Flanged Conduit Support Assembly for Rapid Concrete Cable Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating openings in poured concrete structures for routing low voltage cables are time-consuming and expensive, requiring elaborate support systems for securing conduit sections to rebar or other structures.
Innovation Solution
A flanged conduit support system with a ganging mechanism and removable cap that allows for rapid securing and locking of conduit sections during concrete pours, enabling easy formation of pathways for electrical cables by snapping multiple supports together and preventing concrete entry into conduits until cured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bracing and wiring methods are used to secure conduit sections to rebar, then the conduit can be secured to form openings in concrete, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components (support bodies with flanges and hubs) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Multiple support bodies can be ganged together using snap members to form standardized configurations, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining secure conduit attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bodies are pre-formed with integrated flanges for form attachment and hubs for conduit reception. The ganging mechanism with male and female snap members is pre-configured, allowing rapid assembly of multiple supports in standardized patterns before the concrete pour, eliminating time-consuming on-site fabrication and wiring operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual conduit supports are installed separately, then each conduit opening can be formed, but the installation process requires individual treatment and becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support bodies are merged into a single ganged assembly using interlocking snap members. The male snap member on one support engages with the female snap member on adjacent supports, creating a unified structure that maintains the ability to accommodate multiple conduit configurations while being installed as a single unit, dramatically increasing installation productivity.
3Ease of operation
If conduit openings are formed during concrete pouring, then cable pathways are created, but concrete may enter the conduit and complicate the process
Solution Approach 1:
Conduit sections are pre-installed within the hub structures before the concrete pour begins. The hubs are designed to receive and secure the conduit sections in proper positioning, ensuring that cable pathways are established and protected from concrete contamination before the harmful concrete pouring process occurs.
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
This solution provides an economical and efficient method for forming multiple openings in concrete structures, reducing installation time and costs by allowing easy routing of cables through secured conduit pathways after concrete curing.
Implementation Method 1
The ganging means includes a male snap member and a female snap member. The male snap member includes a tab with a tapered end. The tab includes a top surface with a first stop and a bottom surface with a second stop. The female snap member includes a receiving slot for engaging the tab of the male snap member.
Data Source
AI summary
A flanged conduit support for forming openings in a poured concrete structure. The flanged conduit support includes a flange and a hub with a socket. A ganging means on the flanged conduit support enables the joining and locking of two or more supports together in a spaced relationship. The ganging means includes a male snap member with a tab and a tapered end and the female snap member includes a receiving slot. The flanged conduit support provides a means for rapidly securing a first end of conduit to a form and capping the opposite ends of the conduit to prevent the entry of concrete during the concrete pour. A removable cap may be removed after the concrete cures to provide one or more open pathways for running electrical cables through the horizontal floors or vertical walls.