Patent Application
20140209620
The present disclosure relates generally to drain devices and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for draining fluids from within an enclosure.
Enclosures that contain electrical equipment often have issues with condensation and moisture forming inside the enclosure. Such condensation and moisture can enter the enclosure through a conduit connection, an inadequate seal around the door to the enclosure, an aperture that lacks a proper covering and/or seal, some other aspect of the enclosure, or any combination thereof. Removing the condensation and moisture is important to maintaining the integrity of, and for prolonging the useful life of, a number of electrical components. Such components can include, but are not limited to conductors, relays, sensors, controllers, and pushbuttons.
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a drain device for an enclosure. The drain device can include a drain body having at least one wall forming a cavity, where the at least one wall traverses an aperture in the enclosure, and where the drain body has a top end positioned inside the enclosure and a bottom end positioned outside the enclosure. The drain device can also include a drain nut mechanically coupled to the top end of the drain body. The drain nut can include a number of extending members extending substantially radially away from the top end of the drain body. Each extending member can have a distal end and a proximal end mechanically coupled to the top end of the drain body. Also, each extending member can have a length that is greater than a width of the proximal end. The drain device can further include a retaining member mechanically coupled to the bottom end of the drain body.
In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to an enclosure. The enclosure can include an enclosure wall having an aperture that traverses therethrough, where the enclosure wall separates an interior region and an exterior region. The enclosure can also include a drain device traversing the aperture and mechanically coupled to the enclosure wall. The drain device of the enclosure can include a drain body having at least one wall forming a cavity, where the at least one wall traverses the aperture in the enclosure, and where the drain body has a top end positioned in the interior region and a bottom end positioned in the exterior region. The drain device of the enclosure can also include a drain nut mechanically coupled to the top end of the drain body in the interior region. The drain nut of the drain device can include a number of extending members extending substantially radially away from the top end of the drain body. Each extending member can have a distal end and a proximal end mechanically coupled to the top end of the drain body. Also, each extending member has a length that is greater than a width of the proximal end. The drain device of the enclosure can further include a retaining member mechanically coupled to the bottom end of the drain body in the exterior region.
In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to an adaptive drain nut. The adaptive drain nut can include a number of extending members arranged adjacent to each other in a geometric shape. Each extending member can have a proximal end mechanically coupled to at least one feature of an existing drain device. Each extending member can have a length that is greater than a width of the proximal end. The existing drain device can be mechanically coupled to an enclosure through an aperture in an enclosure wall
These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the example embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
Example embodiments of drain nuts will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like, but not necessarily the same or identical, elements in the various figures axe denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Further, certain descriptions (e.g., top, bottom, side, end, interior, inside, inner, outer) are merely intended to help clarify aspects and are not meant to limit embodiments described herein.
In general, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for draining moisture and/or condensation from within an enclosure. Specifically, example embodiments provide for a drain nut that collects and disposes of condensation within an enclosure so that the condensation does not accumulate on electrical wiring, metal components, and/or electrical devices. An example drain nut can be positioned within an enclosure.
Further, as used herein, a drain nut can also be an example term used to describe a connector with extending protrusions (described below) that encourage moisture and/or condensation to be collected into an existing or integrated drain in an enclosure. In other words, a drain nut be its own drain device, or an example drain nut can work in cooperation with an existing device in an enclosure.
An enclosure can have one or more openings and/or apertures that traverse one or more wails of the enclosure. For example, one or more conduits enclosing one or more conductors can traverse through the enclosure. Moisture can track within and/or at the coupling point of the conduit to the enclosure. In such a case, an example drain nut can remove at least some of the condensation that accumulates within the enclosure on the one or more conductors.
The example drain nuts described herein can be made of one or more of a number of corrosion-resistant and/or moisture-resistant materials, including but not limited to rubber, nylon, plastic, stainless steel, and polyurethane. The material of the example drain nuts described herein can also be able to withstand extremes in temperature (hot and/or cold), pressures, and other conditions that can be found within an enclosure.
Examples of an enclosure in which an example drain nut can include, but are not limited to, a conduit (rigid or flexible), a junction box, a splice box, a motor control center, a breaker enclosure, a control cabinet, a relay cabinet, an instrumentation panel, a switchgear cabinet, an explosion-proof enclosure, a lighting fixture, and a terminal box. An enclosure can be made of one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to metal, rubber, and plastic. An enclosure, can be placed in one or more of a number of conditions and/or environments, including but not limited to indoors, outdoors, with exposure to chemicals, with, exposure to heat, with exposure to moisture, in a hazardous location, and in an explosion-proof location.
In certain example embodiments, an enclosure that is mechanically coupled to an example drain nut is subject, to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, an enclosure that mechanically couples to an example drain nut can be placed in one of a number of different environments where one or more standards must be met. Standard setting entities for such enclosures can include, but are not limited to, the National Electrical Manufactures Association (NEMA), the National. Electric Code (NEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
For example, the example drain nut, when coupled to an enclosure, can allow an enclosure to meet is the NEMA 4X standard. In such a case, the enclosure is constructed to provide a degree of protection against, at least, corrosion, falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, ice, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water. Thus, the drain nut that is mechanically coupled to such an enclosure must also meet these standards.
Another standard that the example drain nut, when coupled to an enclosure, allows an enclosure to meet is the NEMA 3R standard. The NEMA 3R standard applies to enclosures for primarily outdoor use, where the enclosure provides protection against falling rain, sleet, and snow. Such an enclosure should also be undamaged by ice that forms on the enclosure. When used indoors, such an enclosure protects against dripping water. A NEMA 3R enclosure does not require a gasket sealing surface.
Yet another standard that the example drain nut, when coupled to an enclosure, allows an enclosure to meet is the NEMA 6P standard. The NEMA 6P standard applies to enclosures for indoor or outdoor use where occasional prolonged submersion of the enclosure in a fluid is encountered. Corrosion protection is required for such an enclosure, and so such enclosures are usually made of stainless steel or plastic.
A user may be any person that interacts with an enclosure, an example drain nut, and/or equipment controlled by one or more components (e.g., motor, fan, relay, programmable logic controller) of the enclosure. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer's representative.
Referring to
The outer surface of the drain wall 122 can have one or more of a number of features. Such features can be for securing the drain body 120 to the enclosure. Examples of such securing features can include, but are not limited to, mating threads, slots, and retractable protrusions. In addition, or in the alternative, the outer surface of the drain wall 122 can include one or more features (e.g., a channel, a recessed area) to secure one or more components (e.g., the sealing member 130) of the drain device 100 to the drain body 120. Similarly, the inner surface of the drain wall 122 can have any of a number of features. For example, the inner surface, of the drain wall 122 can have a number of vertical protrusions 125 to add structural integrity to the drain device 100, where such vertical protrusions 125 can coincide with (or be part of) a raised portion 116 on each extending member 114 of the drain nut 110, as described below. For example, as shown in
In certain example embodiments, the top end 118 of the drain body 120 is positioned inside of the enclosure to which the drain device 100 is mechanically coupled. The bottom end 124 of the drain body 120 can be positioned outside of the enclosure. Thus, at least a portion of the drain wall 122 traverses the aperture in the enclosure. The bottom end 124 of the drain body 120 can be mechanically coupled to the retaining member 150. The top end 118 of the drain body 120 can be mechanically coupled to the drain nut 110.
In certain example embodiments, the drain nut 110 is mechanically coupled to the top end 118 of the drain body 120. The drain nut 110 can be removeabiy coupled to the drain body 120 using one or more of a number of coupling features disposed on the drain nut 110 and/or the drain body 120. In such a case, the drain nut 110 can include a neck, as described below with respect to
Alternatively, the drain nut 110 can be fixedly coupled to the lop end 118 of
the drain body 120. In such a case, the drain nut 110 and the drain body 120 can be made from a single piece, as from a mold. Alternatively, the drain nut 110 can be fixedly coupled to the drain body 120 using, one or more of a number of coupling techniques, including but not limited to welding, soldering, fusion, ultrasonic welding, and epoxy.
The drain nut 110 can. Include one or more extending members 114. In certain example embodiments, each extending member 114 extends radially away from the top end 118 of the drain body 120. In other words, each extending member 114 can extend away from the top end 118 of the drain body 120 so that the bottom surface of the extending member 114 makes contact with, or is positioned very proximate to the top surface of the enclosure adjacent to the aperture through which the chain device 100 is mechanically coupled. Thus, if the top surface of the enclosure is substantially flat and perpendicular to the drain body 120, then the extending members 114 can extend away from the drain, body 120 at approximately a 90° angle.
Each extending member 114 can have a distal end (the end furthest away from the drain body 120) and a proximal end that is mechanically coupled to the top end 118 of the drain body 120. In certain example embodiments, each extending member 114 has a length that is greater than the width of the proximal end of the extending member 114. In addition, the width of the distal end of each extending member 114 can be less than the width of the proximal end of the extending member 114. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the extending member 114 increases in size from the distal end to the proximal end of the extending member 114.
The purpose of the aforementioned configuration of the extending member 114 is to remediate fluids within the enclosure. Specifically, in certain example embodiments, fluids track along the outer surface of the extending member 114 from the distal end toward the proximal end. The shape and configuration of the extending members 114 draws fluids (e.g., water, condensate) into the cavity 111. Specifically, the surface of the extending members 114 encourages hydrogen bonding and a path for the fluids to flow from the distal end of the extending member 114 to the proximal end. The fluids flow from the distal end of the extending member 114 to the proximal end because of the high surface energy of the beading fluid as the fluid accumulates on the extending members 114. The configuration discussed in the previous paragraph is one example of a configuration that allows the fluids to track along the outer surface of the extending member 114 from the distal end toward the proximal end. The outer surface of the extending member 114 can be smooth, be textured, be etched, be channeled, include other features that allow for the tracking of fluids, or any combination thereof.
The distance that an extending member 114 extends from the top end 118 of the drain body 120 (i.e., the length of an extending member 114) can vary. For example, the length of an extending member 114 can be 1 inch. As another example, the length of an extending member 114 can be 2 inches. The length of an extending member 114 can be substantially the same and/or different from the length of the other extending members 114 of the drain nut 120.
The length of the extending members 114 can cause the extending members 114, particularly the distal end, to become vulnerable to external forces (e.g., loosening/lightening the chain nut 120, something falling and/or moving within the enclosure) that can be applied to the extending members 114. To reduce the chance that such external forces can cause the extending members 114 to crack or break, one or more features can be included to the extending members 114 to improve the structural integrity of the extending members 114.
An example of one such feature is a raised portion 116 that is disposed along a portion of the outer surface of the extending member 114. For example, as shown in
Each extending member 114 can be separated from an adjacent extending member 114 at the proximal end by a gap 119. Each gap 119 can be wide enough to allow the fluids that have tracked along the length of the extending member 114 to continue to the inner surface of the drain wall 122 at the top end 118 of the drain body 120. In addition to the width, the position of the gap 119 can be in a such a location as to encourage transfer of the fluid from the extending members 114 to the inner surface of the drain body 120. For example, the gap 119 can be positioned at such a height with respect to the proximal end of the extending members 114 that the bottom of the gap 119 is on substantially the same plane as the inner surface of the enclosure and/or the top end 118 of the drain body 120.
In certain example embodiments, the retaining member 150 is mechanically coupled to the drain body 120. Specifically, the retaining member 150 can be mechanically coupled to the bottom end 124 of the drain body 120. The retaining feature 150 can include at least one wall 152 that forms a cavity 151. The perimeter of the inner surface of the wall 152 of the retaining feature 150 can have substantially the same shape as the shape of the outer perimeter of the drain wall 122. Likewise, the size of the outer perimeter of the drain wall 122 can be slightly smaller than the perimeter of the inner surface of the wall 152 of the retaining feature 150. The cross-sectional area (for the inner perimeter and/or the outer perimeter) of the retaining member 150 can have one or more of a number of shapes along its length, including but not limited to a circle, an oval, a rectangle, and a hexagon. Similarly, the size of the shape of the cross-sectional area of the retaining member 150 can vary along its length. The inner surface and the outer surface of the wall 152 can be smooth and/or textured.
The inner surface of the wall 152 can have one or more of a number of features. Such features can be for securing the retaining member 150 to the enclosure. Examples of such securing features can include, but are not limited to, mating threads, slots, and retractable protrusions. In addition, or in the alternative, the outer surface of the drain wall 122 can include one or more features (e.g., a channel, a recessed area) to secure one or more components (e.g., the sealing member 130) of the drain device 100 to the retaining member 150, Similarly, the outer surface of the wall 152 can have any of a number of features. For example, the outer surface of the wall 152 can have a recessed channel 155, as shown in
In certain example embodiments, the retaining member 150 is removably coupled to the-bottom end 124 of the drain, body 120. In such a ease, the outer surface of the drain wall 122 and/or the inner surface of the retaining member 150 can have one or more of a number of coupling features. Such coupling features can be for using the retaining member 150 to secure the retaining member 150 and the drain body 120 to the enclosure. Examples of such coupling features can include, but are not limited to, mating threads, slots, and retractable protrusions. For example, the retaining member 150 can be threadably coupled to the drain body 120 using mating threads disposed on an interior surface of the retaining member wall 152 and on an outer surface of the drain wall 122.
In certain example embodiments, the optional sealing member 130 is positioned around the drain body 112, between the extending members 114 of the drain nut 110 and the retaining member 150. The sealing member 130 can include at least one wall 132 that forms a channel 131. The sealing member 130 can be used to create a seal between the retaining member 150 and another component (e.g., the drain body 112) and/or an enclosure. Such a seal can act as a barrier to prevent, or greatly reduce, dust, water, and/or other contaminants from entering the interior of the enclosure.
Examples of the sealing member 130 can include, but are not limited to, a gasket, an o-ring, and silicon gel. The sealing member 130 can be disposed within a feature (e.g., a recess, a channel) on the outer surface of the drain body 112, the retaining member 150, and/or an outer surface of the enclosure adjacent to the aperture through which the drain device traverses. For example, if the outer surface of the drain body 112 has a channel, then the sealing member 130 can be an o-ring that snugly fits within the channel. The sealing member 130 can be made of a compressible material. The sealing member 130 can be made from one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to rubber, nylon, metal, and silicon.
In certain example embodiments, the optional drain net 140 mechanically couples to the bottom end 124 of the drain body 120 and/or a feature on the inner surface of the wall 152 of the retaining feature 150. The drain net 140 can include at least one wall 142 that forms a cavity 141. Mechanically coupled to one side-(e.g., the under side) of the wall 142 is a meshing 144. The meshing 144 can filter fluids that flow through the cavity 111 of the drain body 120 from inside the enclosure. The meshing 144 can be any type of filter, including but not limited to a mesh Screen and a sintered filter.
The various components (e.g., the retaining member 150, the drain body 120) of the drain device 100 can be made of the same and/or different materials compared to each other, in any case, however, the materials of the components of the drain device 100 can be sufficient to allow the drain device 100 to meet or exceed any standards and/or regulations that may apply to the enclosure to which the drain device 100 is coupled.
Referring now to
As the threaded contact between the retaining member 150 and the drain body 120 is increased, the retaining member 150 presses upward into the sealing member 130 against the exterior surface of the enclosure wall 204. At the same time, the drain nut 110 (and in particular the extending members 114) are pressed downward against the interior surface of the enclosure wall 204 in such a case, the extending members 114 make contact with the interior surface of the enclosure wall 204, which allows fluids in the interior 205 of the enclosure 200 to better track, along the shape and/or features of the extending member 114, as described above.
In this case, the raised portions 116 protrude upward, from the top surface of the extending members 114. In addition, the inner surface of the drain wall 122 includes a number of vertical protrusions 125 that abut against the proximal end of the raised portions 116 at point 215, as shown in
Referring to
Similarly, the retaining member 350 can have, multiple, mating features for mechanically coupling to the drain body 320 and/or one or more other components. In this case, a mating feature 356 disposed on the outer surface at the lower end of the wall 352, and a different mating feature 354 is disposed on the outer, surface at the upper end of the wall 352. In addition, a third mating feature 359 is disposed on the inner surface of the wall 352. The mating features 354, 356, 359 can be the same or different mating features. The mating features 354, 356, 359 can be any type of mating feature, including (for example) mating threads as shown in
The drain nut 310 in this case includes a neck 312 that is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the extending members 314. The neck 312 can be used to mechanically couple the drain, nut 310 to the drain body 320. Specifically, the neck 312 can include one or more mating features disposed along the neck 312. For example, as shown in
In certain example embodiments, the drain nut 310 can be an adaptive device that replaces a component of an existing drain device 300. For example, the drain device 300 of
In certain example embodiments, when the drain nut 310 is an adaptive device for an existing drain device 300, the drain nut 310 may not include a neck. In such a case, one or more of the extending members 314 can have a fastening feature (e.g., a clip, a tab) that is used to mechanically couple the drain nut 310 to the existing drain device 300. In certain example embodiments, the extending members 314 and/or the neck 312 (if any) of the drain nut 310 do not have any fastening features, and instead abut against an interior surface of an enclosure wall and/or a portion of an existing drain device 300 to provide enhanced liquid collection for the existing drain device 300.
In certain example embodiments, the extending members 314 and/or the optional neck 312 of the drain nut 310 can be arranged in one or more of a number of geometric shapes. Such a shape can include, but is not limited to, a circle, an oval, a square, a triangle, and an octagon, if a neck 312 is Included in the drain nut 310, the shape of the cross-sectional area of the neck 312 can be the same or different, than the shape in which the extending members 314 are arranged.
Example embodiments provide for a drain nut. Specifically, certain example embodiments allow for the collection of condensation and/or other fluids within an enclosure so that such condensation and/or other fluids can drain to an exterior of the enclosure. The extending members of the drain nut can provide a surface for hydrogen bonding and a path fox fluids to flow into the drain, taking advantage of the high surface energy of the beading fluids. Example embodiments can have varying sizes and shapes.
In addition, example embodiments provide for electrical and/or mechanical integrity of components and devices within an enclosure by reducing the corrosion and/or the occurrence of electrical faults and short circuits that can be caused by fluids, Specifically, using example drain nuts described herein reduce or eliminate the concern of moisture-related electrical problems associated with junction boxes, conduit, terminal blocks, fuse blocks, conductors, and a number of other components within enclosures. In addition, the use of example drain nuts can provide one or more of a number of electrical and/or mechanical benefits. Such benefits can include, but are not limited to, ease of installation, ease of maintenance, increased lifespan of electrical components associated with a conductor, and replacing a blown fuse that results from an overcurrent and/or fault condition brought on by fluid buildup within an enclosure.
Example drain nuts can be used as part of a new drain device. Alternatively, example embodiments can be adaptive drain nuts that are used in place of, or in addition to, at least a portion of an existing drain device for an enclosure. Example drain nuts can also include features (e.g., raised portions) that that increase the structural integrity and extend the useful life of the drain nut.
Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.
