Pipe Entry Cover Release via Base Body Elastic Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conduit entries for installation boxes face challenges in simple handling and reliable mounting of pipes or cable protection hoses, with complex mechanisms for sealing and removal, which can be cumbersome and prone to unintentional displacement.

Innovation Solution

A conduit entry design featuring a tubular body with a cover that uses an operating element and counter-element to apply force, causing deformation of the base body, which lifts the cover out of the opening via ramps, allowing for easy removal and resealing, with optional latching mechanisms and sealing elements for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sealing elements and locking mechanisms are used in pipe entries, then reliable sealing and mounting are achieved, but the complexity of operation increases and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable mountingVSAvoidsimple handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a deformation-based release system. The base body is designed to deform elastically when force is applied to the operating element, which automatically releases the cover without requiring complex unlocking mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical complexity with controlled deformation achieves both reliable mounting during installation and simple operation during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the base body through elastic deformation. When force is applied to the operating element, the base body transitions from a rigid locked state to a deformed release state, allowing the cover to be removed. This parameter change in the base body's shape and stiffness enables reliable sealing during normal operation while facilitating easy cover removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex mechanisms are used for cover removal and resealing, then secure closure is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure closureVSAvoidcomplex mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex locking mechanism from the overall system and replaces it with a simple deformation-based release system. The operating element directly transmits force through the base body's elastic deformation to release the cover, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking mechanisms. This extraction of complexity while maintaining secure closure during normal operation simplifies the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body's elastic deformation automatically performs the function of both locking and unlocking. During installation, the base body naturally returns to its original shape to secure the cover. During removal, applying force to the operating element causes the base body to deform and automatically release the cover without requiring additional unlocking mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual pressing of operating element is required, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional displacement may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual actuationVSAvoidunintentional displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the force application mechanism into distinct functional zones: the operating element for intentional activation, the base body for force transmission and deformation, and the cover for protected operation. The counter-element is positioned to receive force only when intentionally applied to the operating element, while the sealed opening protects against accidental activation. This segmentation allows manual actuation for ease of operation while preventing unintentional displacement through proper spatial arrangement and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design facilitates easy and reliable operation of conduit entries by allowing manual actuation to lift and remove the cover without deforming the cover itself, ensuring secure sealing and easy installation of pipes, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

a force or a deformation of the base body can be applied to it... When the operating element and the corresponding counter-element are pushed together, the side regions of the base body arranged transversely thereto move away from each other... When the operating element is no longer actuated, the deformation of the base body caused by the pushing together is canceled and the base body reversibly returns to its original shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3327884B1Pipe introduction
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 AGRO INC
  • EP3327884B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe entry (1) for an installation box, comprising a tubular base body (3) with a central axis (4) and an opening (5) for receiving a pipe (6), and a cover (7) for closing the opening (5) with a base plate (8) and a plug (9) projecting into the opening (5) of the base body (3) in a closed position. At least one operating element (10) is attached to an outer side (11) of the tubular base body (3), which interacts with at least one counter element (25) that is substantially opposite the at least one operating element (10), such that when the operating element (10) and the counter element (25) are pushed together in a first direction (y), the base plate (8) of the cover (7) is lifted from the opening (5).