Grounding Clip for Non-Metallic Conduit Raceways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems in modular office environments face challenges with unsightly and dangerous entanglements of electrical cords, inconvenient changes to circuit arrangements, and complex inventory management of cables and components, particularly in systems using access flooring and non-metallic conduit raceways.
Innovation Solution
A raceway system with junction blocks and bus bars that eliminate the need for wire or cable components, incorporating a grounding clip configuration for non-metallic conduits to provide adjustable and strain-relieved electrical connections, allowing for flexible positioning and easy reconfiguration of electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electrical power systems with wall-mounted receptacles and cords are used, then power can be supplied to electrical devices, but unsightly and dangerous cord entanglements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power distribution function from traditional wall receptacles and relocates it to modular junction blocks mounted on raceways. This removes the need for flexible power cords extending across floors, eliminating cord entanglement hazards while maintaining power supply convenience through accessible modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrical power system into modular segments (junction blocks, receptacle modules, and raceway sections) that can be independently configured and repositioned. This segmentation allows power distribution points to be distributed along raceways rather than concentrated at wall locations, enabling flexible device placement without cord entanglements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate receptacle modules are used for different circuits, then circuit selection flexibility is improved, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs receptacle modules with universal compatibility features, allowing a single module type to interface with multiple circuit configurations through the junction block system. This multi-functionality reduces the need to stock multiple specialized module variants while maintaining circuit selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction block serves as an intermediary device that provides circuit selection functionality separately from the receptacle modules. This mediator approach allows circuit configuration changes at the junction block level without requiring different receptacle module types, simplifying inventory management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-metallic conduit raceways are used, then safety and aesthetics are improved, but grounding capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grounding function from the conduit structure by introducing separate grounding clips as distinct components. These clips can be attached at specific locations along the non-metallic raceway to provide grounding points without requiring the entire conduit system to be metallic, thus maintaining both safety and grounding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding clip acts as an intermediary component that bridges the non-metallic conduit and grounding conductors. This mediator enables effective grounding through non-metallic raceways by providing a dedicated grounding interface without compromising the safety advantages of non-metallic materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless raceway (100) employs bus bars (121), instead of cabling or other types of wires. The raceway (100) includes a pair of junction blocks (102). A bus bar assembly (116) holds the individual bus bars (121). The raceway (100) also includes a pair of modified H-terminals (122) having a central bus bar terminal (124) connected to each of a pair of receptacle terminals (126). The modified H-terminals (122) connect the individual bus bars (121) to external electrical assemblies through the junction blocks (102) without the need of wires or cables.