Connecting element for connecting a pipe to a component of an air-conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for air-conditioning systems face challenges in ensuring a tight seal between plastic pipes and components, often resulting in refrigerant leakage due to complex installation processes and potential loss or damage of O-rings.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a one-piece design, where the sealing element is integrally formed on the connection piece, preventing slippage and ensuring a rigid, reliable seal, and manufactured using injection-mouldable plastics and elastomers for cost-effective and simple production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate O-rings are used for sealing, then the connection can be tightly sealed, but the installation becomes complicated and O-rings may be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrated directly into the connection piece as an integral component, eliminating the need for separate O-rings. The sealing element is formed as part of the connection piece during manufacturing, ensuring it cannot be lost or damaged during installation while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-installed and fixed to the connection piece during manufacturing before the actual installation process. This preliminary action ensures the sealing element is already in position and cannot be lost or misplaced during installation, simplifying the installation process while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If O-rings are used with circumferential depressions, then sealing is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is merged with the connection piece as an integral component, eliminating the need for separate O-ring installation steps. The sealing element is formed during the manufacturing of the connection piece, reducing installation time while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-positioned and fixed to the connection piece during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for installers to manually install O-rings, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring proper sealing position.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the connecting element, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection piece and sealing element are merged into a single integral component manufactured in one process. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, while injection molding technology provides the necessary manufacturing flexibility for complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral connection piece performs multiple functions: structural connection, sealing, and fastening. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining design flexibility through injection molding capabilities.
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 provides a reliable, leak-proof connection that simplifies installation and manufacturing, ensuring a stable and pressure-resistant seal for air-conditioning systems, preventing refrigerant escape and enhancing the overall sealing effect.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sealing element is arranged on the connection piece
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element is integrally formed on the connection piece... ensures a stable and pressure-resistant seal
Implementation Method 3
the pipe end is inserted into the receptacle bore of the connecting element and the pipe end is integrally and tightly connected to the connecting element by means of a bonded or welded joint
Implementation Method 4
the pipe end is integrally and tightly connected to the connecting element by means of a bonded or welded joint
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a connecting element (1) for connecting a pipe end (2) to a component (3) of an air-conditioning system, wherein said connecting element comprises a base body (4) with a passage opening (5) for conveying through a refrigerant, a receptacle bore (6) for receiving the pipe end (2), wherein the receptacle bore (6) is arranged on a face side (7) of the base body (4) and corresponds to the passage bore (5), as well as a connection piece (8) that is arranged on the other face side (9) of the base body (4) and corresponds to the passage bore (5) on this side, wherein the connection piece (8) and the base body (4) consist of the same material and are realized in one piece, wherein at least one sealing element (12, 13) is arranged on the connection piece (8), and wherein the sealing element (12, 13) and the connection piece (8) are realized in one piece, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a connecting element.