Weatherproof Electrical Box with Integral Conduit Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional weatherproof electrical boxes face issues with structural integrity, snagging of wires, and complex installation processes due to separate conduit fittings, which are not designed to work seamlessly with standard electrical boxes, leading to increased labor costs and logistical challenges.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a conduit receiving port with a weatherproof fitting and conduit retention device within the electrical box, featuring a metal retainer ring and O-ring for secure conduit locking and easy installation, eliminating the need for separate conduit fittings and reducing installation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate conduit fittings with threaded nuts and washers are used, then the electrical box can accommodate conduit, but the installation process becomes complex and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit accommodation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical box and conduit fitting into a single integrated unit. The conduit receiving port is formed directly in the electrical box housing, eliminating the need for separate conduit fittings, nuts, and washers. This merging of components simplifies the installation process while maintaining conduit accommodation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical box is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the electrical enclosure and conduit receiving capabilities in one unit. The conduit receiving port can accommodate various conduit types and sizes, making the electrical box universally applicable for different installation scenarios without requiring additional specialized fittings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional conduit fittings protrude from the electrical box, then conduit connection is achieved, but wire snagging occurs and aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit connection capabilityVSAvoidwire snagging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the conduit receiving port directly into the electrical box housing, the patent eliminates protruding fittings that cause wire snagging. The conduit port is flush with the box surface, allowing wires to pass through smoothly without catching on external angles or protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit receiving port features smooth curved surfaces and rounded internal angles that guide wires through the connection point without snagging. The port design includes smooth transitions and eliminated sharp external corners that would otherwise catch on wire insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate conduit fittings are installed in knockout holes, then conduit accommodation is possible, but structural integrity of the electrical box is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit accommodationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conduit receiving function directly into the electrical box housing structure. The conduit receiving port is formed as an integral part of the box, eliminating the need to install separate fittings in knockout holes that would compromise the box's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit receiving port is pre-formed in the electrical box housing during manufacturing, before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-installation modifications like removing knockout holes and installing separate fittings, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the electrical box.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional conduit fittings are used, then conduit connection is achieved, but installation time increases and labor costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit connection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical box and conduit fitting into one integrated component, eliminating multiple installation steps. Installers no longer need to separately install conduit fittings, nuts, and washers - they simply connect the conduit directly to the integrated port, dramatically reducing installation time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the conduit connection function into an integrated design that eliminates the need for multiple separate components. By consolidating what would otherwise require multiple parts into a single unit, the installation process is simplified from multiple sequential steps to a single connection action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10044177B2Push to connect weatherproof box

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 HUBBELL INC

AI summary

An electrical box includes an integral conduit receiving port, a weatherproof fitting displaced in the integral conduit receiving port, a conduit retention device displaced in the integral conduit receiving port and a cap device for retaining the weatherproof fitting and the conduit retention device in the integral conduit receiving port.