Installation Box Membrane Structure for Controlled Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation boxes face issues with membranes that are difficult to open and tend to tear uncontrollably when inserting electrical conduits, leading to leaky installations.
Innovation Solution
The installation box features a membrane with an inner and outer zone, a thin section for easy separation, a tear-off tab, and stiffening ribs to facilitate controlled opening and sealing, allowing insertion of conduits of varying diameters and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane made of flexible material is used to cover conduit openings, then the conduit opening is sealed, but the membrane is difficult to open and tends to tear uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into an inner zone and an outer zone separated by a thin section. The inner zone can be removed independently by pulling the tear-off tab, while the outer zone remains attached to the box body to maintain sealing. This segmentation allows controlled opening without uncontrollable tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
A tear-off tab is introduced as an intermediary element that facilitates the removal of the inner zone. The tab provides a gripping point and concentrates force at the thin section, enabling easy separation of the inner zone from the outer zone without damaging the outer zone's sealing function.
2Ease of operation
If the membrane is opened to insert electrical conduit, then conduit insertion is enabled, but drafts can escape through the conduits leading to energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the membrane into inner and outer zones, the system enables conduit insertion through the removed inner zone while the outer zone remains attached to seal against the conduit. This maintains sealing reliability while allowing easy conduit insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin section is strategically placed between the inner and outer zones to enable controlled separation. This local structural feature allows the inner zone to be removed for conduit insertion while the outer zone maintains its sealing function, preventing draft leakage.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer membrane is used for conduit openings, then the structure is simple, but the membrane lacks control over opening and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is segmented into inner and outer zones with a thin section between them. This segmentation provides controlled opening behavior where the inner zone can be removed independently while the outer zone remains sealed, offering operational control without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is pre-configured with a thin section and tear-off tab during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation enables easy and controlled opening by the user without requiring complex tools or procedures, while maintaining the sealing function of the outer zone.
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
Ensures easy handling and reliable sealing of electrical conduits, preventing accidental tearing and leaks, enhancing installation integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (7) made of elastic material which spans the conduit opening (6) in the closed state
Implementation Method 2
The membrane (7) has an inner zone (9) and an outer zone (8) oriented radially outward to this. Between the outer and inner zones (8, 9), the membrane (7) has a circumferential thin section (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Installation box (1) for electrical purposes with a box body (2) comprising a box base (3) and an adjoining box wall (4), as well as an installation opening (5) opposite the box base (3). The box body (2) includes at least one conduit opening (6) for inserting an electrical conduit, which is spanned by an elastic membrane (7). The elastic membrane comprises at least an outer zone (8) and a removable inner zone (9) surrounded by the outer zone (8). Furthermore, at least in some areas, a thin section (12) is provided along an outer edge of the inner zone (9), between the inner and outer zones (9, 8), for removing the inner zone (9).