Deformable Tab Coupling for Electrical Conduit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for electrical conduits often have a stopper that protrudes into the cavity, preventing the conduit from being extended through, which hinders proper alignment and secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a deformable tab that can be bent inward to serve as a stop and viewing window, allowing for alignment verification and secure fastening without obstructing conduit extension, using a tool to pivot the tab between states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stopper protrudes into the cavity from the inner wall, then alignment of conduit ends is ensured, but the conduit cannot be extended through the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed as a deformable tab that can change its state between protruding (providing alignment) and retracted (allowing extension). The tab is initially in a first state where it protrudes minimally for alignment, then deforms to a second state where it protrudes further to contact conduit ends, and can be retracted to a third state allowing full extension through the coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab's position parameter is dynamically changed during installation. It transitions from an initial position that allows conduit insertion, to a deformed position that provides stopping contact for alignment, and can be retracted to allow extension. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between needing the stopper present and absent at different stages.
2Manufacturing precision
If a stopper protrudes into the cavity, then conduit alignment is confirmed, but visual verification is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into the main body and the deformable tab as separate functional elements. The tab can be independently deformed to provide alignment contact while leaving the viewing window area clear for visual verification. This segmentation allows both alignment confirmation and visual inspection to occur simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable tab acts as an intermediary element that provides tactile feedback for alignment through deformation resistance, while the viewing window provides optical verification. The tab's deformation serves as an intermediate indicator of alignment status without blocking the visual path through the coupling.
3Strength
If the coupling is designed for secure fastening, then connection strength is improved, but reusability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tab provides a reversible connection mechanism. The tab can be deformed to secure the conduit in place, providing strong connection during use, then retracted to allow removal and reinstallation. This dynamic behavior enables both strong connection strength and reusability, as the tab can be repeatedly deformed and retracted without permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab's deformation is a temporary state change rather than permanent damage. After providing secure fastening, the tab can be recovered to its original state, allowing the coupling to be reused. The deformation and recovery process preserves the structural integrity of both the coupling and conduit for repeated use.
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
Enables proper alignment and secure fastening of conduits while allowing extension, providing tactile feedback and visual verification of alignment through designed gaps, enhancing usability and reusability.
Implementation Method 1
a first tab that is adapted to deform between a first state and a second state
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for coupling distal ends of two electrical conduits together includes a body. The body includes an annular wall defining an internal cavity of the coupling. An opening of the coupling extends through the annular wall, and a first tab projects into the opening. The first tab is deformable between a first state and a second state.