GB2592014A

GB2592014A - Duct Termination

Info

Publication number: GB2592014A
Application number: GB2001855.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francis Clark Ronald
Original assignee: CLARK DRAIN Ltd
Current assignee: CLARK DRAIN Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-11
Filing date: 2020-02-11
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-11
Also published as: GB202001855D0; GB2592014B

Abstract

A duct termination 100 for insertion into an opening in a chamber wall comprising a duct wall 102 defining a central axis 104 and comprising a chamber end 106 and an insertion end 108. The chamber end is separated from the insertion end along the central axis and the chamber end comprise a mouth portion 110 having a flared or bell profile for receiving one or more cables or pipes; and at least one fastener 118a for fastening the duct termination to the chamber wall. The duct termination may comprise an outer wall 114 outside of the flared profile which extends rearwards from the chamber towards the insertion end. The outer wall may have a flared profile and form a hollow toroidal cavity 126b. The fastener may comprise an engagement feature based towards an engaged position in which the duct termination is secured to the opening. The engagement feature may be biased radially outwards from the central axis.

Description

Duct Termination

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a duct termination for insertion into an opening in a chamber wall, and a corresponding system comprising the duct termination and the chamber wall.

Background

In the context of building services engineering, construction engineering, and drainage systems engineering, it is often necessary to run large bundles of cables and/or pipes through cavities or ducts which terminate in chambers. The chambers may provide access points along a length of duct or an intersection between different ducts.

Where the ducts enter the chamber, there is typically an opening for the pipes or cables to pass through. However, during installation, this can often cause difficulties in feeding the pipes through the openings and cables may catch or snag on the edges of the openings.

This has led to the development of duct terminations, sometimes referred to as "bell mouth" terminations. Bell mouth terminations can help to alleviate snagging issues, by providing smoothed and/or curved surfaces at the entry of the ducts. However, bell mouths can suffer from other issues during installation. Such problems may relate to coupling the bell mouth termination to a duct which extends away from the chamber, the space required to provide the bell mouth termination and snagging.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved bell mouth that further alleviates these problems.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a duct termination for insertion into an opening in a chamber wall as defined in claim 1.

The duct termination may comprise a duct wall defining a central axis. The duct wall may comprise a chamber end and an insertion end. The chamber end may be separated from the insertion end along the central axis. The chamber end may comprise a mouth portion. The mouth portion may have a flared profile for receiving one or more cables or pipes. The duct termination may comprise at least one fastener for fastening the duct termination to the chamber wall.

The duct wall may be cylindrical (i.e. the duct wall may have a circular cross section).

Alternatively, the duct wall may comprises a prismatic or polygonal cross section, for example, a square or hexagonal cross section. The chamber end and the insertion end may comprise a profile corresponding to the cross section of the duct. The central axis may be defined by the geometric centre duct cross section.

The mouth portion may be substantially ring-shaped. The mouth portion may be considered to be a toroidal portion. The mouth portion may not necessarily be a circular ring shape. The mouth portion may have a shape different from a circular ring, for example, a square or hexagonal ring.

The mouth portion may have a tapered profile, a graduated profile, a progressively-widening profile, a trumpeted profile, a bell-mouth profile, a divergent profile and/or a broadening profile. The flared profile may be equivalent to the profile of a conventional trumpet bell. By profile, it will be appreciated that it is the profile defined in the longitudinal axial section of the central axis (that is, the radial section of the mouth portion.

The presence of the at least one fastener represents a significant improvement over existing duct terminations. The fastener improves the stability of the duct termination so that the duct termination is not prone to being dislodged or accidentally removed while it is inserted into the opening of the chamber wall. Further, the fastener allows the duct to be inserted into and coupled to the duct termination more readily.

In particular, this means that some other stability-enhancing features are no longer required. For example, in many existing duct terminations, the insertion end must protrude substantially from the opening. This additional protrusion provides support and counter-balance so that the duct termination does not fall from the opening in the direction of the chamber end. However, this requires that the duct termination has a larger axial length, thereby making the duct termination unwieldy and more difficult to install. It also takes up valuable space in tightly-confined spaces which could instead by used for other piping or cabling. By providing fasteners, the insertion end need not protrude from the opening and the duct termination need not have a large axial length. This makes installation easier and means that the duct termination may be more suitable for installation in smaller chambers.

In some embodiments, the flared profile may comprise a curved surface.

The curved surface may be a continuously curved surface. The curved surface may be a smooth surface. The curved surface may have no protrusions or recesses. The curved surface means that there are fewer sharp or cornered features. Such features can cause difficulties during installation as pipes or cables can catch or snag. By using curved, continuous or smooth surfaces, such difficulties are avoided. The curved surface may extend through an angle greater than 45 degrees, greater than 75 degrees, greater than 85 degrees. The curved surface may extend through 90 degrees.

The flared profile may comprise a curved wall that extends from radially inwards of the duct wall to radially outwards of the duct wall. The radially inwards portion of the flared profile may provide a stop for limiting the insertion of the duct into the termination. The inner radius of the chamber end may correspond to the inner radius of a duct such that the surface of the inner wall of the duct can smoothly transition to the termination without a lip or step against which a cable or pipe can snag.

The flared profile may comprise a curved wall that extends from the duct wall to radially outwards of the duct wall. The flared profile may comprise a curved wall that extends from radially inwards of the duct wall to the duct wall. The curved wall may comprise the curved surface.

The flared profile extending radially inwards of the duct wall allows the duct wall to have a radius greater than a minimum radius of the flared profile. The flared profile may thereby terminate at an inner end, corresponding to the minimum radius of the flared profile. The inner end may provide an abutment surface for a duct. The insertion end of the duct termination may be configured to receive a duct, the duct having a radius less than the radius of the duct wall.

If the duct has a radius approximately equal to the minimum radius of the flared profile, then the duct may abut the inner end of the flared profile. This provides an insertion limit for the duct. This makes the installation process simpler as the installer can insert the duct into the insert end of the termination to its fullest extent, knowing that the inner end of the flared profile will prevent over-insertion of the duct.

In some embodiments, the mouth portion may comprise an outer wall located outside of the flared profile. The outer wall may extend rearwards from the chamber end towards the insertion end. The outer wall may comprise a radially outwardly facing surface with respect to the central axis. The outer wall may be cylindrical.

The outer wall may provide a barrier that prevents easy access to the space directly outside of the flared profile. This prevents pipes and cables from being caught in the space extending rearwards from the outside of the flared profile.

In some embodiments, the outer wall may comprise an abutment feature at a distal edge of the outer wall with respect to the chamber end.

The abutment feature may comprise the distal edge of the outer wall. The abutment feature may comprise a lip, a foot, and/or a rim. The abutment feature may be configured to abut the chamber wall when the duct termination is inserted into the opening. The abutment feature may define the extent to which the duct termination can be inserted.

In some embodiments, the outer wall and the flared profile may define a hollow toroidal cavity.

The hollow toroidal cavity may be substantially inaccessible. The abutment feature may prevent easy access to the hollow toroidal cavity. As described above, this prevents pipes and cables being caught in the space rearwards of the flared profile.

In some embodiments, the hollow toroidal cavity may be divided by the duct wall. The hollow toroidal cavity may comprise a first toroidal cavity and a second toroidal cavity. The first toroidal cavity may be located radially closer to the central axis than the duct wall. The second toroidal cavity may be located radially further from the central axis than the duct wall.

The first toroidal cavity may be defined by the duct wall and the flared profile. The second toroidal cavity may be defined by the duct wall and the outer wall.

In some embodiments, the flared profile and the outer wall may have a common axial length. The axial location of the outer wall and radially inner edge of the flared portion may be the same.

In some embodiments, the flared profile may comprise a portion which protrudes radially inwards towards the central axis.

In some embodiments, the flared profile may comprise an inwards-facing portion at a first end, a chamber-facing portion at a second end, and a transition. The first and second ends may be separated along the central axis. The inwards-facing portion may be cylindrical. The chamber-facing portion may be annular. The transition may be a continuously curved surface joining the inwards-facing portion and the chamber-facing portion.

In some embodiments, the inwards-facing portion may be in a plane parallel to the central axis.

The inwards-facing portion may be in a plane that is substantially parallel to the central axis. That is to say, the plane of the inwards-facing portion may be at an angle to the central axis. It is understood that the inwards-facing portion need not be exactly parallel to the central axis.

In some embodiments, the chamber-facing portion may be in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

The chamber-facing portion may be in a plane normal to the central axis. The chamber-facing portion may be in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis. That is to say, the plane of the chamber-facing portion may be at an angle other than 900 to the central axis. It is understood that the chamber-facing portion need not be exactly perpendicular to the central axis.

In some embodiments, the flared profile may have a minimum radius with respect to the central axis that is less than a radius of the duct wall.

The radius of the inwards-facing portion may comprise the minimum radius. The radius of the duct wall may be relative to the central axis.

In some embodiments, the flared profile may have a maximum radius with respect to the central axis that is greater than a radius of the duct wall.

The radius of the chamber-facing portion may comprise the maximum radius.

In some embodiments, the at least one fastener may comprise a first fastener and a second fastener.

In some embodiments, the first fastener may be diametrically opposed to the second fastener with respect to the central axis.

In some embodiments, the at least one fastener may comprise an engagement feature. The engagement feature may be biased towards an engaged position in which the duct termination is secured to the opening.

The engagement feature may be resiliently biased towards the engaged position. The engagement feature may be self-biasing. The self-biasing of the engagement feature may be provided by the material properties and/or configuration. The self-biasing of the engagement feature may not require interaction with another element. The engagement features and/or the entire duct termination may be manufactured from a plastic or plastic material. For example, the engagement features and/or the entire duct termination may be manufactured from polypropylene, glass filled nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The engagement feature may protrude radially outwards from the duct wall. The engagement feature may comprise biased tabs. The biased tabs may have an inwardly sloped profile so that the biased tabs protrude by the greatest extent towards the chamber-end, and by the least extent towards the insertion end.

In some embodiments, the engagement feature may be biased radially outwards from the central axis.

The engagement feature may be configured to require a depressing action in order to urge the engagement feature away from the engaged position. The depressing action may be radially inwards towards the central axis.

In some embodiments, the chamber-facing portion may comprise an access hole. The access hole may be positioned on the same side of the duct wall relative to the central axis as the at least one fastener, thereby allowing access to the at least one fastener for releasing the duct termination from the chamber wall.

The access hole may extend through the flared profile. The access hole may extend through the chamber-facing portion of the flared profile. The access hole may pass through the hollow toroidal cavity.

The access hole may permit entry of a tool or elongate member. The tool or elongate member may be used to depress the engagement feature in order to urge it away from the engaged position. This allows a user to access the engagement feature in order to detach the duct termination from the chamber wall after installation. This is useful if the duct termination requires repair or replacement.

In some embodiments, the flared profile may comprise a minimum radius with respect to the central axis. The ratio of the minimum radius of the flared profile to the axial length between the chamber end and the insertion end may be between 1:1 and 2:1, between 1:1 and 1.7:1, between 1:1 and 1.5:1, and/or between 1:1 and 1.1:1.

The ratio of the minimum radius of the flared profile to the axial length between the chamber end and the insertion end may be 100:92. The ratio of the minimum radius of the flared profile to the axial length between the chamber end and the insertion end may be 150:92.

The flared profile may comprise a maximum radius with respect to the central axis. The ratio of the maximum radius to the minimum radius may be between 1:1 and 2:1, between 1:1 and 1.7:1, between 1.2:1 and 1.7:1, and/or between 1.4:1 and 1.7:1.

The ratio of the maximum radius to the minimum radius may be 162:100. The ratio of the maximum radius to the minimum radius may be 220.92:150.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system as defined in claim 20.

The system may comprise a chamber and a duct termination. The chamber may comprise at least one chamber wall having at least one opening, each chamber wall having a chamber-facing side and an external-facing side. The duct termination may be the duct termination as described herein. An axial length of the duct wall may be positioned in the opening. The chamber end may protrude from the chamber wall on the chamber-facing side. The at least one fastener may be fastened to the chamber wall.

The duct termination may be configured to be inserted from the chamber-facing side with the insertion end being inserted into the opening.

In some embodiments, the insertion end may be flush with the external-facing side.

The insertion end may not protrude beyond the extent of the chamber wall.

As described above, the presence of fasteners means that the insertion end need not protrude beyond the extent of the chamber wall in order to provide stability. The stability is instead provided by the fasteners, thereby allowing the insertion end to be flush with the external-facing side without reducing stability. This is advantageous as it reduces the overall axial length of the duct termination, allowing easier transportation and installation. In addition, this allows the piping or cabling to change direction more quickly after leaving the chamber. For example, the piping or cabling may take a full 90° change of direction to run parallel along the chamber wall. In prior art duct terminations, the piping or cabling could not change direction until after exiting the duct termination, substantially further away from the external-facing side of the chamber wall.

In some embodiments, an abutment feature of the flared profile may abut the chamber-facing side of the chamber wall.

The abutment feature may provide additional stability. The abutment feature may prevent the duct termination from being push all of the way through the opening. The abutment feature may facilitate insertion of the duct termination such that the insertion end is flush with the external-facing side.

In some embodiments, the chamber wall may comprise a hollow wall construction. The hollow wall construction may comprise a first wall and a second wall defining a hollow cavity therebetween. The chamber wall may comprise a plurality of walls extending between opposing interior surfaces of the first and second walls. The plurality of walls may define fastener receiving portions therebetween in which the at least one fastener is received.

The plurality of walls may comprise walls that extend parallel to the first wall and the second wall. The plurality of walls may comprise walls that extend oblique to the first wall and the second wall. The fastener receiving portions may extend parallel to the first wall and the second wall.

In some embodiments, the plurality of walls may define a first cavity and a second cavity on opposing sides of the opening. The first and second cavities may include the first fastener and the second fastener respectively.

The first cavity and/or the second cavity may comprise a fastener-receiving portion. The first cavity may be parallel to the second cavity. The first cavity may be aligned with the second cavity across the opposing sides of the opening. The first cavity may be diametrically opposed to the second cavity across the opening.

Advantageously, the first fastener and the second fastener may be diametrically opposed. The presence of a diametrically-opposed first and second fastener allows the first and second fastener to be positioned in diametrically opposed cavities. In many chamber walls, the first cavity and the second cavity are parallel and aligned. Therefore, fasteners may be more successfully fastened to a chamber wall if they are diametrically opposed, thereby allowing positioning in the first and second cavities. On the contrary, duct terminations comprising three or more fasteners (particularly, fasteners that are evenly radially distributed) suffer from this issue since the fasteners cannot be positioned in parallel, aligned cavities.

In addition, the fasteners and/or the cavities may provide rotational stability to the duct termination. The first and second fasteners being positioned in the first and second cavities respectively prevents rotation of the duct termination about the central cavity since this would urge the first and second fasteners against the plurality of walls. Advantageously, this allows, during installation, the duct termination to be aligned at a certain axial rotation, which cannot be changed without uninstallation. This may be advantageous, for example, if the duct termination is not rotationally symmetric (e.g. it comprises radial features that require a certain orientation).

In some embodiments, the axial separation of the engagement feature and the abutment feature may be equal to the thickness of the first wall and the second wall of the chamber wall.

The first wall and the second wall may be of equal thickness. The engagement feature and the abutment feature may sandwich the first and/or second wall. This provides stability in the axial direction once the duct termination is installed. In other words, the duct termination will not be able to move freely (e.g. wiggle) in the axial direction.

Pulling the duct termination in the direction of the chamber end causes the engagement feature to abut the external-facing side of the chamber wall, preventing additional movement. Pushing the duct termination in the direction of the insertion end causes the abutment feature to abut the chamber-facing side of the chamber wall, preventing additional movement.

Brief Description of the Figures

Examples will now be described with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a chamber-end view of a duct termination for insertion into an opening in a chamber wall; Figure 2 shows a cross-section view through line B-B of the duct termination of Figure 1, Figure 3 shows a cross-section view through line C-C of the duct termination of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a system comprising a chamber and a duct termination; Figure 5 shows a top view of the system of Figure 4; and Figure 6 shows a cross-section view through line A-A of the system of Figures 4 and 5.

Detailed Description

Figures 1, 2 and 3 depict a duct termination 100. Figure 1 shows a chamber-end view of duct termination 100 and Figure 2 shows a cross-section view through line B-B. The duct termination 100 may comprise a duct wall 102 defining a central axis 104. In this example, the duct wall 102 is cylindrical. The duct termination 100 may comprise a chamber end 106 and may comprise an insertion end 108 separated along the central axis 104. The duct termination 100 may comprise a mouth portion 110 at the chamber end 106. The mouth portion 110 may be substantially perpendicular to the central axis 104. The mouth portion 110 may share the central axis 104 of the duct wall 102.

The mouth portion 110 may comprise a flared profile 112. The flared shape of flared profile 112 can be most clearly seen in Figure 2. The duct termination 100 may comprise fasteners comprising a first fastener 116a and a second fastener 116b. The first fastener 116a may be diametrically opposed to the second fastener 116b. The fasteners 116a, 116b may be located behind (with respect to the chamber end 106) access ports 118a, 118b. The access ports 118a, 118b may be located on the flared profile 112.

The mouth portion 110 may also comprise a outer wall 114 that is radially outside of flared profile 112. The outer wall 114 may comprise a radially outwardly facing surface with respect to the central axis 104. The outer wall 114 may join the flared profile 112 at the chamber end 106 and extend rearwards towards the insertion end 108, at which point it may terminate in an abutment feature 122. In this example, the abutment feature 122 comprises the edge of the outer wall distal from the chamber end 106.

The outer wall 114 and the flared profile 112 may define a hollow toroidal cavity 124. The outer wall 114 may prevent access to the hollow toroidal cavity 124 when the duct termination is installed in a chamber wall. This prevents cables or pipes becoming snagged or caught on the radially outermost parts of flared profile 112.

The hollow toroidal cavity 124 may comprise a first toroidal cavity 126a and a second toroidal cavity 126b. The first toroidal cavity 126a may be radially closer to the central axis 104 than the duct wall 102. The second toroidal cavity 126b may be radially further from the central axis 104 than the duct wall 102.

The flared profile 112 may comprise an inwards-facing portion 128, a chamber-facing portion 130 and a transition 132. The inwards-facing portion 128 and the chamber-facing portion 130 may be separated along the central axis 104. The inwards-facing portion 128 may be substantially cylindrical, sharing central axis 104. The chamber-facing portion 130 may be annular, also sharing central axis 104. The transition 132 may be a continuous, curved surface joining the inwards-facing portion 128 and the chamber-facing portion 130. The inwards-facing portion 128 may be equally as distal to the chamber end 106 as the abutment feature 122 is to the chamber end 106.

With respect to the central axis, the flared profile 112 may have a minimum radius R1 and a maximum radius R2. The radius of the inwards-facing portion 128 may be the minimum radius R1. The radius of the chamber-facing portion 130 (and, specifically, the outer radius of the chamber-facing portion 130) may be the maximum radius R2. The radius of the duct wall may be between the radii R1 and R2. The maximum radius R2 may correspond to the largest radius of the duct termination 100. It will be noted that the radius of the curved surface 132 may be less than the radius of the duct wall 102 Turning to Figure 3, a cross-section view of duct termination 100 is shown through line C-C. This view bisects the fasteners 116a, 116b. The first fastener 116a and the second fastener 116b may comprise a cantilever construction having a fixed end and a free end such that they can be deflected away from the line of the duct wall. The fasteners 116a,b may comprise engagement features 134a and 134b, respectively. The fasteners 116a, 116b may be resiliently biased. Hence, when urged radially inwards (or outwards) with respect to the duct wall, the engagement fasteners may be biased back towards a central position. The central position may be in line with the duct wall. The resilient bias may be as a result of the material properties of the fasteners (e.g. plastic). The engagement features 134a, 134b may protrude radially outwards from the duct wall 102 so as to extend radially beyond the duct wall when in the neutral central position. The engagement features 134a, 134b may comprise a barbed configuration having an inwardly sloped portion for slidably engaging the chamber wall when being inserted and a step at the end of the sloped portion. The engagement features may protrude by the greatest extent towards the chamber end 106, and are substantially flush with the duct wall 102 towards the insertion end 108. The sloped/angled portion and step may provide a displaceable latch which can engage with a corresponding portion of the chamber wall upon insertion into the chamber wall.

This enables the duct termination 100 to be inserted into an opening in a chamber wall insertion end first. The resiliently biased fasteners will depress by virtue of the edges of the opening urging them inwards via the sloped portions. Once the duct termination is sufficiently inserted into the opening, the engagement features 134a, 134b move radially outwards back to the central position, thereby latching the duct termination in place within an opening of the chamber wall. Due to the step in the profile of the engagement features 134a, 134b, the duct termination 100 cannot be readily removed from the chamber wall.

To remove the duct termination 100 from the chamber wall, the access ports 118a, 118b are utilised. A tool can be inserted from the chamber end 106, through the access ports 118a, towards insertion end 108, through the opening to meet the fasteners and/or engagement features 134a, 134b. The tool can be pressed radially inwards to apply pressure to the fastener and/or engagement features 134a, 134b so as to urge them inwards and away from the chamber wall so that they no longer protrude beyond the edges of the opening. The duct termination 100 can then be removed from the chamber wall.

This process highlights a further advantage of the configuration of the flared profile 112. In particular, in instances where the minimum radius R1 of the flared profile 112 is less than the radius of the duct wall then a space is provided in the form of first toroidal cavity 126a. The first toroidal cavity 126a may provide a space for the fasteners 116a, 116b to be depressed when releasing the duct termination 100 from the chamber wall.

Since the tool presses radially inwards to apply pressure to the fasteners 116a, 116b, the fasteners 116a, 116b require a space located radially inwards in which to move. First toroidal cavity 126a provides such a space to allow the depressing of the fasteners 116a, 116b. Further, the positioning of the fasteners may be locked into place when a duct is inserted into the termination so as to abut the axially inner stop provided by the radially inner portion of the chamber end.

Figures 4-6 depict a system 300. The system 300 may comprise a plurality of duct terminations 100 (two or more) and a chamber 302. Figures 4 and 5 show a perspective view and a top view of system 300, respectively. The duct terminations may be the duct terminations 100 of Figures 1-3, or they may be an alternative embodiment of the duct terminations according to the present invention. The chamber 302 may comprise four chamber walls 306a-d. Each chamber wall 306a-d may comprise a chamber-facing side, as shown as chamber-facing side 308a, and an external-facing side, as shown as external-facing side 309b. Like references will be used to refer to the respective sides of the other chamber walls, even though not all sides are labelled in the figures.

Chamber wall 306d may comprise two openings 304 extending from the chamber-facing side 308d to the external-facing side 309d. Duct terminations 100 may be inserted into the opening 304. It can be seen that the duct terminations 100 may abut the chamber-facing side 308d of the chamber wall 306d by virtue of the abutment feature 122. It can be most clearly seen in Figure 5 that the insertion end 108 of the duct termination does not protrude beyond the chamber wall 306d. That is, the insertion end 108 may be flush with the external-facing side 309d.

Turning to Figure 6, a cross-section view of system 300 is shown through line A-A. From this view, the internal structure of the chamber walls 306b and 306d can be seen. The chamber walls may comprise a first wall 310 and a second wall 312 that may define a hollow cavity 314 therebetween. The chamber walls may comprise a plurality of walls 316 within the hollow cavity 314. The plurality of walls 316 in Figure 6 may be oblique with respect to walls 310 and 312. The plurality of walls 316 may therefore extend from the first wall 310 to the second wall 312. The plurality of walls 316 may define fastener-receiving portions 318. The fastener-receiving portions 318 may comprise channels which extend parallel to walls 310, 312.

During insertion of duct termination 100, the fasteners 116a, 116b may be positioned within fastener-receiving portions 318. Since the fasteners 116a, 116b may be diametrically opposed, the fasteners 116a, 116b may be positioned with diametrically opposed fastener-receiving portions 318.

It is understood that embodiments depicted and described herein are for exemplary purposes. The features and characteristics of each embodiment may be combined with those of each other embodiment. In particular, any embodiment of the duct termination described herein may be used within any system described herein. It is understood that any embodiments depicted and described herein may be examples, and any examples depicted and described herein may be embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A duct termination for insertion into an opening in a chamber wall, the duct termination comprising: a duct wall defining a central axis and comprising a chamber end and an insertion end, wherein the chamber end is separated from the insertion end along the central axis and wherein the chamber end comprises a mouth portion having a flared profile for receiving one or more cables or pipes; and at least one fastener for fastening the duct termination to the chamber wall.
2. The duct termination according to claim 1, wherein the flared profile comprises a curved surface.
3. The duct termination according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mouth portion comprises an outer wall located outside of the flared profile and extending rearwards from the chamber end towards the insertion end, the outer wall comprising a radially outwardly facing surface with respect to the central axis.
4. The duct termination according to claim 3, wherein the outer wall comprises an abutment feature at a distal edge of the outer wall with respect to the chamber end.
5. The duct termination according to any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the outer wall and the flared profile define a hollow toroidal cavity.
6. The duct termination according to claim 5, wherein the hollow toroidal cavity is divided by the duct wall such that the hollow toroidal cavity comprises a first toroidal cavity and a second toroidal cavity, wherein the first toroidal cavity is located radially closer to the central axis than the duct wall and the second toroidal cavity is located radially further from the central axis than the duct wall.
7. The duct termination according to any of preceding claims 3-6, wherein the flared profile and the outer wall have a common axial length.
8. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flared profile protrudes radially inwards towards the central axis.
9. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flared profile comprises an inwards-facing portion at a first end, a chamber-facing portion at a second end, and a transition, wherein the first and second ends are separated along the central axis, the inwards-facing portion is cylindrical, the chamber-facing portion is annular, and the transition is a continuously curved surface joining the inwards-facing portion and the chamber-facing portion.
10. The duct termination according to claim 9, wherein the inwards-facing portion is in a plane parallel to the central axis.
11. The duct termination according to any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the chamber-facing portion is in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.
12. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flared profile has a minimum radius with respect to the central axis that is less than a radius of the duct wall.
13. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims wherein the flared profile has a maximum radius with respect to the central axis that is greater than a radius of the duct wall
14. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a first fastener and a second fastener.
15. The duct termination according to claim 14, wherein the first fastener is diametrically opposed to the second fastener with respect to the central axis.
16. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fastener comprises an engagement feature which is biased towards an engaged position in which the duct termination is secured to the opening.
17. The duct termination according to claim 16, wherein the engagement feature is biased radially outwards from the central axis.
18. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber-facing portion comprises an access hole positioned on the same side of the duct wall relative to the central axis as the at least one fastener, thereby allowing access to the at least one fastener for releasing the duct termination from the chamber wall.
19. The duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flared profile comprises a minimum radius with respect to the central axis and wherein the ratio of the minimum radius of the flared profile to the axial length between the chamber end and the insertion end is between 1:1 and 2:1, between 1:1 and 1.7:1, between 1:1 and 1.5:1, and/or between 1:1 and 1.1:1.
20. A system comprising: a chamber comprising at least one chamber wall having at least one opening, each chamber wall having a chamber-facing side and an external-facing side; and a duct termination according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an axial length of the duct wall is positioned in the opening and the chamber end protrudes from the chamber wall on the chamber-facing side, and wherein the at least one fastener is fastened to the chamber wall.
21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the insertion end is flush with the external-facing side.
22. The system according to any of claims 21 or 22, wherein an abutment feature of the flared profile abuts the chamber-facing side of the chamber wall.
23. The system according to any of claims 20-22, wherein the chamber wall comprises: a hollow wall construction comprising a first wall and a second wall defining a hollow cavity therebetween; and a plurality of walls extending between opposing interior surfaces of the first and second walls, the plurality of walls defining fastener-receiving portions therebetween in which the at least one fastener is received.
24. The system according to claim 23 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the plurality of walls define a first cavity and a second cavity on opposing sides of the opening, and wherein the first and second cavities include the first fastener and the second fastener respectively.
25. The system according to any of claims 20-24, when dependent on claims 4 and 16, wherein the axial separation of the engagement feature and the abutment feature is equal to the thickness of the first wall and the second wall of the chamber wall.