Connector Assembly With Compressed Ring for Wet Locations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies fail to provide effective resistance to contaminants like dust and moisture, and are not versatile enough to accommodate both threaded and unthreaded conduits.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a cylindrical connector body, compression ring, and sealing ring, where the compression nut presses against the compression ring, and the sealing ring forms a superior seal with the connector body, allowing the assembly to securely fit both threaded and unthreaded conduits by using a compression ring with a circumferential gap that narrows to secure the conduit and a sealing ring with a diameter difference for enhanced water-resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional connector assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the resistance to contaminants like dust and moisture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a connector body, a compression ring with circumferential gap, and a sealing ring with diameter difference. Each component performs a specific function - the compression ring secures the conduit while the sealing ring provides contaminant resistance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve superior protection without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring acts as an intermediary element between the connector body and the external environment. It is positioned within the connector body to form a seal that prevents contaminants from reaching internal components. This intermediary component directly addresses the contaminant resistance issue while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connector assemblies are used, then the design is specialized for specific conduit types, but the versatility to accommodate both threaded and unthreaded conduits is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring is designed with a circumferential gap that allows it to function universally with both threaded and unthreaded conduits. The gap enables the ring to compress and adapt to different conduit types without requiring specialized threading or complex adjustment mechanisms. This universal design achieves versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single, simple component geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compression ring with smooth inner surface is used, then unthreaded conduits can be secured, but threaded conduits cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring exhibits local quality through its circumferential gap feature. The gap creates localized compression zones that can adapt to different conduit surface characteristics. For unthreaded conduits, the smooth portions compress uniformly, while for threaded conduits, the gap allows the ring to conform to the threaded profile. This local variation in compression distribution enables compatibility with both conduit types while maintaining reliable securing effectiveness.
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 assembly provides superior protection against contaminants and moisture, securely accommodating both threaded and unthreaded conduits without the need for rethreading, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The compression ring 130 helps secure the conduit 110 to the connector assembly 100
Implementation Method 2
the sealing ring 140 pressing against the connector body 150 helps form a superior seal between the connector body 150 and the conduit 110. This seal resists contaminants such as dust and moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A compression ring includes an outer surface opposing an inner surface, with teeth extending radially inwardly from the inner surface. First and second circumferential ends are complementarily interfittable, and are separated by a circumferential gap, allowing the compression ring to be compressable when being installed in a connector assembly. First and second axial ends of the compression ring are chamfered to facilitate compression. The teeth extend circumferentially from the first and second circumferential ends and are complementary to conduit threading. Each tooth includes first and second sides, with the first side perpendicular to the inner surface to resist pullout of a conduit from the connector assembly. The teeth terminate in sharp points for better gripping of unthreaded conduits. A compressed compression ring accommodates threaded conduits by complementarily mating with threading, and unthreaded conduits by biting into their outer surfaces. Internal and external sealing gaskets provide seals from moisture.