Multi-Part Conduit Bender Handle With Anti-Unthreading Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit bender handles are not compact enough for shipping and lack the necessary strength and reliability to prevent unthreading during use.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part conduit bender handle comprising a lower tube with a ¾ male NPT on both ends and an upper tube with a modified ¾ female NPT, providing a threaded connection with locking characteristics that prevent unthreading under torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the conduit bender handle is made as a single solid piece, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the shipping volume increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into two separate tubular sections that can be threaded together, allowing the handle to be disassembled for compact shipping and reassembled for use. This segmentation reduces shipping volume while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
One tubular section is inserted into the other to form the complete handle assembly, creating a nested configuration that minimizes shipping volume. The inner tube fits within the outer tube, allowing compact storage and transport.
2Volume of moving object
If the handle is divided into multiple parts for compact shipping, then the shipping volume is reduced, but the reliability and resistance to unthreading during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threads are pre-formed on the tubular sections during manufacturing, and the sections are pre-assembled with the threaded connection before shipping. This preliminary threading action ensures that the joint is ready for immediate use and reduces the risk of improper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two tubular sections, providing a reliable mechanical joint that prevents unthreading during use. The threads create a self-locking connection that maintains joint integrity under operational loads.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard NPT threads are used to connect the tubular sections, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the locking characteristics and resistance to loosening under torque deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection has different properties at different locations: the external threads on one tube provide ease of engagement, while the internal threads on the other tube provide locking characteristics. This local differentiation of thread qualities achieves both ease of manufacture and anti-loosening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection combines two different thread types (external and internal) to create a composite fastening system that exhibits both ease of assembly and strong locking characteristics. The combination of thread geometries provides superior performance compared to single-thread designs.
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 multi-part handle allows for compact shipping, provides the necessary strength for conduit bending, and prevents unthreading during use, ensuring reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The modified 3/4 female NPT provides a threaded connection that includes the locking characteristics of a tapered thread with the thread depth engagement of a straight cut thread
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-part conduit bender handle preferably includes at least a lower tube and an upper tube. The lower tube preferably has an outer diameter, which allows a ¾ male national pipe tap (NPT) to be formed on opposing ends thereof. One end of the lower tube is threaded into a female ¾ NPT in a conduit bender head. An inner diameter of the upper tube is preferably sized to receive a ¾ EMT conduit. A modified ¾ female NPT is formed in one end of the upper tube and an opposing end is left open for insertion of the ¾ EMT conduit. The first modification difference is the inner diameter of the upper tube is preferably enlarged to about 1.00 inch on one end and the second modification difference is the depth of the modified ¾ NPT threads is preferably increased to about 0.85 inches.