Split Bushing with Cable Tie for Conduit Abrasion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing abrasion of electrical cables at the cut edges of pipes and conduits are impractical, as ring-shaped bushings must be installed before cable routing and fail to meet UL standards when split and reinstalled, leading to a loose fit and inability to cover the entire periphery.
Innovation Solution
A split bushing with a ring-shaped body, cable guides, and an overlap mechanism that can be securely attached to the conduit after cable installation, using a cable tie to ensure a tight fit and full periphery coverage, constructed from flexible plastic materials like polypropylene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ring-shaped bushing is installed before cable routing, then the bushing provides non-abrasive protection, but the bushing cannot be installed after cables are already in place without removing them
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into two semi-circular halves that can be independently installed on opposite sides of the conduit. This segmentation allows the bushing to be installed after cables are already in place, as each half can be positioned around the existing cables and conduit without requiring complete removal of cables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ring-shaped bushing is cut in half and reinstalled, then the bushing can be installed after cable routing, but the bushing fits loosely and fails to cover the entire periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed as two separate semi-circular halves that fit together around the conduit. Each half is shaped to conform to the conduit's curvature, ensuring that when assembled, they provide complete peripheral coverage and a secure fit that meets UL standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner surface of each bushing half is formed with a contour that matches the outer surface of the conduit, creating a customized fit for that specific location. This local adaptation ensures full periphery coverage and prevents loose fitting, while the non-abrasive material property is maintained throughout the cable-contact surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a split bushing is reinstalled on conduit edges, then the bushing can protect cables, but it does not span the entire periphery of the conduit edge
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is divided into two semi-circular halves that together encompass the entire periphery of the conduit. Each half is designed to cover approximately 180 degrees of the conduit circumference, ensuring complete coverage when assembled, while allowing installation after cables are in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner surface contour of each bushing half is specifically shaped to match the conduit's outer surface geometry, ensuring that when the halves are assembled, they collectively span the entire periphery of the conduit edge and provide comprehensive protection against abrasion.
4Reliability
If a bushing is tightly secured to meet UL requirements, then the bushing provides secure protection, but it cannot be installed after cable installation
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is split into two halves that can be independently positioned around the conduit and cables. This segmentation enables installation after cables are in place, as each half can be fitted around the existing cable arrangement and secured with fasteners, achieving both post-installation capability and secure UL-compliant attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A split bushing and method for protecting electrical cables from abrasion by the cut edges of pipe or electrical conduit, also known as electrical metal tubing or EMT. The split bushing includes a substantially ring-shaped body and two cable guides extending from the outer periphery. The bushing includes an end wall and a raised area on the end wall adjacent the split. An overlap extends from the raised area. The bushing includes two ends and two cable guides adjacent the split. After being attached to the end of an electrical conduit, a cable tie is extended through the cable guides and tightened to secure the split bushing tightly to the electrical conduit. The overlap ensures that the entire inner periphery of a conduit will be covered by the bushing when secured thereto.