Tool-Free Air Duct Coupling via Interlocking Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling methods require screw driving and tools, which are hazardous, time-consuming, and can lead to leaks and corrosion, especially in challenging environments like high places or confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling structure featuring engagement portions on the pipes that allow for tool-free connection by inserting one pipe into another, with protrusions and grooved concave portions ensuring secure engagement without screws, reducing the need for sealing and minimizing the risk of corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw driving is used to connect pipes, then the connection is secure, but the work requires electric power tools and takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screw and electric power tool from the pipe connection process. Instead of using screws to fasten the pipes, the design uses the pipe walls themselves with protrusions and grooves that interlock through a simple insertion motion, completely removing the need for separate fastening components and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connection structure is self-sufficient, using the pipes' own structural features (protrusions and grooves) to achieve secure connection without external tools or additional components. The insertion motion itself creates the secure interlocking connection, making the system self-service and eliminating dependency on electric power tools.
2Reliability
If screw driving is used to connect pipes, then the connection can be made, but it requires electric power tools which pose safety risks to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes electric power tools from the connection process entirely. By using a manual insertion motion that creates interlocking protrusion-groove connections, the design eliminates the safety hazards associated with electric tools in potentially hazardous work environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is self-actuating through simple insertion motion, requiring no external power source or complex tooling. This self-service approach eliminates the need for electric power tools and their associated safety risks to workers.
3Reliability
If screw driving is used to connect pipes, then the connection can be secured, but sealing is required to prevent air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connection and sealing functions into a single integrated structure. The protrusion-groove interlocking mechanism creates both the mechanical connection and the sealing interface simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sealing components or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate sealing step from the connection process. By designing the protrusion and groove interfaces to inherently provide both mechanical fastening and sealing, the design removes the additional labor and complexity of applying separate sealing materials.
4Reliability
If screws are used to connect pipes, then the connection can be made, but screws may corrode leading to duct failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes screws from the connection system entirely. By using direct interlocking protrusions and grooves formed as integral parts of the pipes, the design eliminates the corrosion vulnerability of separate screw fasteners and extends the connection's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fastening function with the pipe structure itself. The protrusions and grooves are formed as integral features of the pipes, creating a unified structure that eliminates the interface between dissimilar materials (screws and pipe) where corrosion could occur, thereby improving long-term durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling structure is capable of coupling pipes together without driving a screw and using a tool. An example pipe coupling structure includes a first engagement portion formed in an end portion of a first air-conditioning duct. The first engagement portion extends in the circumferential directions and protrudes inside of the first air-conditioning duct. A second engagement portion is formed in an end portion of a second air-conditioning duct. The second engagement portion extends in the circumferential directions and protrudes outside of the second air-conditioning duct. When the end portion of the second air-conditioning duct is inserted into the end portion of the first air-conditioning duct, the second engagement portion climbs over the first engagement portion, and thereby the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage each other.