Unitary Conduit Support Bracket with Bendable Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electrical conduit boxes and associated conduits is time-consuming due to the need for complex arrangements of support brackets, clamps, and fasteners to meet building codes, and there is a lack of a universal solution that can accommodate various conduit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A unitary conduit support bracket with selectively bendable fingers that can be configured to support conduits of different sizes and orientations, allowing for efficient assembly and customization to meet various electrical conduit box configurations, reducing the need for multiple clamps and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate support brackets, clamps, and fasteners are used to support conduits and electrical conduit boxes, then the structural requirements and building codes are met, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate support components (brackets, clamps, fasteners) into a single integrated support bracket assembly that can simultaneously support electrical conduit boxes and multiple conduits. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of multiple components, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining all required structural support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can support electrical conduit boxes, accommodate multiple conduits of various sizes, and provide attachment points for different configurations. The single bracket performs multiple support functions that previously required several separate components, streamlining the installation process.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed configuration support bracket is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the bracket cannot accommodate various conduit configurations and orientations required by different electrical conduit box arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket incorporates segmented, adjustable elements such as positionable clamps and configurable support arms that can be independently positioned to accommodate different conduit sizes, orientations, and configurations. These segmented components maintain a simple overall bracket structure while providing the flexibility needed for various electrical conduit box arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket includes dynamic, adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different conduit configurations during installation. The adjustable clamps and positionable support elements can be configured for various orientations and positions, enabling the same bracket design to serve multiple conduit arrangement requirements without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If multiple separate support components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple support functions into a single unified bracket assembly that combines the functions of separate support brackets, clamps, and fasteners. This consolidation reduces the total number of components from multiple separate parts to one integrated device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining optimized support capabilities through carefully designed integrated features.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for conduit to box unitary support bracket uses a plate. An electrical conduit box has end knockout openings on sides thereof, each end knockout opening having an elevation and size and location. The plate is disposed substantially perpendicular to said end knockout openings and comprising opposing rows of thin, selectively bendable fingers bent towards the knockout openings to support at least one wire carrier in alignment with an elevation and size and location of corresponding end knockout openings. A method of assembling bends tabs on the plate 90 degrees, installs a connector in an end knockout on a side of the box, bends in a direction toward the electrical conduit box opposing rows of a plurality thin metal fingers on the tab, secures the box to the plate, and feeds a wire carrier through the tabs, resting on the metal fingers bent and feeds the wire carrier into the connector.