Cam Lock Mechanism for Conduit Cover Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw fasteners for securing conduit covers to conduit bodies are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to under- or over-tightening, which can lead to inadequate sealing and potential damage to the gasket or threads.
Innovation Solution
A cam lock mechanism with a helical cam lock outer portion and a stopper to prevent overturning, allowing for secure fastening with less effort and ensuring optimal tightening without full rotation, using a fastener that rotates with the cam lock and includes a bushing to reduce wobbling and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a screw fastener is used to secure the conduit cover, then the cover can be attached to the conduit body, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring many rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism transforms the static screwing process into a dynamic camming action. As the cam lock rotates, the cam surface progressively engages with the mating surface, converting rotational motion into linear clamping motion that rapidly secures the conduit cover without requiring multiple rotations like a screw fastener
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is segmented into distinct components: the cam lock body, the cam surface, the fastener shaft, and the stopper. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the cam surface providing the primary clamping action while the stopper prevents over-rotation, collectively achieving rapid attachment
2Productivity
If the screw is under-turned, then the fastening process is quick, but the conduit cover is not adequately secured leaving components susceptible to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism provides tactile feedback through the camming action that clearly indicates when proper engagement has been achieved. The user feels the characteristic camming resistance and hears the engagement click, providing immediate feedback that the conduit cover is adequately secured without requiring multiple rotations or guesswork
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded mechanical system is replaced with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam surface geometry provides a deterministic engagement path that naturally prevents under-turning, as the cam can only fully engage when the conduit cover is properly secured, eliminating the ambiguity inherent in screw fastening
3Strength
If the screw is over-turned, then the fastener is tightly secured, but the gasket becomes deformed or damaged and threads are stripped
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is positioned to prevent over-rotation of the cam lock before it can occur. By providing a physical barrier that engages the mating surface, the stopper performs preliminary anti-action against the harmful effect of over-tightening, protecting the gasket and threads from damage before the damage can happen
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element between the cam lock mechanism and the conduit body. It mediates the interaction by providing a definitive stop point that prevents the cam lock from rotating beyond the optimal engagement position, thereby protecting the gasket and threaded components from the harmful effects of over-rotation
4Ease of operation
If a screw fastener is used, then the conduit cover can be secured, but the user does not readily know whether optimal tightening has been reached
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism provides clear tactile and auditory feedback during the tightening process. The user can feel the cam surface engaging and hear the characteristic sound of proper engagement, providing immediate information about tightening status without requiring additional indicators or guesswork
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 cam lock mechanism enables rapid and secure attachment of conduit covers with reduced effort, ensuring proper sealing and preventing thread damage, while eliminating guesswork regarding optimal tightening.
Implementation Method 1
The cam lock outer portion 90 is preferably at least partially helical, such that as the cam lock mechanism 10 is rotated, the conduit cover 20 is brought closer to the conduit body 30
Implementation Method 2
The cam lock 50 also preferably includes a cam lock stopper 100, such as an upwardly protruding bend in the cam lock outer portion 90, to resist overturning of the cam lock mechanism 10
Implementation Method 3
a fastener 40 (see FIG. 5A) extending from a cam lock 50 (see FIG. 5B). The fastener 40 is preferably secured to the cam lock 50 such that the cam lock 50 rotates as the fastener 40 rotates about a fastener long axis
Data Source
AI summary
A cam lock mechanism for securing a conduit cover to a conduit body includes a fastener extending from a cam lock. The fastener includes a fastener shaft situated between a fastener head and the cam lock. The fastener may include a flare portion, allowing the fastener to be secured to the cam lock by inserting the flare portion into a cam lock opening and deforming the flare portion. The cam lock may include an at least partially helical cam lock outer portion extending radially outwardly farther than the fastener shaft. When the cam lock mechanism is used to secure a conduit cover to a conduit body, the conduit cover is brought closer to the conduit body as the cam lock mechanism is rotated. A cam lock stopper, such as an upward bend, may be provided in the cam lock to resist overturning of the cam lock mechanism.