Underground Conduit Outlet Cam Guide for Clean Low-Cost Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line outlets for underfloor ducts and cassettes are complex, expensive to produce, and aesthetically unpleasing, with issues such as dirt accumulation, damage to surrounding structures, and high manufacturing costs due to multiple sheet metal parts and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A line outlet design featuring a frame with a movably mounted cover that uses guide elements and contours to transition between closed and open positions without requiring a counter bearing, allowing for easy assembly and aesthetic enhancements through surface treatments, and utilizing a pressure or injection molding process for production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sheet metal parts and complex assembly processes are used, then the line outlet can achieve functional requirements, but the manufacturing cost increases and production becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sheet metal parts into a single integrated component. The frame and cover are designed as unified structures with integrated guide contours, eliminating the need for separate guide elements, counter bearings, and multiple assembly steps. This merging reduces part count and assembly complexity while maintaining functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides the cover movement through integrated contours, and eliminates the need for separate counter bearings. The guide contours are built into the frame itself, making the frame a multi-functional component that reduces overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a handle with recess is provided for lifting, then the line outlet can be operated, but dirt accumulation occurs and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate handle component and its associated recess from the design. Instead of providing a dedicated handle with a dirt-trapping recess, the cover edge itself serves as the gripping surface. This extraction of the handle function eliminates the harmful recess while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping function is merged into the cover structure itself. The edge of the cover serves dual purposes: it forms part of the sealed enclosure and simultaneously provides the gripping surface for operation. This eliminates the need for separate handle structures that would create dirt accumulation zones.
3Ease of operation
If the line outlet is raised in open position requiring a counter bearing, then the line outlet can be opened, but damage to the cassette frame occurs affecting appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide function is merged into the frame structure through integrated guide contours. These contours guide the cover's movement path, allowing the cover to be pulled open horizontally without requiring vertical lifting or counter bearings. This eliminates the harmful effect of frame damage while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the movement dynamics from vertical lifting (requiring counter bearings) to horizontal sliding along guide contours. The cover moves dynamically along a predetermined path defined by the guide contours, eliminating the need for static counter bearing supports that could damage the frame.
4Stability of the object's composition
If sheet metal cuts are joined by welding, gluing or screwing, then the parts can be assembled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate parts into a single integrated component with built-in guide contours. This eliminates the need for joining operations (welding, gluing, or screwing) between separate guide elements and the frame. The integrated design maintains structural stability while dramatically reducing assembly complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A conduit outlet (100) for an underground duct or an associated underground cassette (10) or supply unit comprises a frame (102) and a cover (130) movably mounted in the frame (102). The lid (130) has guide elements (136, 138, 140) on two opposite sides (132a, 132b) which are guided in corresponding contours (106) of a cam guide of two opposite sides (104a, 104b) of the frame (102) such that a pivot axis (160) of the lid (130) running substantially parallel to the surface (134) of the lid (130) and formed by two first guide elements (138) located opposite each other on opposite sides of the lid is displaceable along the opposite sides (104a, 104b) of the frame (102) between a first, closed and a second, open position of the lid (130).