Plastic Exhaust Pipe Socket Design for Adapter-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exhaust pipe systems require multiple components and adapters for connection, including rigid double socket pipes, which complicates the assembly and increases the number of different pipes needed for heating systems, limiting their flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece plastic exhaust pipe design featuring multiple socket pipe sections with annular grooves and corrugated pipe sections, allowing for flexible cutting to length to create a separating section with a sleeve pipe insertion opening, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing the number of required pipe types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple separate pipe components and adapters are used for connection, then connection functionality is achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate pipe components (smooth pipe sections, corrugated pipe sections, and connection adapters) into a single integrated exhaust pipe structure. The socket pipe sections are directly formed as part of the exhaust pipe body, eliminating the need for separate connection adapters and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining all necessary connection functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different pipe types are used, then specific connection requirements are met, but adaptability and versatility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication areaVSAvoidnumber of pipe types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust pipe is designed with multiple socket pipe sections distributed along its longitudinal extent, each capable of receiving different pipe configurations. This universal design allows a single exhaust pipe type to serve multiple connection scenarios, replacing the need for multiple specialized pipe types while maintaining adaptability to various installation requirements.

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

3Ease of operation

If rigid connection components are used, then structural strength is ensured, but flexibility and ease of installation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust pipe is divided into functional segments including rigid socket pipe sections for strong connections and flexible corrugated pipe sections for adaptability. This segmentation allows the rigid portions to provide structural strength while the flexible portions enable easy installation and accommodation of movement, resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3086012B1Exhaust pipe, system and method for producing an exhaust gas pipe section
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 BACHLE STEFANO
  • EP3086012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3086012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3086012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a plastic exhaust pipe for conveying exhaust gases from heating systems, comprising a plurality of flexible corrugated pipe sections (2) arranged along a longitudinal extension of the exhaust pipe and rigid, cylindrical smooth pipe insertion sections (4), wherein at least two of the corrugated pipe sections (2) accommodate at least one of the smooth pipe insertion sections (4) between them and/or at least two of the smooth pipe insertion sections (4) accommodate at least one of the corrugated pipe sections (2) between them.According to the invention, the exhaust pipe (1) has a plurality of socket pipe sections (3) distributed over the longitudinal extent of the exhaust pipe, each of which has an inner annular groove (5) for receiving a ring seal and which adjoin an exhaust pipe section of the exhaust pipe (1) on both sides, and that by cutting off one of these exhaust pipe sections perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the exhaust pipe a socket pipe insertion opening can be created, the inner diameter of which corresponds to an outer diameter of the smooth pipe insertion sections (4) plus a clearance, so that an exhaust pipe (1) or an exhaust pipe section cut off therefrom with a smooth pipe insertion section (4) at the end can be inserted axially into the socket pipe insertion opening up to beyond the annular groove (5) of the associated socket pipe section (3).