Ribbed Tube Connector with Pivot Catch for Leak-Tight Pull-Out Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting devices for circumferentially ribbed pipes, particularly in ventilation systems, often lack sufficient sealing, are complex in design, difficult to handle, and provide inadequate pull-out protection, making them unsuitable for construction site use.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device with a tube receptacle and a locking element that pivots relative to the tube receptacle, engaging in the corrugation troughs to enhance holding forces and simplify assembly, featuring a visual indicator for correct insertion and a compressible seal for secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing connecting devices are used for circumferentially ribbed pipes, then connection simplicity is improved, but pull-out protection and sealing reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidpull-out protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the tube receptacle, transitioning between a first position during insertion and a second locked position where it engages in the corrugation trough. This dynamic mechanism provides automatic locking without complex assembly steps, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and reliable pull-out protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element automatically engages in the corrugation trough of the tube when inserted, creating self-locking functionality. The design allows the connection to secure itself without additional fastening operations, maintaining simplicity while ensuring robust pull-out resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing connecting devices are used for circumferentially ribbed pipes, then assembly speed is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A seal element is introduced as an intermediary component between the tube and tube receptacle. This seal ensures leakage-free connection while the overall device maintains quick assembly capability, resolving the contradiction between assembly speed and sealing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal element is pre-positioned in the tube receptacle before tube insertion. This preliminary placement ensures sealing readiness without adding assembly steps, maintaining productivity while achieving reliable sealing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If existing connecting devices are used for circumferentially ribbed pipes, then device simplicity is improved, but handling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into distinct functional components: a tube receptacle and a separate locking element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining overall simplicity while improving handling characteristics through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If existing connecting devices are used for circumferentially ribbed pipes, then manufacturing cost is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnection tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element utilizes geometric parameters of the corrugation trough (shape, depth, positioning) to achieve reliable mechanical engagement. By optimizing these geometric parameters rather than adding complex features, the device maintains low manufacturing cost while ensuring connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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 ensures robust, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble connections with enhanced pull-out protection and visual assurance of proper installation, reducing leaks and energy consumption in ventilation systems.

Implementation Method 1

The locking element has a first position that allows movement of at least a portion of the locking element relative to the tube receptacle and a second position that is designed to engage in a trough of the circumferentially ribbed tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

featuring a visual indicator for correct insertion and a compressible seal for secure connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4244515B1Connecting device for a tube with circumferential ribs
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 VIESSMANN HOLDING INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP4244515B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4244515B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP4244515B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device for a peripherally ribbed pipe (4), comprising: - a pipe receptacle (1) having a receiving opening for receiving an end of the pipe (4); and - at least one 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 (S1), 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 (S1) lies closer to the longitudinal center plane (M) than the second point (S2) does. The connection device according to the invention allows easy, leak-tight and secure fastening of a pipe.