Adjustable Refrigerant Pipe Connector With Segmented Quick-Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for refrigerant pipes are difficult to quickly disconnect in case of refrigerant leakage, leading to prolonged exposure and increased risk of ignition, and are prone to accidental separation during the refrigerant-refilling process.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable connector with a cylindrical body, valve pin, quick-release assembly, and driving member, featuring a sliding sleeve and pivot block mechanism that allows for rapid disconnection and secure reconnection to minimize refrigerant escape and prevent accidental separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional connector with a single knob and sliding sleeve is used, then the structure is simple, but the connector cannot be quickly separated from the refrigerant pipe when refrigerant leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent knobs (first knob linked to first valve pin, second knob linked to second valve pin) that can operate separately. This segmentation allows one valve pin to close the communication hole while the other remains open for refrigerant refilling, enabling quick separation without requiring both knobs to be operated simultaneously. The sliding sleeve is also segmented with multiple positions (first position for securing, second position for quick release) to support this differential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic elements including two independently movable valve pins that can be positioned at different states (one closed, one open), and a sliding sleeve with multiple positions. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between secured connection state and quick-release state rapidly, achieving fast separation capability while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
2Reliability
If the sliding sleeve is used to fix the mounting part and valve spout, then the connection is secure, but the sliding sleeve can be easily touched and moved causing accidental separation
Solution Approach 1:
The single sliding sleeve is segmented into a first sliding sleeve and a second sliding sleeve that operate independently. The first sliding sleeve controls the first valve pin and mounting part connection, while the second sliding sleeve controls the second valve pin. This segmentation prevents accidental separation because both sleeves must be operated simultaneously to disconnect, making accidental activation highly unlikely while maintaining secure connection during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual sliding sleeve mechanism acts as an intermediary safety layer between the user's touch and the actual connection state. Even if one sliding sleeve is accidentally moved, the other sliding sleeve maintains the connection integrity by keeping its valve pin in the closed position, preventing refrigerant leakage. This intermediary mechanism provides redundant protection against accidental separation.
3Loss of time
If a single valve pin is used to control refrigerant flow, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerant escape time cannot be shortened quickly enough to prevent ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The single valve pin is segmented into two independent valve pins (first valve pin and second valve pin), each controlled by its own sliding sleeve. This allows differential control where one valve pin can be closed to stop refrigerant flow while the other remains open for continued refilling operation. The segmentation enables rapid termination of refrigerant escape without requiring complete disconnection of the connector, significantly reducing the time window for potential ignition.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual valve pin system provides local quality control by allowing selective closure of individual valve pins. When refrigerant leakage is detected, only the affected valve pin needs to be closed while the other maintains normal refilling function. This localized control minimizes the refrigerant escape duration and maintains operational continuity, reducing overall loss time without requiring complete system shutdown or complex multi-step procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable connector for refrigerant pipe includes a body, a valve pin is inserted into the body, and the body includes a quick-release assembly and a driving member respectively disposed on a mounting part and an installation part thereof. When the driving member is operated to suppress the pressed end of the valve pin to move the pushing end close to the pocket, the valve spout is opened to pass the refrigerant. Besides, when the driving member is operated to not suppress the pressed end by jumping off itself quickly, the pushing end is moved away from the pocket, so that the valve spout is closed to block the refrigerant.