Condulet Coupler for Mid-Stream Wiring Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical conduit systems face challenges in efficiently extending wiring within limited space and complying with electrical codes, requiring costly and labor-intensive installation of new conduit for additional wiring needs, especially when space is constrained near condulets.
Innovation Solution
A condulet coupler that can be attached to existing condulets, providing additional space for wiring redirection and splicing, with features like offset apertures and wedge nut fasteners for secure attachment, allowing for mid-stream taps and code-compliant solutions without the need for new conduit installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If new conduit is installed to extend wiring, then wiring capacity is increased, but material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condulet coupler is installed inside the existing conduit system, nesting a new access point within the existing infrastructure. This allows wiring extensions to be created without adding external conduit, effectively increasing wiring capacity while avoiding the material and labor costs of installing new conduit runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The condulet coupler serves as an intermediary device that connects to the existing conduit and provides a new access point. It mediates between the existing wiring infrastructure and the need for additional wiring capacity, enabling extensions without requiring complete new conduit installation.
2Quantity of substance
If new conduit is installed to extend wiring, then wiring capacity is increased, but labor and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the condulet coupler within the existing conduit system, the invention eliminates the time-consuming process of installing new conduit runs. The coupler can be quickly attached to existing condulets, significantly reducing installation time while still providing the needed wiring capacity extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The condulet coupler is designed to attach to pre-installed condulets that are already positioned along the conduit run. This preliminary placement of access points during initial construction allows for future wiring extensions without requiring new conduit installation, saving significant installation time when additional wiring is needed.
3Quantity of substance
If conduits are filled to high capacity, then excess capacity is available for future use, but working space in existing conduit becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The condulet coupler segments the conduit system by creating additional access points along the conduit run. This segmentation divides the single large working space into multiple smaller access points, each providing sufficient working space for wiring operations without requiring the entire conduit to be emptied or accessed from distant endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The condulet coupler adds a new dimensional aspect to the conduit system by creating lateral access points through the coupler body. Instead of working linearly from conduit ends, electricians can access wiring from intermediate points along the conduit run, effectively adding a new dimension to the working space geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A condulet coupler is provided for attachment to a condulet. The condulet coupler can facilitate tapping into an existing conduit system and reclosing the condulet opening to introduce new conduit runs beginning midstream in an in-place conduit and to introduce splices in an existing run. Other functional changes, such as rerouting select wiring, can also be served by the condulet coupler.