Conduit Joining Head for Simultaneous Threading and Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The labor-intensive process of assembling extended lengths of conduit requires significant time and effort, as each piece must be individually threaded and coupled, which can take many hours depending on the length of conduit.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical apparatus with a torque application interface and extender joining body that allows for the simultaneous threading and joining of multiple conduit lengths, reducing the time required for assembly by applying torque through a power drive device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual threading and coupling of each conduit piece is used, then the installation allows for flexibility and ease of operation, but the assembly time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of conduit installationVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple threading operations into a single integrated apparatus that can thread and couple multiple conduit pieces simultaneously. The apparatus includes a head assembly with multiple threading tools arranged radially, allowing concurrent threading of several conduits that were previously done sequentially by hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical threading operations with a powered mechanical system. The apparatus uses an electric motor or other power source to drive the threading tools, substituting human physical effort with automated mechanical action to reduce labor intensity and assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If individual threading of each conduit piece is performed manually, then the process allows for precision and control, but the productivity and output per unit time decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreading precisionVSAvoidassembly productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the threading operation into multiple independent threading tools arranged on the apparatus head. Each tool can independently thread a conduit piece while maintaining precision, allowing parallel execution of multiple precision operations that were previously done sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus pre-positions multiple threading tools and conduit pieces in readiness before the threading operation begins. The tools are pre-configured with appropriate threading parameters, and conduit pieces are pre-arranged in the apparatus, enabling immediate simultaneous threading without sequential setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of moving object

If extended lengths of conduit are assembled using traditional methods, then the installation can be completed, but the physical labor and effort required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit lengthVSAvoidphysical labor required

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with a powered apparatus that can thread and assemble extended conduit lengths without requiring proportional increases in physical labor. The power drive system provides the necessary torque and force for threading operations, eliminating the need for workers to manually tighten multiple conduit couplings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus merges multiple threading and coupling operations into a single integrated process. By combining several threading tools and support structures into one apparatus, the system can handle extended conduit assemblies in a unified operation rather than requiring separate manual operations for each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus significantly decreases the assembly time of extended conduit lengths by up to two-thirds, from 72 minutes to 26 minutes, reducing physical labor and increasing efficiency in the electrical arts.

Implementation Method 1

applying torque to the torque application interface, wherein the apparatus screws the conduit to the coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS20230369835A1Apparatus and method for joining extended lengths of conduit

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 FEDOWITZ ANDREW

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for joining extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus and method provide a means for decreasing the time required to assemble extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus for use with the corresponding method comprises an apparatus head, an extender joining body and a conduit interface.