Multi-Compartment Conduit Support for Ends and Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current conduit support systems lack comprehensive support for conduit ends and joints, leading to stress, breakage, and increased costs due to the need for multiple supports at critical locations, especially in complex systems with threaded or grooved ends and regulating devices.
Innovation Solution
A resilient conduit support block with multiple attachment areas, designed to support conduits and conduit ends at various angles and locations on a single support, made from durable materials like elastomeric or plastic, with features such as channels for temperature management and water drainage, and a base lip for secure roofing attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple single support blocks are used to support conduit ends and joints, then comprehensive support coverage is improved, but installation cost and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single support blocks into a single multi-compartment support block that can support multiple conduit ends and joints simultaneously. The support block is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of supporting a conduit end or joint, thereby providing comprehensive support coverage while reducing the total number of support blocks needed from multiple individual blocks to just one integrated block.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is designed with multi-functionality to support various types of conduit components including conduit ends, joints, and regulatory devices within a single structure. Each compartment can accommodate different conduit configurations, and the support block can be positioned to provide support at multiple critical locations simultaneously, making it a universal support solution for complex conduit systems.
2Device complexity
If traditional wooden support blocks are used, then simplicity of design is maintained, but durability and resistance to environmental degradation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the support block should be constructed from composite materials or treated materials that combine structural integrity with environmental resistance. The support block may be made from pressure-treated wood, plastic, metal, or composite materials that provide both the simplicity of a block design and enhanced durability against rot, insect damage, and environmental degradation, thereby extending the lifespan while maintaining design simplicity.
3Reliability
If supports are placed at all critical locations, then conduit protection from stress and breakage is improved, but installation cost and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple supports into a single multi-compartment support block that can protect multiple conduit ends and joints simultaneously. By positioning this integrated support block at strategic locations, the system achieves comprehensive conduit protection while improving installation efficiency, as installing one support block replaces the need to install multiple separate support blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit supporting device used to support a conduit at one or more than one location on said device, and where the device can support and receive one or more than one conduit. The device may placed, set on or affixed to a surface such as a roof, floor, pipe rack, production area, on the ground and other conventional locations where a need exists for conduit support.