Adjustable Inlet Fitting for Electrical Box Sheath Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed electrical boxes have limited interior volume, making it difficult to accommodate both electrical equipment mechanisms and routing sheaths, requiring repetitive and costly installation of end pieces for multiple sheaths, which complicates the installation process and interferes with wall insertion.

Innovation Solution

A connector with an end piece that allows connection of two routing sheaths in a juxtaposed position, facilitating the connection of multiple sheaths with a single end piece attachment, enabling easier installation and orientation of sheaths to avoid interference during wall insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single end piece is used to connect one routing sheath, then the installation is simple, but multiple separate end pieces are required for multiple sheaths, increasing complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of end piecesVSAvoidcapability to connect multiple sheaths
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple routing sheath connections into a single integrated end piece structure. The end piece includes multiple ducts that can respectively receive and secure multiple routing sheaths, eliminating the need for multiple separate end pieces and simplifying the overall installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end piece is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate various routing sheaths through its multiple ducts. This universal structure can handle different cable routing requirements while maintaining a single-component solution, reducing both complexity and installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If routing sheaths are connected on opposite sides of the box, then connection is achieved, but wall insertion becomes difficult due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wall insertionVSAvoidsheath arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple routing sheath connections to exit from the same side of the electrical box through a single end piece. This consolidation eliminates the interference problem that occurs when sheaths exit from opposite sides, making wall insertion straightforward while maintaining organized cable management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the interior volume of the box is reduced to standard sizes, then the box fits standard openings, but there is insufficient space to accommodate equipment mechanisms and routing sheaths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior volume of electrical boxVSAvoidcapability to house equipment and sheaths
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the routing sheath connections outward from the electrical box through ducts in the end piece. This dimensional extension allows routing sheaths to be accommodated outside the box interior, preserving the standard box volume while providing adequate space for equipment mechanisms inside the box

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3138165B1Inlet fitting for electrical conductors in an electrical box
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 LEGRAND SNC
  • EP3138165B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3138165B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3138165B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an inlet fitting (1) for electrical conductors (331, 351) in an electrical box (200), comprising: a base (10) for securing to a component (210) of the electrical box, defining an opening for the passage of electrical conductors, and a first conduit (30) extending from the securing base and comprising means (35, 37) for connecting to a routing sheath (330) for routing electrical conductors. According to the invention, the fitting also comprises a second conduit (50) extending from the securing base and comprising means (57) for connecting to another routing sheath (350) for routing electrical conductors, the orientation of one free end part (52, 54, 56) of said second conduit being adjustable in relation to the securing base.