end of the at least one resilient member to the wiring harness.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a door assembly in an open condition including a wiring harness retracting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates the door assembly in a closed condition including the wiring harness retracting mechanism provided within a door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a magnified view of the wiring harness retracting mechanism of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the wiring harness retracting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE:
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanisms or assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its mechanism and assembly, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a mechanism, an assembly or device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a door assembly having a mechanism for retracting a wiring harness into a door panel. The wiring harness tends to sag between the vehicle body frame and the door assembly while the door is being opened. The wiring harness may not be pulled back into the door panel of the door assembly completely due to lack of retraction of the wiring harness into the door panel. The wiring harness may be pinched between the vehicle body frame and the door panel while the door of the vehicle is closed. In order to eliminate the pinching of the wiring harness while the door is closed, the mechanism is installed inside the door panel of the door assembly. The mechanism comprises a clamp, at least one resilient member, and a holder. The clamp is rigidly fixed to a portion of the door panel of the door assembly. The at least one resilient member is defined with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the clamp and the second end is being connectable to at least a portion of a wiring harness. The wiring harness is movably disposed in the door assembly. The at least one resilient member is configured to operate to a first condition to displace the wiring harness from the door, when the door assembly is operated to an open condition. The at least one resilient member is configured to operate to a second condition to retract the wiring harness into the door, when the door assembly is operated to a closed condition. Further, a holder is configured to connect the second end of the at least one resilient member to the wiring harness. By using such mechanism, the pinching of the wiring harness can be eliminated by including at least one resilient member into the mechanism to retract the wiring harness back into the door panel while the door is closed to mitigate or prevent pinching effect.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to

Figures 1 to 4. In the figure, neither the complete door assembly nor the complete vehicle is illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a door assembly (7) includes a wiring harness retracting mechanism [hereinafter referred to as mechanism] (100) and without a door panel (5) to depict the mechanism (100). The door assembly (7) includes a door (8), and the door panel (5) connected to an inner portion of the door (8) of a vehicle (200). The door assembly (7) includes electrical components which are installed inside the door assembly (7) and are covered by the door panel (5), wherein the door panel (5) is removed in the figures in order to clearly depict the mechanism (100). The electrical components such as but not limited to a reverse parking sensor, a camera, a tail lamp, a window retractor, power window switches, side indicators, a registration plate lamp, brake lamps, etc. Such electrical components are required to be powered by appropriate electrical power for energizing and operation of the electrical components installed inside the door assembly (7) that may be supplied through the wiring harness (2). The wiring harness (2) is channelized from a power source (not shown) [such as a vehicle battery] thought the vehicle body frame (6) to the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7). The wiring harness (2) is channelized through an opening (10) defined in the vehicle body frame (6) and passes through another such opening (9) defined in the door assembly (7). A portion of the wiring harness (2) is provided to be retained inside the door panel (5), which may be drawn-out to compensate for the length of the wiring harness (2) when the door (8) of the vehicle (200) is opened [as best shown in Figure 2]. The portion of the wiring harness (2) is drawn out of the door panel (5) when the door (8) is opened.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the mechanism (100) includes a clamp (1), the wiring harness (2), at least one resilient member (3) and a holder (4). The mechanism (100) may be installed inside the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7). The clamp (1) is rigidly fixed to a portion of the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7) by means of a fastening such as but not limited to a bolt-nut fastening, a screw, a welding, a coupling, a snap-fitting, a riveting, a clamping, etc. The wiring harness (2) is movably disposed in the door assembly (7). The wiring harness (2) is connected between the electrical components accommodated inside the door assembly (7) and the power source present in the vehicle body frame (6). The portion of the wiring harness (2) is provided to be retained inside the door panel (5) which may be drawn-out to compensate the length of the wiring harness (2) when the door (8) of the vehicle (200) is opened. The wiring harness (2) is drawn out of the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7) when the

door (8) of the vehicle (200) is opened. The wiring harness (2) is drawn out of the door panel (5) through the opening (9) defined in the door assembly (7). The portion of the wiring harness drawn-out of the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7) hangs freely in a space created between the vehicle body frame (6) and the door assembly (7) when the door (8) of the vehicle (200) is opened. The drawn-out wiring harness (2) is retracted into the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7) by utilizing at least one resilient member (3). At least one resilient member is defined with a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), where the first end (3a) of at least one resilient member (3) is connected to the clamp (1) and the second end (3b) of at least one resilient member (3) is being connectable to at least a portion of the wiring harness (2) [best seen from the Figure 3]. The second end (3b) of at least one resilient member (3) is connectable to the wiring harness (2) through the holder (4). The second end (3b) of at least one resilient member is connected to the holder (4) by means of a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism such as but not limited to a hook coupling, a snap-fit coupling, a fastening mechanism, a screw coupling, a nut-bolt fastening, a joining, a riveting, and an adhesive coupling. The holder (4) is connected with the wiring harness (2) by means of but not limited to heat shrinking, snap fitting, adhesive coupling, joining, etc. At least one resilient member (3) and the wiring harness (2) are connectable together, wherein the wiring harness (2) may not be passing inside the coils of the at least one resilient member (3) rather the wiring harness (2) is channelized adjacent to at least one resilient member (3). The adjacent arrangement of the wiring harness (2) and at least one resilient member (3) prevents the pinching of the wiring harness by the coils of at least one resilient member (3). The second end (3b) of at least resilient member (3) is displaced into an expanded condition when the door (8) is opened as at least one resilient member (3) is connectable to the wiring harness (2). Therefore, at least one resilient member (3) is displaced by and along with the wiring harness (2) upon the operation of the door (8) of the vehicle (200). During closing of the door (8), the wiring harness (2) is retracted back into the door panel (5) of the door assembly (7) due to at least one resilient member (3) is connectable with the wiring harness (2). At least one resilient member (3) used may be but not limited to a compression spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, etc.
In an operational embodiment, for retracting the wiring harness (2), the door assembly (7) includes the mechanism (100), as best seen through Figures 1 and 2, which may be disposed inside the door panel (5) of the door (8). A method of securing a wiring harness (2) by a wiring harness retracting mechanism (100) [as best seen through Figures 3 and 4] includes the wiring harness (2), and at least one resilient member (3). The method includes at least one resilient

member which may be operable) between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, at least one resilient member (3) expands and in the second condition, at least one resilient member (3) regains its original condition [relaxed condition]. In the first condition of the at least one resilient member (3), a portion of the wiring harness (2) is provided to retain inside the door panel (5) may be drawn-out to compensate for the length of the wiring harness (2) while the door (8) of the vehicle (200) is being opened [as best shown in Figure 1]. In the second condition of the at least one resilient member (3), the wiring harness (2) is retracted back into the door panel (5) due to the retracting force of at least one resilient member (3) while the door (8) of the vehicle (200) is being closed [as best shown in Figure 2].
In an embodiment, the clamp (1) may be mounted to an inner panel (5) of a vehicle door (8).
In an embodiment, the second end (3a) of at least one resilient member (3) is connected at a predefined portion along the length of wiring harness (2) through the holder (4).
In an embodiment, the second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) is connected to the holder (4) by means of a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may include but not limited to a hook coupling, a snap-fit coupling, a fastening mechanism, a screw coupling, an adhesive coupling, etc.
In an embodiment, the wiring harness retracting mechanism (100) eliminates the pinching of the sagged wiring harness (2) between the vehicle body frame (6) and the door assembly (7) during the closing of the door (8) of the vehicle (200). The mechanism (100) reduces the wear and tear of the wiring harness (2) and increases the life of the wiring harness (2) for longer use and hence reduces the replacement the wiring harness (2) in a short period.
Equivalents:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred

embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
1 Clamp
2 Wiring harness
3 At least one resilient member
3a First end of the at least one resilient member
3b Second end of the at least one resilient member
4 Holder
5 Door panel
6 Vehicle frame/body
7 Door assembly
8 Door
9 Opening provided in the door assembly
10 Opening provided in the vehicle body frame
100 Wiring harness retracting mechanism
200 Vehicle

We Claim:
1. A wiring harness retracting mechanism (100) for a door assembly (7) of a vehicle, the
mechanism (100) comprising:
a clamp (1) rigidly fixed to a portion of a door panel (5) of the door assembly (7); and
Sat least one resilient member (3) defined with a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), the first end (3a) of the at least one resilient member (3) being connected to the clamp (1) and the second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) being connectable to at least a portion of a wiring harness (2) being movably disposed in the door,
wherein the at least one resilient member (3) is configured to operate to a first condition to displace the wiring harness from the door, when the door assembly (7) is operated to an open condition, and the at least one resilient member (3) is configured to operate to a second condition to retract the wiring harness (2) into the door, when the door assembly (7) is operated to a closed condition.
2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one resilient member (3) is a coil spring.
3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one holder (4) adapted to secure the wiring harness (2) passing from the door.
4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first end (3a) and second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) being defined with a connection portion, and wherein the connection portion at the first end of the at least one resilient member is connected to the clamp (1), and the connection portion at the second end of the at least one resilient member is connected to the at least one holder (4).
5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one holder (4) is defined with the coupling provision for engaging with the connection portion of the second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (2).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one holder (4) is configured to support the at least one resilient member (2) to retract the wiring harness (2) into the door panel (5).
7. A method of securing a wiring harness (2) by a wiring harness retracting mechanism, the method comprising:
connecting a first end (3a) of at least one resilient member (3) to a clamp (1);
connecting a second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) to at least portion of a wiring harness (2), wherein the second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) is displaceably connectable to the portion of the wiring harness (2);
operating the at least one resilient member (3) to a first condition when a door assembly (7) is in an open condition; and
operating the at least one resilient member (3) to a second condition with retracting the wiring harness (2) into a door panel (5) on operating the door assembly (7) to a closed condition.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one resilient member (3) is operated in the second condition by retracting the wiring harness (2) into the door panel (5) on operating the door assembly (7) into the second condition.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein engaging the second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) being connectable to the wiring harness (2) through a holder (4) positioned between at least one resilient member (3) and the wiring harness (2).
10. A door assembly of a vehicle (200), comprising:
a door (7) connectable to a body (6) of the vehicle;
at least one panel (5) connected to an inner portion of the door (7) and a mechanism (100) for retracting a wiring harness, the mechanism (100) comprising:
a clamp (1) rigidly fixed to a portion of a door panel (5) of the door assembly (7); and
at least one resilient member (3) defined with a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), the first end (3a) of the at least one resilient member (3) being connected to the clamp (1) and the second end (3b) of the at least one resilient

member (3) being connectable to at least a portion of a wiring harness (2) being movably disposed in the door,
wherein the at least one resilient member (3) is configured to operate to a first condition to displace the wiring harness from the door, when the door assembly (7) is operated to an open condition, and the at least one resilient member (3) is configured to operate to a second condition to retract the wiring harness (2) into the door, when the door assembly (7) is operated to a closed condition.
11. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one resilient member (3) is a coil spring.
12. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 9, comprises at least one holder (4), adapted to secure the wiring harness (2) passing from the door.
13. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the first end (3a) and second end (3b) of the at least one resilient member (3) being defined with a connection portion, and wherein the connection portion at the first end of the at least one resilient member is connected to the clamp (1), and the connection portion at the second end of the at least one resilient member is connected to the at least one holder (4).