Universal Conduit Body With Removable Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conduit bodies lack versatility in connecting multiple conduits and providing adequate space for splicing wires, with existing solutions not offering sufficient flexibility in configuration and sealing options.

Innovation Solution

A universal conduit body assembly with removable panels and ports that can be selectively attached via hinge members or connectors, allowing for various configurations and sealing options, and accommodating different conduit sizes, with gaskets for added protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conduit bodies are used to connect conduits, then basic connection function is achieved, but versatility in connecting multiple conduits and providing adequate splicing space is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility in connecting multiple conduitsVSAvoidcomplexity of conduit body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit body is divided into a stationary body and multiple removable panels, each panel being independently attachable and removable. This segmentation allows the conduit body to adapt to different conduit configurations by selectively attaching panels to different sides, thereby improving versatility without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit body is designed as a universal assembly that can connect multiple conduits (up to four or more) by attaching different combinations of panels to different sides. The same basic body structure serves multiple functions by configuring different panel arrangements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized conduit bodies for different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of stationary object

If conventional conduit bodies are used, then basic wire splicing is possible, but adequate space for containing spliced wires is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for containment of spliced wiresVSAvoidcomplexity of conduit body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable panels create a enclosed cavity within the conduit body that provides adequate space for containing spliced wires. The panels can be removed to access the wire splicing area and then reattached to seal the cavity, providing both adequate volume for wire containment and easy accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional conduit bodies are used, then basic sealing is achieved, but flexibility in configuration and sealing options is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in configuration and sealing optionsVSAvoidease of assembling and configuring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The panels are designed to be selectively attachable and removable rather than fixed, allowing the conduit body configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on installation requirements. Panels can be attached to different sides in different combinations, providing flexible configuration options while maintaining ease of operation through simple attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Gaskets are introduced as intermediary sealing elements between the panels and the conduit body to ensure proper sealing. These gaskets facilitate the sealing function while allowing the panels to remain easily attachable and removable, thus providing both flexible configuration options and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If removable panels are added to provide access to cavity, then substantial access is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cavity for wire splicingVSAvoidcomplexity of conduit body structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit body is segmented into a stationary body and multiple removable panels, with each panel providing independent access to the cavity when removed. This segmentation allows workers to remove only the specific panel needed for access rather than opening the entire conduit body, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9029715B1Universal conduit body assembly

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

In an aspect, a universal conduit body assembly comprises a universal conduit body having a first port attached thereto. The first port is sized and shaped to connect the conduit body with one or more conduits or plugs. A cavity is at least partially defined by the conduit body, and the cavity comprises at least two open sides and sufficient space for containment of one or more spliced wires within the conduit body. Two or more removable panels each sized and shaped to cover a portion of the universal conduit body and selectively attach to each of the at least two open sides of the cavity are provided. At least one of the two or more panels includes a second port sized and shaped to connect the panel with the one or more conduits or plugs.