Ribbed Pipe Latch Connection for Leak-Tight Pull-Out Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for peripherally ribbed pipes, such as corrugated pipes, often lack sufficient leak-tightness, are complex in construction, difficult to handle, and provide inadequate protection against being pulled out, making them unsuitable for ventilation systems where leakages and whistling noises should be avoided and connections must withstand tensile forces.

Innovation Solution

A connection device featuring a pipe receptacle with a latching element that pivots relative to the pipe receptacle, engaging in corrugation troughs to enhance retention, and includes a visual indication system to ensure proper assembly, allowing for simple, secure, and leak-tight fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing connection devices are used for peripherally ribbed pipes, then the connection can be made, but the connection lacks sufficient protection against tensile forces and provides inadequate retention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention against tensile forcesVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching element is designed to be movable relative to the pipe receptacle, allowing it to dynamically adapt during insertion and provide active engagement with the corrugation trough. This dynamic mechanism enables the connection to withstand tensile forces by creating a mechanical interlock that actively resists pull-out rather than relying on passive friction alone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into distinct functional components: a pipe receptacle for receiving the pipe end, a movable latching element for engagement, and a seal element for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the latching element specifically designed to engage the corrugation trough geometry to maximize retention strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If existing connection devices are used, then connection can be achieved, but they lack sufficient leak-tightness for ventilation systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-tightnessVSAvoidleakages and whistling noises
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A seal element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pipe end and the pipe receptacle. This seal element specifically addresses the leak-tightness requirement by creating a sealing interface that prevents air leakage and eliminates whistling noises, allowing the connection to meet ventilation system requirements without compromising the mechanical retention provided by the latching element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing connection devices are used, then connection can be made, but the construction is complex and handling is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable latching element is designed to automatically engage with the corrugation trough during the insertion process, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment or multiple fastening steps. The dynamic movement of the latching element allows it to transition from a retracted position during insertion to an engaged position that provides secure retention, simplifying the overall assembly operation while maintaining high connection security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If existing connection devices are used, then connection can be made, but visual confirmation of proper assembly is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidvisual feedback on insertion status
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The seal element is designed to provide visual indication of proper assembly through its positioning and potentially its material properties. When the pipe is correctly inserted and the seal is properly compressed, the seal element's position or appearance changes, providing immediate visual feedback to the assembler that the connection is correct, thereby eliminating uncertainty about assembly accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 device provides enhanced retention against tensile forces, ensures leak-tight connections, simplifies assembly, and improves quality assurance by visual confirmation of correct insertion and sealing, suitable for ventilation systems.

Implementation Method 1

The latching element has a first point which allows movement of at least part of the latching element relative to the pipe receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12392430B2Connection device for a peripherally ribbed pipe
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 VIESSMANN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS SE
  • US12392430B2 patent drawing
  • US12392430B2 patent drawing
  • US12392430B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connection device for a peripherally ribbed pipe (4), including: a pipe receptacle (1) having a receiving opening for receiving an end of the pipe (4); and a catch element (3) for fastening the pipe (4) in the pipe receptacle (1). The pipe receptacle (1) has a longitudinal center plane (M), which extends through the receiving opening. The catch element (3) has a first point (SI), which allows movement of at least part of the catch element relative to the pipe receptacle (1), and a second point (S2), which is designed to engage in a corrugation trough (41) of the peripherally ribbed pipe (4). At least when the pipe (4) is inserted and fastened, the first point (SI) lies closer to the longitudinal center plane (M) than the second point (S2) does. The connection device allows easy, leaktight, and secure fastening of a pipe.