Air Conditioning Connector With Self-Sealing Valve and Retention Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning system pipe connectors lead to refrigerant gas leaks during installation, harming the environment and requiring professional intervention to prevent degassing, with existing solutions not ensuring long-term fluidic connection security.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first part with a movable valve and a second part with a piston, utilizing retention teeth to prevent disconnection, ensuring secure fluid retention and preventing unauthorized dismantling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional copper connection with nut tightening is used, then connection can be made between indoor and outdoor units, but refrigerant gas leaks into the atmosphere during installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the traditional threaded connection and implements it through a dedicated sealing structure. The connector includes a sealing element that is separately engaged with the threaded connection, allowing the sealing function to be independently optimized and ensured without relying solely on the mechanical tightness of the nut tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the sealing element and valve mechanism in the connector before connection. The valve is positioned to automatically close and seal the refrigerant passage when the connector is assembled, preventing leaks before they can occur during installation or operation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional connector design is used, then connection can be established, but unauthorized dismantling or mishandling by users can occur after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the connector transitions from a loose assembly state to a locked state through a specific engagement action. The locking element moves from an initial position to a engaged position that mechanically prevents unauthorized dismantling, while still allowing proper installation by qualified personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locking element as an intermediary component between the male and female connector parts. This locking element acts as a mediator that secures the connection after assembly, preventing user mishandling while not interfering with the initial connection process.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If professional intervention with pumping equipment is used to prevent degassing, then refrigerant gas leakage can be reduced, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to be self-sealing through its inherent valve mechanism that automatically closes when the connector is assembled. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external pumping equipment or professional intervention to prevent refrigerant gas leakage, allowing installers to simply connect the units without additional tools or procedures.
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 connector effectively prevents refrigerant gas leaks and ensures secure fluid retention, eliminating risks of degassing and mishandling, while allowing for reliable and environmentally friendly installation of air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring intended to keep the valve in sealed contact with the first longitudinal body when the connector is in the disconnected position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring being placed between a retaining ring and the sleeve in the second longitudinal body so as to maintain contact of the sleeve against the first longitudinal body when the connector is in the connected position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector for connecting hoses of an air conditioning system and an associated air conditioning unit. The air conditioning circuit hose connector comprises a first part (1) and a second part (2) designed to cooperate so that the connector operates a transition from a disconnected position to a connected position, the first part (1) comprising a first longitudinal body (3) providing a through passage receiving a movable valve (5), said passage housing a first spring (14) designed to maintain the valve (5) in a tight contact with the first longitudinal body (3) when the connector is in the disconnected position,the first longitudinal body (3) comprising an internal stop (11) against which the valve (5) is intended to be in contact by default under the action of the first spring (14) at least when the connector is in the disconnected position and the second part (2) comprising a second longitudinal body (4) providing a through passage as well as a movable sleeve (9) and a piston (6), the piston (6) being placed at least partially in the sleeve (9) placed at least partially in the second longitudinal body (4) and the piston (6) being fixed relative to the second longitudinal body (4),A second spring (15) is placed between the retaining ring (13) and the sleeve (9) in the second longitudinal body (4) so as to maintain contact of the sleeve (9) against the first longitudinal body (3) when the connector is in the connected position. The connector includes a non-return device configured to retain the piston (6) in the first part (1) after it has passed from the disconnected position to the connected position.