Through-Wall Protection Device Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional through-wall protection devices are cumbersome and expensive to install, requiring multiple parts and manual labor to assemble and measure conduits for various structures, making them time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A through-wall protection device comprising an elongated tube and bushing with complementary engaging structures that lock together, allowing for easy installation by providing a protected passageway through a structure, such as a wall, to an electrical device or junction box, using pre-selected standard sizes and materials like PVC for durability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional through-wall protection devices use multiple parts (conduit, lock nuts, fittings), then the protection and connection are reliable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (conduit, lock nuts, fittings) into a single integrated through-wall protection device. The device includes a body with a passageway that directly receives and secures the electrical conduit, eliminating the need for separate threading and locking operations. This merging of functions maintains connection reliability while dramatically reducing installation time and complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional through-wall protection devices require threading and positioning multiple lock nuts, then solid connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates the securing function directly into the body structure. The body includes a recess or receiving structure that directly accepts the conduit end, eliminating the need for separate lock nuts and threading operations. This maintains connection strength while significantly simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex threading and locking mechanism (lock nuts, threaded holes) from the installation process. Instead, the device uses a simplified receiving structure that directly secures the conduit, removing the disturbing complexity while preserving the essential function of solid connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional through-wall protection devices use standard conduit sizes, then adaptability to different structures is reduced, but the device becomes easier to manufacture and install
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an adjustable or flexible component that allows the passageway length or positioning to be adapted to different wall thicknesses and structural configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving adaptability to various structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal features that allow it to accommodate different conduit sizes and wall thicknesses. The body structure includes adjustable elements or multiple configuration options that enable a single device design to serve multiple structural applications, maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a through-wall protection device which provides a passageway through a structure and to an aperture in a housing. The through-wall protection device includes an elongated tube and a bushing with a proximal opening, a distal opening and a bore connecting the openings. The elongated tube and bushing may be locked together using complementary engaging structures which prevent the elongated tube from being removed from within the bore of the bushing. The present disclosure also relates to a method of defining a protected passageway through a structure using the through-wall protection device described herein.