Split Non-Metallic Insulating Bushing for Post-Installation Conduit Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical insulating bushings often fail to protect insulated electrical conductors from chafing against metal conduit ends, especially after conductors have been pulled through the conduit, as they are not always installed before conductor installation.
Innovation Solution
A split, non-metallic electrical insulating bushing with hemispherical portions that rotate into a closed configuration, secured by a hinge pin and clasp mechanism, providing threaded engagement and additional stability features like internal ribs and seam covers, formed from thermoplastic materials with a zinc-plated steel hinge pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional non-split insulating bushing is used, then the bushing provides continuous insulation protection, but it cannot be installed after conductors have been pulled through the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating bushing is divided into two separate hemispherical portions that can be installed independently on the conduit end. This segmentation allows the bushing to be installed after conductors are already in place, as each portion can be attached separately and then joined together to form the complete protective covering.
2Ease of operation
If the bushing is made as a single piece, then the insulation protection is continuous and complete, but the bushing cannot be installed after conductors are pulled through
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is segmented into two portions that are joined together using a hinge pin and clasp mechanism. This segmentation enables post-installation capability while the joining mechanism ensures the portions are securely connected to maintain insulation continuity and protect against conductor chafing.
Solution Approach 2:
The two hemispherical portions are designed to fit together like nested dolls, with one portion containing or interlocking with the other. This nesting arrangement ensures proper alignment and continuous insulation protection when the portions are assembled on the conduit end.
3Ease of operation
If the bushing portions are loosely connected, then the bushing is easy to assemble, but the protection reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge pin and clasp mechanism are pre-configured in the bushing portions to automatically engage when the portions are brought together. This preliminary arrangement of fastening elements ensures that once the portions are assembled, they are securely locked in place without requiring additional fastening steps, thus maintaining both ease of assembly and protection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A split, non-metallic electrical insulating bushing for placement on a terminating end of an electrical conduit, the bushing rotatable between a first open configuration and a second closed configuration and having first and second hemispherically shaped bushing portions. Both bushing portions have a first end and a second end. The first ends are dimensioned to rotate with respect to each other. The second end of the first bushing portion has a projecting clasp member with a hook portion, while the second end of the second bushing portion has a recess dimensioned for receipt of the projecting clasp member. The clasp member is angled relative to the recess so that the hook portion contacts the second bushing portion so as to align the first and second bushing portions as the clasp member enters the recess. The hook portion then extends through the recess to secure the bushing in its closed configuration.