Corrugated Conduit Fitting with Visual Alignment Detents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs for corrugated conduits fail to provide accurate alignment and secure engagement with associated structures due to concealed alignment features, making it difficult for users to properly connect the conduits.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a cylindrical hollow body and resilient tabs that include outwardly and inwardly extending detents, along with a retaining ring with inclined surfaces and detents, allows for easy alignment and secure engagement of corrugated conduits by abutting the conduit's corrugations and providing a radially inwardly extending wall for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple one piece connectors with resilient tabs are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to concealed alignment features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (color coding or transparent sections) on the fitting body to reveal the position of concealed alignment features (apertures and fingers). This allows users to see and align with the hidden features during installation, solving the problem of concealed alignment while maintaining the simple one-piece connector design.
2Manufacturing precision
If multi-component designs with multiple rings are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (alignment features, retention mechanisms, and mounting structures) into a single integrated fitting body. The concealed alignment features are built into the one-piece structure, eliminating the need for separate alignment rings or multiple components, thus reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the concealed alignment features (apertures and fingers) within the structure of the fitting body itself. The alignment features are hidden within the walls or structure of the fitting, allowing the outer surface to remain simple while containing precise alignment mechanisms inside.
3Ease of manufacture
If concealed alignment features are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators such as color-coded sections or transparent portions on the fitting body that reveal the location of concealed alignment features. This allows users to easily see and align with the hidden apertures and fingers during installation, solving the alignment difficulty while keeping the manufacturing process 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
The solution enables easy and accurate alignment and secure connection of corrugated conduits to associated structures, such as control or switch boxes, by allowing users to visually align the conduit's corrugations with the fitting's detents, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
Implementation Method 1
an array of fingers extending axially therefrom, for insertion into a fitting body... each of the at least two ring resilient tabs defines an inwardly extending detent adapted to engage a corrugation of the corrugated conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for joining a corrugated conduit to a structure associated therewith is disclosed. The fitting comprises a hollow body having an inner chamber and at least two body resilient tabs extending from an end. The at least two body resilient tabs define at least two body gaps therebetween. Each of the at least two body resilient tabs defines an outwardly extending detent. The fitting also comprises a retaining ring including a flange and at least two ring resilient tabs extending from the flange and defining ring gaps therebetween. Each of the at least two ring resilient tabs defines an inwardly extending detent adapted to engage a corrugated conduit. Each of the at least two body resilient tabs is selectively inserted in a corresponding one of the at least two ring gaps, and the outwardly extending detents selectively engage an end of the flange of the retaining ring.