Closure plug for a collector of a refrigerant circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure plugs for refrigerant circuit collectors are prone to contamination and corrosion due to exposure of O-rings to external media, and require complex and costly dual O-ring sealing systems, increasing installation effort and risk of incorrect installation.
Innovation Solution
A closure plug with a molded-on elastomer ring provides a reliable seal against external media penetration, eliminating the need for multiple O-rings and simplifying assembly, while enhancing stability and attachment through a second groove and shoulder design, and incorporating a third groove for mechanical decoupling and material savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single O-ring is used to seal the collector interior, then the sealing function is achieved, but the O-ring is exposed to external media causing contamination and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer ring acts as an intermediary protective layer between the O-ring and external media. It is molded onto the circumferential wall at a distance from the O-ring groove, creating a barrier that prevents dirt, salt, and water from directly contacting the O-ring while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-point sealing approach to a distributed protective system by placing the elastomer ring at an axial distance from the O-ring groove. This spatial separation creates a protective zone that shields the critical sealing interface from external contaminants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two O-rings are used to seal both interior and exterior of the collector, then protection from contamination is achieved, but costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it protects the O-ring from contamination, provides structural support, and eliminates the need for a second O-ring. This merging of functions reduces both the number of parts and assembly complexity while maintaining protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer ring serves as a sacrificial protective element that can be easily replaced if needed, protecting the more critical and expensive O-ring sealing system. This approach uses a simpler, cheaper component to shield the essential sealing function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If two O-rings are used to seal the collector, then contamination protection is improved, but installation effort and risk of incorrect installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the protective function and sealing function into a single elastomer ring and O-ring assembly, the installation process is simplified to one step rather than requiring sequential installation and positioning of two separate O-rings, reducing the risk of errors.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an elastomer ring is molded onto the circumferential wall, then protection from media penetration is achieved, but material costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical assembly step of attaching a separate protective ring is replaced by injection molding the elastomer ring directly onto the circumferential wall. This substitution integrates the protective function into the manufacturing process itself, reducing assembly steps while maintaining protection effectiveness.
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 solution ensures long-term tightness and improved sealing with reduced material costs and installation complexity, minimizing the risk of contamination and corrosion, and providing a secure, cost-effective sealing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer ring is injection molded onto the circumferential wall at an axial distance from the first circumferential groove
Implementation Method 2
a first circumferential groove, in which an O-ring is arranged, is provided in the circumferential wall
Implementation Method 3
an elastomer ring is injection molded onto the circumferential wall at an axial distance from the first circumferential groove. This prevents a reliable seal against the penetration of media from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A closure plug for a collector of a refrigerant circuit with a substantially cylindrical base body with a circumferential wall, wherein a first circumferential groove, in which an O-ring is arranged, is provided in the circumferential wall, wherein an elastomer ring is injection molded onto the circumferential wall at an axial distance from the first circumferential groove.