Spring-Loaded Conduit Clamp for Multi-Layer Strut Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical conduit clamps do not efficiently support conduit pipes and do not allow for additional layers of conduits to be installed, lacking a spring-loaded flange to secure the clamp to a support beam or rail, and are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A conduit clamp design featuring a strut channel with a channel nut containing a spring, which secures a conduit pipe using a pipe strut strap, allowing multiple layers of conduits to be stacked and attached to a surface using fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrical conduit clamp designs are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot effectively support conduit pipes and do not allow for additional layers of conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The channel nut is inserted inside the strut channel, creating a nested configuration where the conduit clamp assembly is housed within the support structure. This allows the clamp to be securely positioned while maintaining a compact overall structure that can accommodate multiple layers of conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: the strut channel attached to the wall, the channel nut with spring inside the channel, and the pipe strut strap attaching the conduit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall versatility of supporting multiple conduit layers.
2Reliability
If traditional conduit clamps are used, then the implementation cost is low, but they lack the spring-loaded flange mechanism to secure clamps to support beams
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded flange automatically secures the channel nut to the strut channel when the conduit is installed. The spring mechanism self-activates during installation, providing reliable securing without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component introduces a dynamic element to the otherwise static clamp structure. The spring can compress and expand to accommodate installation variations and maintain consistent securing force, enhancing reliability while adding only a simple mechanical element that does not significantly increase manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If space is not optimized, then installation is simpler, but multiple layers of conduits cannot be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The design enables vertical stacking of multiple conduit layers by utilizing the vertical dimension. The strut channel and clamp assembly are configured to accommodate conduits at different heights, allowing space optimization through multi-layer installation while maintaining ease of operation through consistent clamp positioning and standardized attachment procedures.
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
The design effectively supports conduit pipes of various sizes, saves space by enabling multiple layers, and is economical to implement and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a channel nut with spring placed inside a strut channel to hold in place a conduit pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical conduit clamp including a support assembly, a conduit support assembly, and a conduit assembly. The support assembly includes a strut channel that is configured to be attached to a surface by means of fasteners. The strut channel has a channel along its length to receive a channel nut included in the conduit support assembly. The channel nut has a spring in a bottom portion thereof, wherein is configured to support a conduit. The pipe strut strap conforms with the shape of the conduit, thereby the conduit is held in place by means of a pipe strut trap attached to the channel nut by means of a fastener. It should be considered that another layer of the elements can be placed on top of them by attaching a plurality of strut channels to the strut channel by means of fasteners.