Waterproof Conduit Junction With Integrated Grounding Sleeves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit connection systems fail to provide a secure and waterproof junction in environments requiring high hygiene standards, such as food and pharmaceutical factories, leading to potential water ingress and electrical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A conduit connection system with a connecting member and multiple seals, engaging members, and sleeves that form a secure, waterproof, and electrically grounded junction between conduit sections, using grub screws and O-Rings for mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional metallic conduit sections with male thread sections and female connection rings are used, then the connection method is simple, but water can enter through loose threads or gaps causing stagnant pools and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a connecting member for mechanical joining, multiple seals (including O-rings and grommets) for waterproofing, and engaging members for electrical grounding. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary between conduit sections, providing integrated seal receptacles and engaging members. The seals serve as intermediaries between the connecting member and conduit to prevent water ingress, while maintaining a simple threaded connection interface.
2Reliability
If multiple seals and engaging members are added to prevent water ingress and provide electrical grounding, then waterproofing and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member merges multiple functions into a single component: mechanical connection (threaded interface), seal mounting (integrated seal receptacles), and electrical grounding (integrated engaging members). This reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it connects conduit sections mechanically, provides waterproof sealing interfaces, and establishes electrical grounding paths. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced reliability features.
3Ease of operation
If threaded connections are used to join conduit sections, then assembly is easy, but water can penetrate through loose threads creating electrical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The seals are pre-positioned in seal receptacles within the connecting member to counteract the water penetration risk of threaded connections before assembly is complete. This preliminary protective measure prevents water ingress through the threaded interface while maintaining assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The seals act as intermediaries between the threaded connection and the conduit interior, blocking water penetration paths created by thread gaps while allowing the threaded connection to remain simple and easy to assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit connection system has a connecting member for connecting two or more sections of conduit and a plurality of engaging members designed to establish both mechanical and electrical connections between the conduit sections and the connecting member. The system includes a first sleeve, equipped with a seal to ensure a watertight junction with the conduit, and a threaded interface. A second sleeve, featuring a corresponding seal and compatible threading, is configured to engage with the first sleeve. When the first and second sleeves are securely connected, they together enclose the connecting member ensure waterproofing of the conduit junction.