Pivoting Hose Fitting for Airtight Ventilation Duct Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation systems face challenges in efficiently coupling ventilation air duct hoses, which are labor-intensive and provide sub-optimal air seals, leading to energy loss and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with a pivotable coupling element and elastically deformable connection that simplifies the coupling and uncoupling of ventilation air duct hoses, featuring a channel and two tongues for secure attachment and a sealing mechanism to prevent air leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tensioning strap is used to mount the ventilation air duct hose, then the hose can be secured to the ventilation system, but the mounting process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of hoseVSAvoidmounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is designed to be movable between a first position (for securing the hose) and a second position (for releasing the hose). This dynamic mechanism allows quick installation by simply pushing the hose into the fitting, eliminating the time-consuming process of tightening tensioning straps while maintaining reliable securing when in the first position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element automatically secures the hose when pushed into the fitting, requiring no additional tightening actions. The elastic deformable connection provides automatic engagement, and the coupling element's movable design allows automatic locking in the first position, making the mounting process self-service and significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a tensioning strap is used to secure the ventilation air duct hose, then the hose can be attached to the ventilation system, but the air seal becomes sub-optimal leading to energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment of hoseVSAvoidenergy loss due to air leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting incorporates a sealing arrangement specifically at the interface where the ventilation air duct hose meets the fitting. This localized sealing quality ensures an optimal air seal at the critical connection point, preventing energy loss from air leakage while maintaining the attachment function. The sealing arrangement is integrated into the fitting structure, providing both secure attachment and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a complex coupling mechanism is used to secure the ventilation air duct hose, then the attachment can be more secure, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring mechanismVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is integrally formed with the wall of the fitting, combining what would traditionally be separate components (the coupling mechanism and the fitting body) into a single integrated structure. This reduces the total number of components while maintaining the securing function. The elastic deformable connection is also integrated into the fitting, further simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element serves multiple functions: it secures the hose in the first position, allows quick release in the second position, and works with the elastic deformable connection to provide both attachment and sealing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable securing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates quick and easy installation of ventilation air duct hoses while improving air tightness, reducing the number of components, and lowering energy consumption by minimizing air leakage.

Implementation Method 1

The fitting preferably comprises an elastically deformable connection between the coupling element and the wall. This elastically deformable connection has the advantage that this connection is resilient. Such a resilient connection allows the coupling element to be urged back into one of the first or the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4184048B1Ventilation system with improved ventilation air duct hose fitting
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 VENTILATION PROD & IDEAS BVBA
  • EP4184048B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4184048B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4184048B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A fitting for coupling a ventilation air duct hose to a ventilation system, wherein the fitting has a first open outer end and a second open outer end to be coupled to the ventilation system, comprising: a wall bounding a channel which extends between the first open outer end and the second open outer end and in which the ventilation air duct hose is arrangeable; a coupling element which is connected pivotally to the wall so that the coupling element is pivotable between a first state and a second state, wherein the coupling element has a first tongue and a second tongue which extend in opposite directions relative to each other; the first tongue comprises a coupling surface which extends into the channel and is provided to couple the ventilation air duct hose to the fitting in the first state, and is configured to pivot the first tongue outward in order to move the coupling element into the second state in order to uncouple the ventilation air duct hose.