Composite Conduit Assembly with Ferrule and Body Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite conduit assemblies for housing electrical cables and hydraulic hoses lack durability and flexibility to withstand harsh environmental and operational conditions, particularly in applications like drilling and pipe handling equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method of assembling composite conduit assemblies involving the positioning of a ferrule over an elongate conduit body, insertion of a body insert, expansion of the insert, and deployment of cables or hoses, followed by filling with a potting material to secure and protect the transmission lines, ensuring durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If composite conduit assemblies are designed to be durable for harsh environmental conditions, then strength and reliability improve, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit assembly is divided into multiple segments including a rigid outer conduit body for structural strength and durability, and a flexible inner liner or cable management system that provides flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the outer body protects against harsh environments while the inner flexible elements accommodate movement and positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit assembly utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties. The outer conduit body may use durable materials like steel or heavy-duty plastic for environmental resistance, while internal components or lining materials provide flexibility. This composite approach enables the assembly to simultaneously achieve both durability for harsh conditions and flexibility for adaptive positioning.
2Reliability
If cables and hoses are housed separately in individual conduits, then each component is protected and organized, but the overall system becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cables and hoses are merged into a single integrated conduit assembly rather than using separate conduits for each component. The assembly includes a common outer conduit body that houses multiple internal cables and hoses, along with a unified ferrule and cable management system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and installation steps while maintaining individual protection and organization of each cable and hose through internal structuring.
3Strength
If the conduit body is made rigid for structural strength, then durability improves, but the ability to accommodate repetitive movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit assembly separates structural functions from movement functions. The outer conduit body maintains rigid structural strength for durability and protection, while internal flexible elements or cable routing mechanisms accommodate repetitive movements. This segmentation allows the rigid outer structure to provide strength while flexible internal components handle movement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit assembly incorporates flexible elements such as a flexible inner liner, flexible cable ties, or flexible positioning mechanisms within the rigid conduit body. These flexible components allow the assembly to accommodate repetitive movements and positional adjustments while the rigid outer body maintains structural strength and protection against environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a conduit assembly that includes seating a ferrule on a distal end portion of an elongate conduit body; mounting the end portion of the conduit body on a small diameter section of a tubular body insert, the body insert has a hollow body defining a passage through the insert along a symmetrical axis and a large diameter section attached to the small diameter section via a shoulder, such that the shoulder contacts a distal end portion of the ferrule interposed axially between the large diameter section of the body insert and the distal end of the conduit body to inhibit axial contact between the distal end portion of the conduit body and the large diameter section of the body insert; radially compressing a portion of the conduit body between the body insert and the ferrule; and deploying one or more transmission lines into the conduit body.