Releasable Connector for Flexible Conduit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible conduits are prone to breaking under strong forces and may sag undesirably due to their rigid anchoring systems, which can be dangerous and unappealing, and lack adjustable disengagement forces and secondary support mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A flexible conduit with a releasable connector system comprising a female and male member with biased plungers and detents, allowing adjustable force disengagement and secondary cable support to prevent breakage and accommodate movement, while maintaining support and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid anchoring rods are used to support the flexible conduit, then the conduit is securely supported, but the conduit may break under strong forces and cannot accommodate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into a rigid support structure and a separate releasable connector mechanism. The releasable connector includes a body, shaft, biased plunger, and detent that can disengage independently when subjected to excessive force, preventing conduit breakage while maintaining secure support during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable connector transforms the static rigid anchoring into a dynamic system that can adapt to force conditions. The biased plunger and detent mechanism automatically engages during normal operation to provide secure support, but disengages when excessive force is applied, allowing the system to respond dynamically to changing load conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid anchoring rods are used to support the flexible conduit, then the conduit is securely supported, but the conduit is prevented from bending and flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a fixed mounting point and a movable releasable connector that attaches to the flexible conduit. This segmentation allows the conduit to maintain flexibility and bend as needed while the connector provides stability when engaged, and the ability to disconnect when flexibility is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the support parameter from constantly rigid to conditionally rigid. During normal operation, the releasable connector provides stable support, but when movement or bending is required, the connector can be disengaged to restore full flexibility to the conduit system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible conduit is allowed to move freely, then the conduit can accommodate thermal changes and vibration, but the conduit sags undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable connector creates a dynamic support system that transitions between engaged and disengaged states. When engaged, it provides upward support force to counteract gravity and prevent sagging. When disengaged, it allows the conduit to move freely to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and vibration without restriction.
4Reliability
If a releasable connector with biased plunger and detent is used, then the conduit can disengage under certain forces to prevent breakage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable connector is designed as a self-actuating mechanism where the biased plunger automatically engages with the detent during assembly and self-disengages when excessive force is applied. This eliminates the need for external actuators, controls, or complex operation mechanisms, achieving conduit protection through a simple passive mechanical design.
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 flexible conduit effectively disengages under certain forces to prevent breakage, allows adjustable support force, and provides secondary support, minimizing sag and ensuring safety and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Each biased plunger also includes a biasing element for biasing the biased plunger
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible conduit having a rigid portion, a flexible portion and a releasable connector secured to the rigid portion to support the flexible conduit. The releasable connector includes a male member and a female member. One of the two members includes at least one biased plungers and the other includes at least one detent. The plungers and detents are vertically spaced along the longitudinal axes of the members. A clevis may be used to secure the releasable connector to the rigid portion of the flexible conduit. A second support connected to the male and female members may be used. Also a method of supporting a flexible conduit with a releasable connector.