Conical Pipe Connector Sealing for Irregular Refrigerant Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connection methods for refrigerant pipes, such as soldering, are time-consuming, costly, hazardous, and prone to leaks due to inconsistent pipe diameters and shapes, especially at high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector with a housing body and a conical sealing member that uses a locking mechanism to drive the pipe section into the sealing member, creating a fluid-tight seal, which can accommodate irregularities and variations in pipe diameters, and is threaded to provide mechanical advantage for a stronger seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a fluid-tight seal can be achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical compression system. A compression fitting with a conical sealing surface and a compressible sealing element (such as a ferrule or olive) mechanically secures the pipe through radial compression when a nut is tightened, eliminating the need for heat and soldering while achieving a reliable fluid-tight seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the thermal soldering process by introducing a separate compressible sealing element (ferrule/olive) that is radially compressed onto the pipe. This separates the sealing action from the joining action, allowing for faster installation without sacrificing seal integrity.
2Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a fluid-tight seal can be achieved, but the connection process becomes hazardous and presents fire danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the open flame soldering process with a purely mechanical compression system using a compression fitting and sealing element. This substitution eliminates the fire hazard associated with soldering while maintaining the fluid-tight seal through radial compression of the sealing element against the pipe and fitting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of requiring complex thermal processes into a benefit by using simple mechanical compression. The compressible sealing element is designed to deform plastically under compression, creating a permanent seal that is both safe and reliable, turning a potentially dangerous process into a safe one.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fittings are used with refrigerant pipes, then connections can be made, but leaks occur due to inconsistent pipe diameters and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a conical sealing surface in the compression fitting that can accommodate variations in pipe diameter and shape. The conical geometry allows the sealing element to conform to irregular pipe surfaces, and the compressible nature of the sealing element adapts to dimensional variations, maintaining seal reliability despite inconsistencies in refrigerant pipe manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a localized compressible sealing element (ferrule/olive) at the connection point that can deform to match the specific geometry of the pipe being connected. This local adaptation through plastic deformation of the sealing element ensures reliable sealing even when pipe diameters or shapes vary from standard specifications.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional fittings are used with refrigerant pipes, then connections can be made, but the connection process is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive soldering operations with simple mechanical compression using hand tools. The compression fitting system requires only a wrench to tighten the nut, eliminating the need for specialized soldering equipment, flux, solder material, and the skilled labor time associated with soldering, thereby reducing overall installation costs.
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 enables a safer, faster, and more reliable connection that withstands high pressures and accommodates non-concentric, irregularly shaped pipes, reducing the risk of leaks and improving connection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member drives the pipe section downward along the conical inner surface and creates a fluid tight seal between the sealing member and the pipe section
Implementation Method 2
The locking member drives the pipe section downward along the conical inner surface and creates a fluid tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a pipe section having an end and extending between a housing top and a housing bottom. A sealing member is seated in the axial bore with a conical inner surface configured to interface with the end of the pipe section. A cap member with an opening is threadedly attachable to the housing top. A locking member is carried in the cap member and configured such that the pipe section is only movable through the locking member in a direction toward the sealing member. The locking member drives the pipe section downward along the conical inner surface and creates a fluid tight seal between the sealing member and the pipe section when the cap member is threaded down on the housing top with the end of pipe section engaging the conical inner surface of the sealing member.