Concrete Exclusion Structure With Score Lines For Coupler Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing uncured concrete from contacting electrical coupler assemblies during construction are time-consuming and not always effective, as they rely on wrapping materials that may fail to fully exclude concrete from moving parts of the assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A concrete exclusion structure with a housing featuring an elongated shell and end walls that form a void for the coupler assembly, including score lines for fracture after concrete hardening, and O-rings for secure tube passage, allowing for relative movement while preventing concrete entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wrapping material is used to prevent concrete contact with coupler assembly, then concrete exclusion is achieved, but installation time increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separable sections that can be opened to receive the coupler assembly and then closed to enclose it. This segmentation eliminates the need for time-consuming wrapping while providing reliable concrete exclusion through the closed sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the coupler assembly and the concrete. It provides a protective barrier that excludes concrete from contacting the coupler assembly during installation and service.
2Stability of the object's composition
If coupler assembly is encased in concrete, then structural integration is improved, but movement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing provides different properties to different parts of the system: the outer surface integrates with concrete for structural stability, while the inner void maintains movement capability for the coupler assembly. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural integration and movement capability.
3Strength
If housing wall thickness is increased for concrete exclusion, then structural strength is improved, but fracture capability after hardening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing employs varying wall thicknesses in different regions: thicker walls in areas requiring strength for concrete exclusion, and thinner walls with score lines in areas intended for controlled fracture after concrete hardening. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between strength and fracture capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete exclusion structure is formed by a housing having a shell, end walls, and one or more score lines of reduced wall thickness. The housing defines an interior void that is dimensioned to enclose a coupler assembly. Knockouts in the end walls or knockout cones allow passage of tubes associated with the coupler assembly. The exclusion structure prevents uncured concrete from contacting the coupler assembly. The structure can fracture after the concrete has cured thereby allowing portions of the coupler assembly to move relative to each other. Such fracture is typically about one of the score lines.