Snap-Lock Connector for Electrical Metallic Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting and disconnecting electrical metallic tubing from junction boxes are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple tools and often involving difficult disassembly processes, which complicates modifications and increases installation and removal times.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrical metallic tubing connectors with a snap-lock mechanism, featuring a connector body with a tapered bearing case and movable locking elements, allowing for easy insertion and removal of tubing without additional tools, using a compressible bearing case and steel ball locking elements to secure the tubing in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tubular fittings with threaded ends and lock nuts are used to connect electrical metallic tubing to junction boxes, then secure connections and electrical continuity are achieved, but installation and removal become time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lock nut and lateral screw components from the traditional fitting assembly, extracting only the essential securing function into an integrated snap-lock mechanism within the connector body. This eliminates the need for separate locking components and reduces the number of assembly steps while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector body: the threaded insertion feature for junction box attachment, the tubing securing mechanism with snap-lock elements, and the structural support all merge into one component. This eliminates the need for separate lock nuts and screws, reducing installation complexity and time.
2Strength
If traditional tubular fittings with laterally mounted screws are used to secure electrical metallic tubing, then sufficient retention is achieved, but the connection process becomes complex requiring wrenches and screwdrivers
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-lock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating during the insertion process. As the tubing is pushed into the connector body, the snap-lock elements automatically engage with the tubing outer surface, securing it in place without requiring manual intervention with tools. The mechanism serves itself to create a secure retention connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing function is divided into multiple snap-lock elements distributed around the connector body circumference, each independently engaging the tubing. This segmentation provides uniform retention force while simplifying the operation, as all locking points engage simultaneously during a single insertion motion rather than requiring sequential fastening of multiple screws.
3Strength
If tangs extending from retaining rings are used to hold electrical metallic tubing in place, then tubing retention is achieved, but removal and modification become difficult requiring cutting or complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-lock mechanism employs movable locking elements that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. During installation, the elements snap into place to secure the tubing firmly. During removal, the elements can be easily disengaged by pulling the tubing outward, allowing the same mechanism to provide both strong retention and easy release, facilitating modifications without damage.
4Reliability
If multiple tools are used to complete each connector installation, then secure connections are achieved, but productivity decreases due to the time required to switch and use multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: threaded insertion for junction box attachment, snap-lock securing for tubing retention, and structural support all in one element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools (wrenches for lock nuts, screwdrivers for lateral screws) and enables installation with a single insertion motion, significantly improving productivity.
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
Enables quick and tool-free assembly and disassembly of electrical metallic tubing from junction boxes, reducing installation and removal times and facilitating modifications, while maintaining secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
a generally annular bearing case having a tapered surface positioned in the leading end portion of the connector body, the bearing case formed with at least one recess and includes a bearing case axis; and at least one locking element positioned in the at least one recess of the bearing case and movable along the bearing case axis
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises: a connector body comprising an inlet end and an outlet end with a bore extending therethrough, the connector body further comprising a leading end portion positioned at the inlet end and a threaded portion at the outlet end of the connector body and a connector main body portion positioned between the leading end portion and the threaded portion; a generally annular bearing case having a tapered surface positioned in the leading end portion of the connector body, the bearing case formed with at least one recess and wherein the tapered surface has a hollow portion therein and includes a bearing case axis; and at least one locking element positioned in the at least one recess of the bearing case and movable along the bearing case axis.