Earth Conductor Feedthrough With Twist-Proof Locking Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earth conductor bushings face challenges with twisting and high torque values during installation and connection, which can lead to unreliable and permanent connections.

Innovation Solution

The bushing features a metallic earth conductor part held in a through-opening of a plastic insulator part via a positive fit, preventing twisting. The insulator part is in contact with the wall or floor element, and a locking mechanism ensures a twist-proof connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the earth conductor part is held in the insulator part by a locking pin molded onto the earth conductor part, then the connection is secure, but the earth conductor part can still twist under high torque during screwing operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtorque resistance during screwing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is divided into two independent elements: a locking pin for basic retention and a separate locking profile (with flat or polygonal cross-section) for torque resistance. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking profile is designed with an asymmetric cross-section (flat or polygonal) that prevents rotation in one direction while allowing controlled engagement. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent resistance to twisting forces during screwing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If a locking pin is used to hold the earth conductor part, then rotational security is provided, but the design complexity increases due to additional molding requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidmolding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin and locking profile are combined into a single integrated element that is molded as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and assembly steps, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining both rotational stability and torque resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational retention through the pin portion and torque resistance through the profile portion. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the insulator part extends radially further outwards to provide greater torque resistance, then the connection to concrete is stronger, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque resistanceVSAvoidinsulator part volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulator part features localized radial extensions (flanges or lobes) only at specific positions where torque resistance is needed, rather than uniformly increasing the radius throughout. This localized approach provides the necessary mechanical advantage while minimizing overall volume increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3859923B1Earth conductor feedthrough
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 HAUFF TECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3859923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3859923B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an earth conductor feedthrough (1) for installation in a wall or floor element (2), comprising a metallic earth conductor part (3) and an insulator part (4), wherein the insulator part (4) forms a through-opening (25) in which the earth conductor part (3) is arranged, wherein the earth conductor part (3) is held in the through-opening (25) of the insulator part (4) in a rotationally secure manner by means of a positive locking mechanism (45).