Transition Coupling Assembly for PVC-to-Metal Conduit Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit assembly methods for housing electrical wiring are inefficient and costly, particularly when transitioning between different materials like metallic and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduits, often requiring reaming and resulting in material and labor inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A conduit assembly comprising metallic transition couplings with internal threads, rigid connector elements, and bell end adapters allows for efficient joining of PVC and metallic conduit sections without reaming, using a method that includes threading and adhering these components to form a cost-effective and efficient transition system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional conduit assembly methods are used for transitioning between metallic and PVC conduits, then the installation can be completed, but the process requires reaming and results in material and labor inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition coupling as an intermediary component that connects metallic conduit to PVC conduit without requiring reaming. The transition coupling has a metallic portion that threads onto the metallic conduit and a PVC portion that accepts PVC conduit through standard threading, eliminating the need for reaming operations and reducing installation time and labor costs
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional conduit assembly methods are used for transitioning between metallic and PVC conduits, then the installation can be completed, but material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transition coupling serves as a mediator that eliminates material waste by avoiding the need to remove material through reaming. The component is designed to accept standard threaded PVC conduit without requiring any material removal, thereby reducing both material waste and the labor costs associated with reaming operations
3Reliability
If traditional conduit assembly methods are used, then conduit sections can be joined, but damage to PVC conduits occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The transition coupling protects PVC conduit integrity by providing a gentle threaded interface that accepts PVC conduit without requiring reaming. The metallic portion of the transition coupling absorbs any stress or misalignment, preventing damage to the more brittle PVC conduit material
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 enables efficient and cost-effective installation of conduit assemblies that meet safety standards, such as NEC Article 500.8, while reducing material and labor costs and eliminating damage to PVC conduits, and can be used to meet various building codes and specifications.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid connector element having a generally tubular configuration having a first end having an outside diameter, and an opposite second end having an external thread formation threaded, and adhered, to the internal thread formation of said metallic rigid coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A transition coupling, and conduit assembly, are configured to promote efficient and cost-effective assembly of conduit components for housing electrical wiring and the like in buildings and other structures. The transition coupling comprise metallic and non-metallic elements joined to each other, which elements, in turn, can be joined to associated metallic and non-metallic conduit sections. A pair of the transition coupling elements can be used at opposite ends of a rigid metallic elbow or the like to facilitate assembly with non-metallic conduit sections.