Compression Condulet Assembly for Threadless Metal Conduit Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rigid and intermediate metal conduit raceways require laborious and costly threaded connections, which are time-consuming, prone to imperfections, and pose safety and reliability issues due to the need for threading machines and sharp tools.
Innovation Solution
A condulet assembly that couples conduits through indentations formed by an interior ridge when a compression force is applied, eliminating the need for threads and using a gasket for sealing, thereby simplifying raceway fabrication and reducing installation time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connections are used to couple conduits, then mechanical interconnection is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the connection parameter from threaded mechanical engagement to compression-based deformation. The compression fitting applies radial compressive force to deform the conduit slightly and create friction-based mechanical interconnection, eliminating the need for threading operations and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the threaded mechanical system with a compression-based system. Instead of using threads to create mechanical interconnection, the compression fitting uses radial compression to deform the conduit and create friction-based holding force, eliminating the need for threading machines and manual thread engagement
2Ease of manufacture
If threading machines and sharp tools are used, then conduit connections can be made, but safety risks and corrosion issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threading machine and sharp cutting tools from the conduit connection process. By using compression-based deformation instead of threading, the harmful factors associated with sharp tools and complex machinery are removed, improving safety while maintaining connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a disposable compression fitting that is replaced rather than reused. This eliminates the need for expensive threading machines and sharp tools, replacing them with a simple compression device that applies force to deform the conduit and create a secure connection without creating corrosion-prone threaded interfaces
3Reliability
If conventional condulets are used for interconnections, then desired conduit coupling is achieved, but installation becomes laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the conduit coupling function with a simple compression mechanism. The compression fitting combines the coupling, sealing, and securing functions into a single operation that requires only applying compressive force, eliminating the multiple steps and complexity of conventional condulet installation while maintaining reliable coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by applying external compression force to create the connection rather than using internal threading mechanisms. This inversion simplifies the installation process from complex multi-step threading operations to a single compression action, making installation easier while maintaining coupling reliability
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 solution results in 35% to 50% time savings in raceway fabrication, avoids corrosion and grounding risks, and ensures reliable mechanical and electrical interconnections without the need for threading, thus reducing labor, safety, and material costs.
Implementation Method 1
The gasket deforms and seals a gap between the conduit and the condulet assembly when the mouth is compressed
Implementation Method 2
form indentations on the exterior of the conduit when the mouth is compressed with the conduit received therein
Data Source
AI summary
A condulet assembly for fabricating a rigid or intermediate metal conduit raceway of an electrical system is provided. The condulet assembly includes a gasket and a condulet including a condulet body and a mouth with an interior ridge positioned circumferentially along an interior of the mouth wall. The interior ridge includes a plurality of projections configured to form a plurality of indentations circumferentially around an exterior of the metal conduit and engage the metal conduit at the indentations when the mouth is compressed with the metal conduit received therein. The gasket is sized to circumscribe the conduit and includes a ring body and a first lip, wherein the ring body and the first lip deform and seal a gap between the interior of the mouth wall and the exterior of the metal conduit when the mouth is compressed with the metal conduit received therein.