Pipe insert and system with pipe insert

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ventilation systems face challenges in adjusting volume flow effectively across different operating pressures due to the complexity and cost of controllable valves, which are susceptible to damage and require additional components to handle turbulent flow patterns.

Innovation Solution

A tube insert with a base body and closure elements that adjust the cross-sectional area of the pipe to control fluid flow, allowing for adjustable volume flow without the need for valves, using a combination of connection channels and closure elements made from flexible materials to achieve laminar flow and precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If controllable throttle valves are used to adjust volume flow at different operating pressures, then volume flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flow controlVSAvoidvalve construction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into multiple connection channels (at least two, preferably 3-20 channels) that can be independently closed by individual closure elements. This segmentation allows precise volume flow adjustment by selectively closing specific channels, replacing the need for complex adjustable throttle valves while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential flow control function from complex adjustable valves and implements it through a simple base body with multiple connection channels and basic closure elements. This removes unnecessary valve components while preserving the core volume flow adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If controllable throttle valves are used to adjust volume flow, then volume flow control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base body and closure elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be mass-produced using conventional manufacturing methods. The closure elements are basic blocking components rather than complex valve mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining volume flow control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing expensive adjustable valves, the invention uses multiple identical or similar connection channels and closure elements. The base body can be mass-produced with standardized channels, and closure elements are simple replicas that can be manufactured economically in large quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If valves are used in turbulent flow conditions, then volume flow control is achieved, but susceptibility to damage and errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flow controlVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to make valves resistant to turbulent flow damage, the invention inverts the approach by using simple closure elements that are inherently resistant to damage. The closure elements are basic blocking components without moving parts or sensitive mechanisms, making them immune to turbulent flow-induced damage while still achieving volume flow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure elements are designed to function autonomously in turbulent flow conditions without requiring additional protective mechanisms or complex valve designs. The simple geometric shape and material properties of the closure elements allow them to withstand turbulent flow naturally, eliminating susceptibility to damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If adjustable throttle elements are included in valves, then volume flow adjustment is improved, but production costs and susceptibility to errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flow adjustmentVSAvoidvalve parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is divided into multiple connection channels (at least two, preferably 3-20 channels) that can be independently closed by individual closure elements. This segmentation allows precise volume flow adjustment by selectively closing specific channels, replacing the need for complex adjustable throttle valves while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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, cost-effective adjustment of volume flow across a range of operating pressures, reducing turbulence and manufacturing complexity, while being adaptable to various pipe diameters and configurations, thus improving system efficiency and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the cross-sectional area of the tube through which fluid can flow is reduced to the desired extent by inserting the closure element into the connecting channel of the base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control through cross-sectional area reduction:

Implementation Method 2

The controlled passage of the fluid through the tube insert according to the invention reduces the turbulence and the fluid flow leaving the tube insert approximates a laminar flow pattern overall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence reduction and laminar flow transformation: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3409994B1Pipe insert and system with pipe insert
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 ZEHNDER GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3409994B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409994B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409994B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe insert (1) for arrangement in a pipe for adjusting the volume flow of a fluid guided inside the pipe, having a base body (2) and at least one closure element (8, 9), the base body having at least one connecting channel (6, 7) and wherein the closure element can be inserted into the connecting channel. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for supplying or removing a fluid, preferably for ventilating a room, having a pipe and a pipe insert according to the invention arranged inside the pipe.