Universal Coupling Sleeve for Corrugated Pipe Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting corrugated pipes to distribution spaces in heating and ventilation systems are complex and require multiple components, making assembly cumbersome and requiring different coupling sleeves for various housing types and pipe diameters.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece plastic or metal coupling sleeve with a connecting piece and connection plate, designed to be fixed to the housing and accommodate different housing types and pipe diameters, simplifying assembly by allowing a single coupling sleeve to be used with various housings and pipe sizes, and featuring a U-shaped safety bracket for secure pipe fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components (connecting piece and connection plate) are used to connect corrugated pipes to distribution spaces, then the connection can be achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connecting piece and connection plate into a single integrated coupling sleeve component. This merging eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining the connection function, directly reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling sleeve is designed as a universal component that can connect different types of corrugated pipes to various distribution spaces. This multi-functional design allows a single component type to serve multiple connection purposes, reducing the variety of components needed in the system.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different coupling sleeves are provided for different housing types and pipe diameters, then specific connection requirements are met, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different housing typesVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling sleeve incorporates universal features that allow it to adapt to different housing types and pipe diameters without requiring different component variants. This universality enables installers to use the same coupling sleeve design across multiple applications, significantly reducing assembly time and eliminating the need to select from multiple specialized components.

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

3Strength

If welding is required to connect connecting pieces to mounting plates, then secure connections are achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the connecting piece and connection plate into a single molded coupling sleeve, the patent eliminates the welding process entirely. The integrated design maintains structural strength through the molding process itself, removing the need for secondary welding operations and associated skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2444709B1Coupling sleeve
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 ZEHNDER GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP2444709B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2444709B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2444709B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The system has a housing (2) provided with a distribution chamber (3). A coupling sleeve (1) fluidically connects a corrugated pipe to the distribution chamber. Different housings are alternatively, combindly formed with the coupling sleeve, which is identically formed with respect to the housings. The coupling sleeve is provided with a connection piece (4) and recesses (9) that lie opposite to each other, where the connection piece interacts with a connection opening (13) that is provided in the housings.