Conduit Connector with Integrated Locknut and Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical conduit connectors, particularly two-part locknut and snap-in connectors, are labor-intensive to install, require tools, and may not provide a rigid connection, leading to safety issues and potential electrical continuity problems.
Innovation Solution
A conduit connector design featuring a body with a box engagement region and a slider that allows for easy attachment to an enclosure without tool access, using a spring clip for secure engagement and allowing for quick installation and removal, with a slider that moves to engage protrusions with the conduit for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-part locknut connectors are used to establish a rigid connection, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and labor cost increase due to requiring disassembly, reassembly, and tool use
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two functional segments: a male end with integrated locknut that attaches to the enclosure, and a female adapter end that connects to the conduit. This segmentation allows the locknut to be pre-integrated with the male end, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining the rigid connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locknut and male end are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This merging eliminates the disassembly and reassembly steps required by traditional two-part connectors, reducing installation time while preserving the secure, tool-tightened connection for reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two-part locknut connectors are disassembled for installation, then adaptability to different installations is improved, but risk of losing components and safety issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locknut is preliminarily attached to the male end before installation, and the entire connector is pre-assembled at the manufacturer. This preliminary action eliminates the need for electricians to handle and reassemble small components like locknuts during installation, preventing loss of components and eliminating safety risks associated with working inside enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated male end with attached locknut serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for separate locknut handling. The connector design mediates between the need for adaptability and safety by providing a single-component solution that can be installed without disassembly, thereby preventing component loss and safety hazards.
3Productivity
If locknut is finger-tightened to complete installation quickly, then installation speed is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The requirement for tool-based tightening is extracted from the installation process by designing the connector with features that enable secure attachment without tools. The integrated design with pre-attached locknut and conduit engagement features allows the connector to be securely installed by hand, eliminating the need to choose between finger-tightening (fast but unreliable) and tool-tightening (reliable but slow).
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the conduit connector comprises a body, a cover, and a slide located in the channel. Optionally, the body can comprising a box engagement region capable of engaging an opening in an enclosure and a channel having body sides that diverge from an inlet end toward an outlet end, wherein the sides have a cover connector. The cover can be disposed across the channel and mated with the cover connector. The slide can optionally comprise slide sides that diverge toward the outlet end, a bore extending into the slide from a first end, and protrusions extending from the slide into the channel and having a size and geometry to engage a groove on a conduit.