Corrugated Pipe Connector with Collar Clamping for Stable Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrugated pipe connections face challenges in achieving reliable sealing due to the waviness of the inner pipe wall, which is easily deformed by the pressure of sealing rings, especially when connecting a secondary pipe to a smooth-walled main pipe.

Innovation Solution

A corrugated pipe connection piece with radially outward-projecting inner and outer collars, clamping means to press the sealing ring against the inner pipe with high contact force, and support guides to prevent deformation and twisting, using screws as clamping devices for precise torque application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing ring is applied around the branch opening of the corrugated pipe, then sealing is achieved, but the inner pipe wall deforms due to its waviness and easy deformability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidinner pipe wall stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting piece is divided into an inner part with an inner collar and an outer part with an outer collar, with clamping means extending through both collars and the sealing ring. This segmentation allows the sealing ring to be pressed against the inner pipe wall at a distance from the branch opening edge where the pipe has greater dimensional stability, rather than directly at the weak branch opening edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping means act as an intermediary mechanism between the inner and outer collars, enabling the application of high contact force to press the sealing ring against the inner pipe wall. The support guide serves as another intermediary that prevents the clamping means from tipping sideways and counteracts twisting forces, ensuring stable clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If clamping means are used to press the sealing ring with high contact force, then sealing reliability improves, but tensile and bending forces act on the inner part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidinner part strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The inner collar and outer collar are merged into a single connecting piece structure with clamping means extending through both collars and the sealing ring. This combined structure allows the clamping means to be supported laterally by the outer collar and counteract torsional forces, distributing the mechanical loads more effectively than a separate inner collar would alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the clamping means are made adjustable to accommodate different pipe conditions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to corrugated pipe variationsVSAvoidconnecting piece structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping means are designed as adjustable fastening elements (such as bolts or screws) that can be tightened to different degrees, allowing the connecting piece to adapt to various pipe conditions including different levels of waviness and dimensional stability. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility without requiring multiple different connecting piece designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures a reliable and stable seal by minimizing deformation of the corrugated pipe, absorbing tensile and bending forces, and maintaining tightness despite the waviness of the inner pipe wall, facilitating easy installation and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping means are designed such that they can be used to reduce the distance between the two collars. The clamping means allow the sealing ring to be pressed against the interior of the corrugated pipe with a high contact force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the connecting piece can particularly advantageously have a support guide that, for example, rests against a clamping device laterally and thus supports it, preventing the clamping device from tipping sideways and ensuring that the clamping devices do not yield to, but rather counteract, any twisting of the inner collar or the inner part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support and constraint:

Data Source

PatentEP4321787B1Corrugated pipe connecting piece
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 FUNKE KUNSTSTOFFE GMBH
  • EP4321787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4321787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4321787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a multi-part connecting piece (1) for producing a liquid-tight connection with a main pipe having a branch opening (14), the invention proposes that an outer part (5) has an outer collar (7) which is intended to extend radially outwards outside the main pipe over the branch opening (14), and that clamping means (9) extend from an inner collar (16) of an inner part (15) through a sealing ring (19) to the outer collar (7) of the outer part (5), which are intended to selectively reduce the distance between the outer collar (7) and the inner collar (16).