Modular Conduit Pull Body with Removable Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit pull bodies face challenges with restricted access, particularly when cabling has a large diameter or is stiff, due to limited access points and acute bending requirements, which complicates installation and requires multiple configurations for different job sites.
Innovation Solution
A conduit pull body design where all four longitudinally extending panels (front, back, and two sides) are selectively removable and interchangeable, allowing on-site configuration from modular components to enhance access and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the back plate is made small to maintain a compact pull body, then the pull body size is reduced, but the installer access to conduits is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pull body is divided into a permanent base structure and a removable back plate assembly. The back plate can be completely removed or partially detached to provide wide access to the pull body cavity, while the permanent base maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows the installer to access conduits easily when needed, then restore the compact form when access is not required.
2Ease of operation
If the back plate is made elongated to improve access, then installer access is improved, but the pull body becomes more complex and requires multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing it to be completely removed, partially attached, or positioned in different orientations depending on the installation needs. This dynamic design provides improved access when required while maintaining a simpler stored configuration, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-configuration pull bodies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pull body configurations are maintained for different job sites, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but inventory requirements and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pull body base can accommodate multiple back plate configurations through standardized mounting interfaces. The removable back plate assembly can be repositioned, rotated, or removed entirely to create different conduit access patterns. This universal design allows one pull body to replace multiple configuration-specific pull bodies, reducing inventory needs and installation time.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the pull body has fixed sides and front, then structural stability is improved, but access to output conduits on sides is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pull body is segmented into a permanent stable base and a removable back plate assembly. The base maintains structural stability with fixed sides and front, while the removable back plate provides access to output conduits located on the sides. When the back plate is removed, installers can access side conduits without compromising the structural integrity of the permanent base.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit pull body with an elongated generally square cross-section cavity defined by two generally square ends and four generally rectangular lateral panels (front, back and two sides) in which the back and at least one of the front and two side panels are selectively removable to increase access to the cavity for pulling cabling therethrough.Where at least two of the removeable panels are adjacent, lateral access to the cavity (as represented by the longitudinal centerline) is not less than about 180 degrees, about 270 degrees where three removeable panels are adjacent.Where at least one of the front and two sides is apertured and interchangeable with a second one of the front and two sides, the pull body is convertible between Type LB, Type LL and Type LR pull bodies. On-the-job-site construction of different types of pull bodies is possible from a selection of component parts.Methods of improving cavity access and creating different pull body types are disclosed.