Press-Fit Condulet Assembly for Threadless Rigid Conduit Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rigid metal conduit raceways require time-consuming and labor-intensive threaded connections, which can be dangerous and costly, and existing press fit couplers are complex, expensive, and difficult to install reliably, especially for electrical systems in industrial facilities.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of press fit conduit outlet assemblies that establish an interference fit between conduits and condulets, eliminating the need for threaded connections, using a sealing element and grounding element to ensure reliable mechanical and electrical interconnections, and accommodating various conduit diameters and types through optional adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to couple conduits and condulets, then mechanical interconnection is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the connection process by using press-fit condulet assemblies that directly receive conduit ends without requiring threads. This eliminates the time-consuming threading step while maintaining reliable mechanical interconnection through the press-fit mechanism and sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a press-fit mechanical system. The condulet assembly uses a press-fit interface with sealing elements to achieve both mechanical interconnection and sealing, eliminating the need for threading operations and significantly reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to couple conduits and condulets, then mechanical interconnection is achieved, but labor costs and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threading operation from the installation process by using pre-formed press-fit condulet assemblies. This extraction of the complex threading step simplifies the installation process, reduces labor costs, and eliminates safety risks associated with threading operations while maintaining reliable mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from threaded engagement to press-fit engagement. This parameter change simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for threading tools and operations, reducing labor costs and safety risks while achieving reliable mechanical interconnection through the press-fit mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional condulets are used for interconnecting conduits, then conduit direction change is achieved, but connection reliability is compromised due to potential imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sealing elements as intermediaries between the conduit and condulet assembly. These sealing elements ensure reliable sealing and mechanical interconnection without the imperfections that can occur with threading operations, such as cross-threading or damaged threads, while maintaining the ability to change conduit direction.
4Loss of time
If press fit couplers are used to eliminate threading, then installation time is reduced, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the condulet body and the press-fit coupling mechanism into a single integrated assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex press-fit couplers, reducing device complexity while maintaining the installation time benefits of the press-fit approach. The sealing elements are also integrated into the assembly, further simplifying the overall structure.
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
This solution simplifies conduit connections, reduces installation time and labor costs by 30-50%, ensures reliable mechanical and electrical interconnections, and provides a path to electrical ground, while avoiding the need for threading and minimizing imperfections that can damage electrical wires.
Implementation Method 1
a cold press fit condulet assembly for a rigid metal conduit raceway of an electrical system. The condulet assembly includes a body having at least one mating end configured to connect to an end of a rigid metal conduit via cold pressing force
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element configured to establish a seal between the condulet assembly and the conduit
Implementation Method 3
a gripping ring configured to provide an electrical ground path for the rigid metal conduit raceway
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit outlet assembly for a rigid metal conduit raceway of an electrical system is provided. A conduit outlet assembly includes a gasket, a gripping ring, and a condulet assembly. The gasket is sized to circumscribe an outer surface of a rigid metal conduit of the rigid metal conduit raceway. The gripping ring is sized to circumscribe the outer surface of the rigid metal conduit. The condulet assembly is sized to receive the rigid metal conduit, and includes an adapter and a condulet. The adapter includes a compression section and a coupling section, wherein the compression section is sized to receive the rigid metal conduit with the gasket and the gripping ring disposed thereon. The condulet is sized to receive the coupling section of the adapter.