Pipe/fitting with modified crimp allowing for both pipe and flexible duct installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC duct and pipe connections, particularly those using flexible ducts, often experience loose connections due to the lack of a secure fastening mechanism, leading to potential leaks and instability in the system.
Innovation Solution
A conduit system with an inverted channel and crimps annularly disposed around one end, accommodating a zip tie and flexible duct, along with a pipe coupling system featuring flanges and a sealant, ensures a secure mechanical lock between the flexible duct, zip tie, and the conduit or pipe, providing a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible duct is secured to rigid duct work using zip ties, then installation is simple and convenient, but the connection becomes loose and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The crimp structure is divided into multiple segments including an inverted channel portion and a base portion, with the inverted channel further segmented into a receptacle and a wall. This segmentation allows the zip tie to be properly positioned and secured within the inverted channel, preventing loosening while maintaining installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted channel is pre-formed on the rigid duct work before installation, with the receptacle and wall structure already in place. This preliminary action ensures that when the flexible duct and zip tie are installed, the connection is immediately secured without requiring additional fastening steps, thus maintaining both ease of installation and connection stability
2Reliability
If separate fittings are used for duct work and pipe connections, then each connection type is optimized, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid duct work fitting is designed with dual functionality: the inverted channel secures flexible ducts while the base portion with pipe coupling system accommodates rigid pipes. This multi-functionality allows a single fitting type to serve both duct and pipe connection needs, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining optimized connections for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting combines the inverted channel structure for flexible duct attachment with the pipe coupling system for rigid pipe connection into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate fittings for duct and pipe applications, reducing device complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe/fitting having an end having a modified crimp for securing both flexible ducts and pipes. Specifically, the pipe/fitting includes an end having a series of annularly disposed pipes. The modified crimp includes an outwardly facing channel in the base of the series of crimps configured to secure a flexible duct between the channel and a fastener received in the channel. The end also includes a pipe coupling system at the base of the series of crimps configured to couple a pipe to the conduit.