Lock Ring Socket Geometry for Uniform Conduit Connector Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tightening lock rings around conduit connectors in junction boxes are inefficient, prone to damage, and fail to consistently apply the necessary torque to prevent loosening during transportation and installation.
Innovation Solution
An annular socket body with radially extending wrench lugs and a driver that applies torque to multiple teeth of the lock ring, ensuring even engagement and a consistent torque within a critical range to prevent loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a screwdriver and hammer or channel locks are used to tighten the lock ring, then the lock ring can be secured to the junction box, but the process is time-consuming and awkward due to limited workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening action is segmented into multiple simultaneous contact points around the lock ring circumference. The socket body distributes the tightening force across multiple teeth rather than applying force at a single point, enabling faster and easier tightening within the limited workspace of the junction box.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tightening actions are merged into a single operational step. The socket body engages multiple teeth simultaneously, combining what would otherwise require multiple sequential strikes or turns into one unified tightening motion, significantly improving productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If momentary torque is applied to one point of the lock ring circumference, then the lock ring can be tightened, but uneven engagement occurs due to play between threads
Solution Approach 1:
The single-point torque application is segmented into multi-point simultaneous torque application. The socket body contacts multiple teeth around the circumference, distributing the tightening force evenly and eliminating uneven engagement caused by thread play, thereby improving manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If the lock ring is tightened properly to prevent loosening during transportation, then secure engagement is achieved, but the junction box wall may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The torque application parameters are precisely controlled through the socket body design and driver mechanism. By regulating the torque to fall within a critical range, the system achieves reliable engagement that prevents loosening during transportation while avoiding excessive force that could damage the junction box wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the driver and socket body interaction. The driver monitors and controls the torque applied to the lock ring, providing feedback to maintain torque within the critical range, thereby preventing both loosening and wall damage.
4Productivity
If channel locks are used to grip and turn the lock ring, then tightening is achieved, but the process requires multiple gripping and turning cycles due to limited rotation angle
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gripping and turning cycles are merged into a single tightening operation. The socket body engages multiple teeth simultaneously and applies torque in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for repeated gripping and turning cycles required by channel locks, thereby reducing time loss and improving productivity.
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
The system allows for rapid and secure tightening of lock rings without damaging the junction box or causing injury, ensuring consistent torque application to prevent loosening during transportation and installation.
Implementation Method 1
a driver which applies torque to the lock ring
Implementation Method 2
the lock ring teeth act like cantilever springs whose distal ends are spring-biased against the side wall
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an annular socket body for tightening a lock ring around a threaded end of a conduit connector extending through an opening in a wall of a junction box is provided. To facilitate capturing of the lock ring by the socket body without interference, the wrench lugs of the socket body each have a circumferential extent that is less than 50% of a circumferential extent between teeth of the lock ring, and there are half as many wrench lugs than teeth. Flat side faces of the wrench lugs are disposed at an angle of between about 15° and 40° relative to sides of the teeth of the lock rings so that the wrench lugs engage the lock ring teeth in a sliding point contact that promotes uniform engagement between the wrench lugs and the lock ring teeth when torque of about 1400 inch-pounds is applied to the socket body.