Rounded Rim Locking Nut for Conduit Wire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical conduit fittings often damage wiring during installation, require excessive labor for single-person operation, and are prone to loose connections and assembly issues with multipart connectors.
Innovation Solution
A toroid-shaped locking hub nut with a rounded end and flat end, featuring a central axial bore with screw threads and external ribs, designed to minimize wire insulation damage and allow single-person installation with universal threading for various conduit sizes, and includes gripping projections for secure junction box engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional electrical conduit fittings with sharp edges are used, then the connection is secure and universal, but the wiring insulation is damaged during pulling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by replacing sharp edges with a rounded rim at the opening of the locking hub nut. This curved surface guides the wire smoothly through the fitting during pulling operations, eliminating the harmful sharp edges that would otherwise damage the wire insulation while maintaining the secure connection function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two-person teams are used for wire pulling, then wire damage is reduced, but labor cost and complexity double
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded rim on the locking hub nut provides a self-service function by automatically guiding and protecting the wire during installation. The fitting's own structure performs the wire protection function that would otherwise require a second person to manually feed and protect the wire, thereby eliminating the need for additional labor while maintaining wire integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic bushings are added to protect wire, then some protection is provided, but they are still sharp enough to damage wire during pulling and are not designed for this purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire protection function with the locking hub nut itself by integrating the rounded rim directly into the fitting's structure. This eliminates the need for separate plastic bushings or protective components, combining multiple functions (connection security and wire protection) into a single integrated component that is simpler to manufacture and install.
4Ease of operation
If multipart connectors are used, then connections can be made, but they require special tools, have cross-threading issues, and allow contaminants to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hub nut is designed with universal threading that accommodates all currently approved conduit sizes and materials (metal or plastic). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized fittings while maintaining secure connections across different conduit types, simplifying inventory and installation while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector locking hub nut that does not damage the wiring during pulling, frees up manpower by allowing one person rather than two to be able to do the pulling, has a simplified design, and which has universal threading for conduit of all currently approved sizes and materials.