Split Grounding Bushing Guard Tabs Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing split or sectioned grounding bushings for electrical conduits often have gaps in insulation, which can lead to damage or electrical hazards for conductors or wires, as they do not provide a continuous ring of insulation, especially when installed after the electrical connections are finalized.

Innovation Solution

A split bushing design with separate bushing portions that form a continuous ring of electrical insulation using guard tabs to cover gaps between the bushing portions, ensuring a secure and safe installation around electrical conduits without disconnecting wires, featuring a hinged mechanism and insulating bushing portions with central locking tabs and guard tabs to prevent conductor damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed ring-shaped bushing is used, then continuous insulation is provided, but it cannot be installed after electrical connections are finalized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous insulationVSAvoidinstallation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is divided into two separate sections that can be opened and installed independently. This segmentation allows the bushing to be installed after electrical connections are made, while still providing continuous insulation when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a split or sectioned bushing is used, then installation after wire attachment is enabled, but gaps in insulation create electrical hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timingVSAvoidcontinuous insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating section is introduced as an intermediary element between the two bushing sections. This insulating section fills the gap that would otherwise exist at the joint, ensuring continuous insulation while maintaining the benefit of installability after wire attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a hinged split bushing with latch structure is used, then easy installation is achieved, but the gap adjacent to hinged end creates safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidconductor damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating section acts as a mediator that eliminates the harmful gap adjacent to the hinged end. It provides continuous protection against conductor damage while allowing the hinged mechanism to remain functional for easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8419449B1Split electrical grounding bushing with continuous insulation

Publication Date: 2013.04.16 BRIDGEPORT FITTINGS LLC

AI summary

A split electrical grounding bushing having adjacent bushing portions with insulating bushing portions having guard tabs covering a gap formed between the insulating bushing portions creating a continuous insulating ring. The bushing portions are connected by a hinge permitting the bushing to be placed over electrical conductors or wires after being installed. Gaps in the insulating bushing portion are covered by attached guard tabs improving the safety of a split electrical bushing. The split electrical bushing is placed on a distal end of an electrical conduit. The split bushing may be an electrical grounding bushing providing an electrical ground connection.