Coupling piece and method for connecting a ventilation pipe to a ventilation appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling flexible ventilation ducts to rigid ducts with smaller diameters are cumbersome, prone to damage, difficult to remove, and often result in air leaks, requiring additional sealing and time-consuming testing.
Innovation Solution
A coupling piece with a concentric outer and inner ring design featuring flexible fingers that grip the rigid duct, forming a U-shaped pattern to securely clamp the flexible duct, preventing air leaks without the need for tools or additional sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamp band or clamp ring is used to couple flexible and rigid ducts, then the ducts can be connected, but the method is difficult to operate, can damage the ducts, and is hard to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate rings: an outer ring that couples to the flexible duct and an inner ring that couples to the rigid duct. This segmentation allows each ring to be optimized for its specific coupling function, simplifying the overall operation while eliminating the complexity of traditional clamp bands
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device utilizes the natural pressure differential in the ventilation system to automatically seal and secure the connection. The higher pressure inside the flexible duct forces the outer ring against the duct surface, creating a self-sealing mechanism that eliminates the need for additional sealing materials or complex fixation procedures
2Reliability
If a clamp band is screwed shut to secure the ducts, then the connection is fixed, but small openings are created by compression through which air can escape
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pressure differential in the ventilation system to automatically seal the connection. The higher internal pressure forces the outer ring against the flexible duct, creating a self-sealing effect that prevents air leaks without requiring additional sealing materials
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism changes from a static compression seal (clamp band) to a dynamic pressure-based seal. The sealing force is generated by the pressure differential across the duct wall, allowing the seal to adapt to variations in pressure and maintain integrity without creating compression openings
3Reliability
If additional sealing materials and testing are performed, then leak detection is improved, but the installation process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically seals and secures the connection through the pressure differential, eliminating the need for manual sealing with tape or other materials. The system self-verifies the seal integrity through the natural pressure balance, removing the time-consuming testing step
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to perform sealing and securing actions in advance, during the initial installation process. The self-sealing mechanism activates immediately upon installation, preventing leaks before they can affect system performance, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent sealing and testing operations
4Reliability
If the coupling piece fits tightly between ducts, then air escape is prevented, but the coupling must be easily removable in case of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from a static rigid clamp to a dynamic system where the outer ring can move axially along the flexible duct. During installation, the ring is pushed on easily; during removal, the ring can be pulled off without damage. The flexibility of the outer ring allows it to adapt to the duct shape while maintaining a tight seal
Solution Approach 2:
The separation into outer and inner rings allows the outer ring to provide the sealing function against the flexible duct while the inner ring provides the structural coupling to the rigid duct. This segmentation enables the outer ring to be easily removed from the flexible duct without affecting the inner ring's connection to the rigid duct
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
The solution provides a simple, quick, and secure coupling of flexible and rigid ducts, eliminating air leaks and reducing installation time, as the flexible fingers effectively grip both ducts, ensuring a tight seal without additional fixation or sealing requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring (7) comprises flexible fingers (5), with a flexible finger (5) having a base (8) and a tip (9)
Implementation Method 2
A U-shaped pattern, formed by the concentric outer ring and inner ring and the intermediate surface, is optimal for clamping the flexible ventilation duct
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling piece for coupling a flexible ventilation duct having a first diameter to a rigid duct having a smaller second diameter, comprising an outer ring and an inner ring, wherein the outer ring and the inner ring are concentric, and wherein the outer ring and the inner ring are connected to each other by an intermediate surface, wherein the inner ring comprises flexible fingers, a flexible finger having a base and a tip, with the base of the flexible fingers facing the intermediate surface, wherein the inner ring at the tip of the flexible fingers has a smaller diameter than at the base of the fingers and where the flexible fingers, measured from the intermediate surface, have a length of at least 30 mm. The invention also relates to a method for coupling a flexible ventilation duct to a rigid duct and to a use of the coupling piece.