Conduit Fitting Slits for Fire Suppression EMT Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems using electrical mechanical tubing (EMT) conduit sections are prone to jamming and malfunctions due to exposure to dirt and grease, leading to costly replacements and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A conduit fitting with an upper cylindrical section and a lower conical section, including slits and a threaded receiving element, is designed to couple with EMT connectors, allowing the fusible link line to pass through while minimizing exposure to environmental conditions, thereby reducing grease and dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is routed through EMT conduit sections and corner pulleys to allow movement between control unit and mechanical device, then the cable can be routed around objects and corners, but the cable is exposed at corners to dirt and grease causing jamming or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the cable inside a protective conduit structure. The conduit fitting with cylindrical and conical sections creates a nested configuration where the cable is housed within the conduit, which is itself attached to the EMT connector. This nested arrangement protects the cable from external contaminants while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit fitting acts as an intermediary component between the EMT connector and the cable. It provides a transition zone with smooth interior surfaces that guide the cable through the corner while preventing direct exposure to grease and dirt. The intermediary conduit fitting structure mediates between the rigid EMT connector and the flexible cable, protecting the cable from harmful environmental factors.
2Ease of repair
If maintenance is performed on the cable exposed to environmental conditions, then cleaning can be attempted, but maintenance is not pragmatic resulting in required replacement of EMT conduit section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the conduit fitting a replaceable, cost-effective component that protects the more expensive cable and EMT conduit section. The conduit fitting is designed as a sacrificial element that can be easily replaced if contaminated, preventing the need to replace the entire EMT conduit section and cable assembly. This disposable approach to the fitting reduces overall system replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protection system into distinct components: the EMT connector, the conduit fitting, and the cable. This segmentation allows the conduit fitting to be independently replaced without affecting the other components. The fitting is designed as a separate, modular element that can be swapped out easily, making maintenance pragmatic and cost-effective compared to replacing the entire assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the conduit fitting includes slits to allow fusible link line passage, then the fusible link line can pass through the conduit fitting, but the slits may allow some grease and dirt exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a slit design in the conduit fitting that allows the fusible link line to pass through while maintaining protection. The slit acts as a flexible opening that accommodates the line's movement and installation while minimizing the exposed surface area to contaminants. The thin film-like slit provides just enough opening for line passage while maintaining the overall protective enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of protection at different locations. The conduit fitting has sealed walls in most areas to prevent grease and dirt exposure, but includes localized slits only where necessary for fusible link line passage. This localized approach to openings maintains protection in critical areas while allowing necessary functionality, minimizing overall exposure to harmful factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit fitting is provided herein. The conduit fitting may be configured to couple to an electrical mechanical tubing (EMT) often used in a fire suppression system. The conduit fitting may include a first cylindrical section and a second conical section. The first cylindrical section and the second conical section can both include a slit extending partially through the conduit fitting.