Adapter piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ventilation systems in buildings face challenges in connecting ring corrugated hoses of different nominal widths to air distribution boxes and air collection boxes, requiring multiple versions of these components or special adapter pieces for hose diameter compatibility.
Innovation Solution
An adapter piece with a connector featuring a conically tapering inner contour with multiple annular grooves of varying diameters, allowing for form-fitting connection of hoses with different diameters, and optionally lined with an elastically deformable polymer for secure sealing and easy insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If connection points are designed for only one nominal diameter to simplify the adapter design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because hoses of different diameters cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's inner contour is segmented into multiple diameter steps, each with annular grooves tailored to specific hose diameters. This segmentation allows the single connector to accommodate multiple hose sizes (e.g., 63mm and 69mm) without requiring separate adapters for each diameter, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified design and enhanced adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a universal component with a multi-step inner contour that can alternatively connect hoses of different nominal diameters. By integrating multiple diameter steps and corresponding annular grooves into a single connector design, the system achieves multi-functionality, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters while maintaining compatibility across various hose sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of air distribution boxes are manufactured for different hose diameters, then hose diameter compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate air distribution box versions for different hose diameters, the invention employs a universal adapter piece with a multi-step connector that can alternatively connect hoses of various diameters. This approach consolidates multiple specialized components into a single multi-functional adapter, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining full compatibility across all hose sizes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the nozzle inner contour is made uniform, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to securely connect hoses of different diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle inner contour is segmented into multiple diameter steps, each featuring annular grooves specifically shaped to match the outer rim dimensions of particular hose diameters. This segmented design ensures secure, form-fitting connections for each hose size while maintaining a relatively simple overall nozzle structure that can be manufactured using standard processes, thus balancing manufacturing simplicity with connection reliability.
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
Enables simple and versatile connection of multiple hose diameters to a single adapter piece, reducing design complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring secure and stable hose connections.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle is made of an elastically deformable material or is lined on its inner contour with an elastically deformable polymer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter piece 2 for alternatively connecting at least two annular corrugated hoses 1, 19, whose hose diameters 6, 20 are different, to an opening, a coupling, or a downstream pipeline, wherein the adapter piece 2 is provided with a nozzle 7 for inserting the annular corrugated hose 1 to be connected. The nozzle 7 has an inner contour 8 with annular grooves 9, each of which essentially corresponds to a negative form of an outer corrugation edge of the annular corrugated hose 1 to be connected, wherein the inner diameter 10 of the nozzle has at least two diameter steps.In a first diameter stage, at least one first annular groove 9 with a first inner diameter 10 is positively fitted onto an outer flange 5 of an annular corrugated hose 1 with a first hose diameter 6, while in the second diameter stage at least one second annular groove with a second inner diameter is positively fitted onto an outer flange of an annular corrugated hose with a second hose diameter, and wherein the annular groove with a smaller inner diameter is arranged further away from a nozzle opening 11 than the annular groove with a larger inner diameter.