Non-Circular Corrugated Pipe with Variable Wave Height for Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corrugated pipes face challenges in optimizing cross-sectional area, flexibility, and resistance to external forces while maintaining low flow resistance, particularly in ventilation and cable routing applications.

Innovation Solution

A non-circular corrugated pipe design with varying wave profile heights and curvatures, featuring sections with strong and weak curvatures, allowing for a larger cross-sectional area and improved resistance to external forces while minimizing flow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the cross-sectional area is increased to improve flow capacity, then the flow resistance decreases, but the resistance to external forces may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-sectional areaVSAvoidresistance to external forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the wave profile height H along the inner circumference of the pipe. Specifically, in circumferential sections with strong curvature (small radius of curvature), the wave profile height is increased to provide greater resistance to external forces. In circumferential sections with weak curvature (large radius of curvature), the wave profile height is reduced to maximize the cross-sectional area and minimize flow resistance. This localized differentiation allows the pipe to simultaneously achieve large cross-sectional area and high resistance to external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the wave profile height is increased to improve resistance to external forces, then the resistance to damage increases, but the cross-sectional area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to external forcesVSAvoidcross-sectional area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through circumferentially varying wave profile heights. The wave profile height H(φ) is defined as a function of the circumferential position, with higher values in regions requiring structural strength (strong curvature sections) and lower values in regions where flow capacity is prioritized (weak curvature sections). This allows the pipe to achieve the required resistance to external forces while maximizing the overall cross-sectional area for fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by designing a non-circular cross-section where the wave profile characteristics vary asymmetrically around the circumference. The inner circumference is designed with sections of different curvature radii, and correspondingly different wave profile heights, creating an asymmetric distribution of structural properties that optimizes both strength and flow capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the pipe is made more flexible to improve installation ease, then the resistance to external forces may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for installationVSAvoidresistance to external forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different flexibility along the inner circumference. In circumferential sections with weak curvature, the reduced wave profile height increases flexibility and allows for easier bending during installation. In circumferential sections with strong curvature, the increased wave profile height provides the necessary rigidity and resistance to external forces. This localized differentiation enables the pipe to be both flexible for installation and strong for service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4656922A1Corrugated plastic pipe for air conditioning and/or ventilation technology
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 UNICOR
  • EP4656922A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4656922A1 patent drawingFigure 1.1x~1.3y
  • EP4656922A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Plastic corrugated pipe for air conditioning and/or ventilation technology, designed as a single-layer or double-layer non-circular corrugated pipe 1, 1a, which has a corrugated profile 10 that forms the outside of the corrugated pipe 1, 1a, wherein in at least one of the circumferential sections Ui2 with strong curvature R2 the corrugated profile 10 has a greater wave height H, preferably at least on average a greater wave height H, than in at least one of the circumferential sections I1 with weak curvature R1.