Termination Box Flexible Sealing and Bayonet Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe-in-pipe termination box systems require multiple sealings for different conduit sizes, leading to confusion and increased costs for installers, as well as a risk of thread damage over time due to the nodule and groove locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A termination box with a flexible conduit locking mechanism featuring protrusions that grip the protective pipe's grooves and a flexible sealing part, combined with a bayonet connection arrangement for the lid, allowing for secure sealing and easy installation across various conduit sizes without the need for multiple sealings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sealings are used for different conduit sizes, then the termination box can accommodate various conduit sizes, but the device complexity and installation confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sealing arrangement where a single flexible sealing part with multiple sealing sections can accommodate different conduit sizes. The sealing part includes a first sealing section for sealing the fastening sleeve to the termination box body, and a second sealing section for sealing the conduit to the fastening sleeve, eliminating the need for multiple separate sealings for different conduit dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing part is designed with flexible material properties that allow it to adapt to different conduit sizes through deformation. The flexible sealing part can change its shape and dimensions to fit various conduit sizes while maintaining effective sealing, thus providing versatility without requiring multiple rigid sealing components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a nodule and groove locking mechanism is used, then the lid can be locked in place, but the reliability decreases over time due to thread damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the threaded connection system. Instead of relying on the thread-nodule-groove mechanism for both positioning and locking, the invention uses a separate bayonet connection arrangement specifically for locking the lid in place. This separates the threading function (for mounting and adjustment) from the locking function (for security), preventing thread damage from compromising the locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet connection arrangement allows dynamic locking and unlocking of the lid. The lid can be easily opened by turning it, and the bayonet elements engage with counter-elements to provide secure locking. This dynamic mechanism maintains reliability over time as it avoids the cumulative damage issue of threaded connections while preserving the stable locked position.
3Strength
If a rigid locking mechanism is used, then the conduit is securely held, but the ease of operation decreases for reopening
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet connection arrangement provides a dynamic locking mechanism that achieves strong holding force when locked, yet allows easy reopening through a simple turning motion. The bayonet elements engage with counter-elements to create a secure mechanical lock that prevents accidental opening, but can be deliberately opened by rotating the lid, balancing strength and ease of operation.
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
Simplifies the installation process by using a single sealing arrangement for various conduit sizes and provides a secure locking mechanism that prevents conduit pull-out, while allowing easy reopening, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible sealing part further comprises a spring element extending between the protrusions of the locking mechanism and the inner side of the fastening sleeve for supporting flexibly the locking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a flexible sealing part arranged inside the fastening sleeve, which sealing part comprises a flexible conduit sealing resting, when the termination box or wall bend is in use and the protective pipe is received within the fastening sleeve, against the outer surface of the protective pipe for sealing the same
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a termination box or a wall bend for connecting a conduit (25) to a tap assembly. The termination box (10) comprises a body (11) inside of which a tap elbow (12) is mounted. The conduit (25) comprises an inner utility pipe (26a) and an outer protective pipe (26b), the protective pipe (26b) being provided with circumferential grooves (26c) on the outer face of it. The conduit (25) is connected to the tap elbow (12) with a fastening sleeve (16), and the tap assembly is connected to the tap elbow (12) through a bushing (22), said tap elbow (12) being locked in place by a lid (13). The fastening sleeve (16) is provided with a conduit locking mechanism (17) formed of protrusions extending towards the inside of the fastening sleeve (16) to grip to the grooves (26c) of the protective pipe (26b). A flexible sealing part (18) arranged inside the fastening sleeve (16), which sealing part (18) comprises a flexible conduit sealing (19) resting against the outer surface of the protective pipe (26b) for sealing the same and a sealing section (20) for sealing the fastening sleeve (16) to the body (11) of the termination box (10).