Sliding Sleeve Junction Housing for Sealed Electrical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and sealing electrical connections within conduit boxes is cumbersome, leading to potential damage or electrocution risks due to the recessed configuration of internal connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical junction apparatus with a removable outer sleeve that is securely fastened to the housing using first and second fasteners, allowing for easy access and sealing of electrical connections by sliding the sleeve off in a single direction, and utilizing O-rings for a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conduit boxes are used to house electrical connections, then electrical connections are protected from external interference, but accessibility of electrical connections becomes unduly burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit box is divided into two main segments: a stationary housing that provides structural support and protection, and a removable outer sleeve that can be detached to access electrical connections. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained by the housing while the sleeve provides easy access when removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable to the housing through fasteners. This dynamic configuration allows the system to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Reliability
If electrical connections are recessed within conduit boxes, then electrical connections are protected from damage, but risk of electrocution to electricians increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed electrical connections are separated into two functional zones: the housing provides structural protection and grounding, while the removable outer sleeve creates a controlled access interface. This segmentation allows electricians to work on exposed connections without direct contact with the recessed areas, reducing electrocution risk while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the electrician and the electrical connections. When removed, it provides a safe working interface that exposes connections for maintenance while the housing continues to provide grounding and structural protection, thereby mediating between safety and accessibility.
3Reliability
If outer sleeve is securely fastened to housing, then sealing of electrical connections is improved, but ease of removal for access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are designed with preliminary engagement features that guide the outer sleeve into proper alignment with the housing before final tightening. This preliminary action ensures proper sealing positioning while maintaining ease of removal, as the fasteners can be quickly disengaged without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the outer sleeve to be securely fastened for sealing during normal operation, yet easily removed when access is needed. The fasteners provide a reversible connection that balances sealing reliability with operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical junction apparatus for accessing and sealing electrical connections comprising a housing, a removeable sleeve, and a fastener removably secured to a first portion of the housing that secures the outer sleeve to the housing. A method for accessing electrical connections in an electrical junction apparatus involves loosening a first and second fastener from a first and second portion of a housing respectively, removing a tightener from the first portion of the housing, and removing the sleeve from the housing. A method for sealing electrical connections involves installing a sleeve around a housing, positioning a tightener against the sleeve and the first portion of the housing, engaging a first fastener against the tightener and engaging a second fastener with the second portion of the housing and the sleeve.