Multi-position Ground Bushing with Indexing for Wire Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting and attaching ground wires to metal conduits are inefficient due to the difficulty in bending heavy gauge wires and the need for multiple configurations of lay and lags and bushings, leading to increased inventory requirements for suppliers and complexity for electricians.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position ground bushing with indexing features and cooperating mounting surfaces on both the bushing and lay and lag, allowing for attachment in three configurations: parallel, perpendicular, and through a metal conduit, facilitating secure attachment of ground wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations of lay and lags and bushings are used to facilitate ground wire attachment, then the versatility and adaptability of the attachment system is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed with multiple mounting surfaces (first, second, and third mounting surfaces) that can accommodate different orientations and configurations of the lay and lag. This allows a single bushing component to perform multiple attachment functions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bushing types while maintaining versatility in ground wire attachment configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is divided into distinct functional surfaces (first mounting surface for parallel attachment, second mounting surface for perpendicular attachment, third mounting surface for through-conduit attachment) that can be independently used. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for a specific attachment configuration while being part of a single integrated component, reducing overall system complexity.
2Strength
If heavy gauge ground wire is used for protection, then the strength and durability are improved, but the ease of operation and installation difficulty worsen due to difficulty in bending
Solution Approach 1:
The lay and lag acts as an intermediary component between the heavy gauge ground wire and the metal conduit. It provides a pre-formed attachment mechanism with a lay-in mouth that can receive and secure the ground wire without requiring the wire itself to be bent into complex configurations, thus maintaining strength while improving ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lay and lag is pre-configured with a lay-in mouth and mounting surfaces before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the ground wire to be simply inserted and secured without requiring difficult field bending operations, making installation easier while maintaining the strength provided by heavy gauge wire.
3Adaptability or versatility
If suppliers stock multiple configurations to meet diverse installation needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single bushing design with multiple mounting surfaces replaces the need for suppliers to stock multiple specialized bushing configurations. This universal design maintains adaptability for different installation scenarios while significantly reducing inventory overhead and eliminating redundant stockkeeping of functionally similar components.
Data Source
AI summary
A ground bushing with a multi position lay and lag includes a lay and lag having several mounting surfaces for attachment of the lay and lag to the ground bushing in different positions. The bushing includes at least one mounting surface including indexing and the lay and lag includes at least two cooperating mounting surfaces to hold and position on the bushing. In one embodiment, the bushing includes one mounting surface with parallel grooves, and the lay and lag includes three cooperating mounting surfaces with cooperating parallel grooves. The lay and lag may include a smooth hole and the bushing may include a threaded hole for attaching the lay and lag to the bushing.