Conduit Coupling Assembly for Watertight Slab-to-Flex Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit coupling systems face challenges in efficiently connecting liquid-tight connectors to PVC conduits positioned within concrete slabs or similar environments, particularly in wet conditions, often requiring rigid nipples and lacking efficient routing for electrical wiring.
Innovation Solution
A conduit coupling assembly method that involves cutting a tapered connection region in the PVC conduit, using a transition coupling with industrial-grade adhesive, and integrating liquid-tight male and female connectors with threaded engagement to facilitate direct connections, eliminating rigid nipples and ensuring waterproof seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid nipples are used to connect conduits in concrete slabs, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a coupling body with external threading for concrete slab insertion, an internal threading system for conduit connection, and a sealing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process compared to rigid nipples.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary component between the concrete slab and the conduit system. It provides a transition interface that accommodates both the structural requirements of the concrete slab and the connection requirements of the conduit, eliminating the need for rigid nipples while maintaining connection integrity.
2Reliability
If conventional coupling methods are used, then connection reliability is improved, but wiring routing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection, ensures liquid-tight sealing, and facilitates efficient wiring routing. The internal geometry is designed to guide wires smoothly from the concrete slab into the connected conduit, improving routing efficiency while maintaining connection reliability.
3Reliability
If liquid-tight connectors are used in wet environments, then waterproofing is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is integrated directly into the coupling body structure, merging the connection function and waterproofing function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and complex assembly procedures, achieving liquid-tight connections in wet environments while keeping assembly simple.
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
Enables efficient and watertight connections of PVC conduits to liquid-tight flex conduits in concrete slabs, facilitating wiring routing and reducing installation complexity in wet environments like data centers and HVAC equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Industrial grade adhesive is provided to securely and permanently adhere the transition coupling to the conduit
Implementation Method 2
The transition coupling is preferably provided with a male thread formation on an exterior surface therefore for threaded engagement with a female thread formation provided at an interior surface of the connector joined to the transition coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit coupling assembly facilitates connection of liquid-tight tubing with a conduit section through which associated electrical wiring and/or cables are routed. The assembly includes a transition coupling, which is joined to male and female, liquid-tight connectors. The coupling assembly is joined to the conduit and projects above an associated concrete slab or the like to position the liquid-tight connectors for efficiently joining associated liquid-tight tubing to the conduit. The conduit coupling assembly thus particularly facilitates routing of wiring from a conduit section positioned within a concrete slab or like flooring element, through the transition coupling, and the liquid-tight connectors.