Flanged Conduit Support Ganging for Faster Concrete Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of low voltage cables between horizontal concrete floors or vertical walls requires an elaborate and expensive support system, as existing methods involve time-consuming bracing and securing of conduit sections to rebar or structures before pouring concrete.
Innovation Solution
A flanged conduit support system with a hub, snap members, and removable flange portions that allows for rapid securing of conduits to a form, enabling easy installation and concrete pouring, with a ganging mechanism for multiple conduit support and pathway creation after concrete curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bracing and securing methods are used for multiple conduit sections, then the conduit support is reliable and secure, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual conduit supports into a single integrated support structure that can hold multiple conduit sections simultaneously. The support structure includes a base plate with multiple vertical arms, each capable of securing a conduit section, eliminating the need for separate bracing operations for each conduit and dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-assembled with all necessary bracing and securing components before installation. The vertical arms, horizontal braces, and securing mechanisms are configured in advance, allowing the entire multi-conduit support system to be installed as a single unit rather than assembling and securing each conduit individually on-site
2Reliability
If individual conduit support structures are used for each conduit section, then each conduit is securely supported, but the overall system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple conduit support functions into a single unified structure. The base plate with multiple vertical arms provides simultaneous support for multiple conduit sections, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate support structures. This merging reduces the number of components, simplifies installation, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining the reliability of individual conduit support
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multi-functional system where a single base plate serves multiple conduit sections simultaneously. The vertical arms can be configured to support different conduit sizes and orientations, providing universal support capability that eliminates the need for specialized support structures for each conduit, thereby reducing complexity
3Reliability
If elaborate support systems are used for multiple EMT conduit, then the conduit installation is secure and reliable, but the cost and material usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple support functions into a single integrated structure that uses materials more efficiently. By combining the base plate, vertical arms, and bracing elements into one support assembly, the total material required is reduced compared to installing separate support structures for each conduit, while maintaining the same level of installation security and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to serve multiple conduit sections with a single material assembly. The vertical arms and bracing elements provide universal support capability across different conduit positions and orientations, eliminating the need for redundant material usage that would occur with individual support structures for each conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A flanged conduit support for running electrical cables between horizontal floors or vertical walls. The flanged conduit support includes a flange and a hub with a socket. A locking means on the flanged conduit support enables the locking together of two or more supports together in a spaced relationship. The locking means includes a male snap member with a tab and a tapered end and the female snap member includes a receiving slot. The flanged conduit support provides a means for rapidly securing a first end of conduit to a form and capping the opposite ends of the conduit to prevent the entry of concrete during the concrete pour. A removable flange portion may be removed after the concrete cures to provide one or more open pathways for running electrical cables through the horizontal floors or vertical walls.