Pipe fitting for a ventilation pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connections in ventilation technology are complex to assemble and require separate fastening elements, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks, as they often lack a secure and tight connection without additional sealing measures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector made of elastic polymer foam with a tubular hollow body featuring a first connection area with a circumferential first inner rib and a second inner rib, where the first rib has a greater height than the second, allowing for easy insertion and a firm, releasable connection without additional fasteners, and can be produced efficiently in one piece using molded foams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate fastening elements and additional assembly steps are used to ensure secure connection, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and sealing function into the pipe connection piece itself through integrated ribs. The first and second ribs are formed as integral parts of the connection piece, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements while maintaining secure connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connection piece performs multiple functions autonomously: the ribs provide both mechanical fastening and sealing actions, and the elastic material automatically adapts to the pipe surface to ensure tight connection without requiring additional assembly steps or external components.
2Ease of operation
If material-to-material connections are used, then assembly simplicity is improved, but connection reliability and fluid tightness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic polymer foam material that acts as a flexible sealing element. This material can deform to conform to the pipe surface irregularities, ensuring fluid-tight sealing while maintaining simple material-to-material connection without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are designed with specific local properties: the first rib provides primary mechanical support and positioning, while the second rib provides secondary sealing and reinforcement. This localized functional differentiation ensures both simplicity and reliability in the connection.
3Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used to ensure tight connection, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening and sealing functions into a single integrated pipe connection piece with multiple ribs. This eliminates the need to install multiple separate fastening elements, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable tight connection through the coordinated action of the ribs.
4Reliability
If additional sealing measures are used to prevent leaks, then fluid tightness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic polymer foam material of the pipe connection piece automatically performs sealing by deforming to conform to the pipe surface. This self-sealing mechanism eliminates the need for additional sealing components such as gaskets, seals, or adhesives, maintaining fluid tightness while minimizing device complexity.
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 secure, leak-proof connection that is easy to assemble and maintain, reducing the need for additional fasteners and enhancing the structural stability of the pipe connection while allowing for easy insertion and removal of ventilation pipes.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe connection piece (1) for connection to a ventilation pipe, in particular for encircling it peripherally, comprising a tubular hollow body (10) made of an elastic polymer foam material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pipe connection piece (1) for connection to a ventilation pipe is disclosed, comprising a tubular hollow body (10) made of an elastic polymer foam material, comprising a first connection area defining a first connection opening (13), which is designed to receive a ventilation pipe, wherein the first connection area has a circumferential first inner rib (11) and a circumferential second inner rib (12) arranged between the first inner rib (11) and the connection opening (13), wherein the first inner rib (11) has a greater height than the second inner rib (12).