Sealed Conduit Joint Fitting for Hygienic Food Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical conduit systems in food and beverage processing facilities face issues with corrosion, contamination, and bacteria growth due to moisture ingress and metal-to-metal contact, leading to potential contamination of products.
Innovation Solution
A joint fitting for electrical conduit raceways featuring a stainless steel body and lid with a gasket and sealing members, designed to prevent contamination by minimizing water and dirt ingress, with a bowed configuration and smooth surfaces to inhibit bacterial growth, and fasteners with stops for optimized compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional conduit fittings with metal-to-metal contact are used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but corrosion, contamination, and bacteria growth occur due to moisture ingress and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic gasket is introduced as an intermediary element between the lid and body of the conduit fitting. This gasket prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, eliminating galvanic corrosion while maintaining the structural integrity of the assembly. The gasket acts as a mediator that isolates the metal surfaces from moisture and condensation, thereby preventing corrosion and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit fitting transitions from homogeneous metal construction to a composite structure combining metal (body and lid) with non-metallic materials (gasket and coating). This composite approach leverages the strength of metal while incorporating the corrosion-resistant properties of non-metallic materials, creating a hybrid system that resolves the contradiction between structural strength and corrosion resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional conduit fittings with flat surfaces and crevasses are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but bacteria growth and contamination occur on exterior surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior surfaces of the conduit fitting body and lid are formed with curved contours instead of flat surfaces. This curvature eliminates crevasses and flat areas where water and dirt could accumulate, preventing bacteria growth. The smooth, rounded surfaces allow water to drain off easily, maintaining hygiene without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Strength
If fasteners are used to connect lid to body, then secure connection is improved, but loss of fasteners during installation or due to vibration contaminates food preparation areas
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is nested within a recess or cavity in the lid, with only a portion of the fastener protruding outward. This nesting arrangement secures the fastener in place, preventing it from becoming loose or detached during installation or due to vibration. The recess acts as a containment structure that holds the fastener securely while still allowing it to perform its connecting function.
4Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used, then moisture prevention is improved, but water and dirt accumulate in crevices leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces and exterior surfaces are designed with curved geometries that prevent water and dirt from pooling in crevices. The curvature ensures that contaminants are directed away from critical areas and facilitate drainage, maintaining both sealing effectiveness and surface hygiene simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint fitting for an electrical conduit raceway includes a body having an open side and defining a central passageway therein; a lid configured to be disposed on the body to close the open side of the body; at least one fastener configured to connect the lid to the body; and a gasket disposed between the lid and the body, the gasket being configured to seal a connection between the lid and the body. The lid includes at least one aperture formed therein for receiving the at least one fastener therein to allow the fastener to extend through the lid and the gasket comprises at least one cylindrical projection configured to extend into the aperture in the lid and receive the at least one fastener therein to retain the at least one fastener to the lid.