Telescoping Coupler Assembly Grounding and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping coupler assemblies for electrical metal tubes suffer from diminished electrical grounding due to insufficient contact between moving tubes and the coupler body, and they are not moisture-proof, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping coupler assembly with a grounding ring and wire mesh grounding strap that ensures continuous electrical grounding throughout the telescoping range, combined with sealing rings to prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping coupler assembly allows free sliding movement between the electric metal tube and coupler body, then the telescoping function is achieved, but the electrical grounding effect is substantially diminished due to insufficient contact between complementary surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A grounding ring with grounding fins is introduced as an intermediary component between the electric metal tube and the coupler body. The grounding ring maintains continuous electrical contact through the fins that engage with the tube surface, while the ring itself is grounded to the coupler body via a grounding strap, thus mediating the electrical grounding function without restricting telescoping movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding system is segmented into distinct components: the grounding ring that contacts the tube, the grounding fins that provide surface contact, and the grounding strap that connects to the coupler body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall grounding effectiveness throughout the telescoping range.
2Length of moving object
If tolerance is increased to permit desired telescoping movement, then the telescoping range is achieved, but the contact between complementary surfaces is reduced, diminishing electrical grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding ring acts as a mediator that compensates for tolerance variations and surface irregularities. Its circumference provides continuous contact points through multiple grounding fins, ensuring reliable electrical grounding even when the tube moves through the full telescoping range with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding strap is made flexible to accommodate the telescoping movement while maintaining continuous electrical connection. This flexibility allows the grounding system to adapt to the changing positions of the tube without requiring precision maintenance of contact pressure or alignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupler assembly is designed for telescoping movement, then adaptability is improved, but moisture proofing becomes more difficult, leading to potential moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof seal is introduced that can accommodate the telescoping movement while maintaining the moisture barrier. The seal flexes as the tube moves in and out, preventing moisture ingress without restricting the telescoping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof seal acts as an intermediary barrier between the internal telescoping mechanism and the external environment. It allows the mechanical movement to occur while blocking the harmful factor of moisture, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of movement and protection.
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 solution provides optimal electrical grounding and prevents moisture seepage, ensuring reliable performance and ease of manufacturing while maintaining simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The grounding ring is connected to the coupler body by a wire mesh grounding strap of a predetermined length sufficient to provide for the relative sliding or telescoping movement of the moveable electric metal tube relative to the coupler body.
Implementation Method 2
The arrangement is such that the moveable electric metal tube is positively electrically grounded to the coupler body throughout its entire range of movement to provide for optimal electrical grounding between the coupler body and the associated telescoping electric metal tube. Disposed within the bore of the coupler body are sealing rings for rendering the coupler assembly moisture proof without seriously limiting the relative sliding relationship between the telescoping electric metal tube and the associated coupler body.
Data Source
AI summary
A moisture proof, telescoping coupler assembly for electric metal tubes with an enhanced grounding arrangement for electrically grounding the telescoping tube to the coupler body, and a modified arrangement thereof utilizing a snap fitting retaining ring for securing an electric metal tube to the coupler body to provide for unidirectional insertion of an electric metal tube into the open end of a coupler body in a manner that prohibits unintentional separation of the tube and/or retainer ring from the coupler body.