Dual-Seal Block Fitting for Refrigerant Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal structures in vehicle air conditioning systems, such as those using rubber O-rings and elastomeric seals, are prone to degradation and leakage due to improper installation or handling, and fail to meet stringent refrigerant leak reduction requirements.
Innovation Solution
A seal structure comprising a first metal or soft metal annular ring with a free edge and a second elastomer seal portion extending outwardly, providing both primary and secondary seals between male and female block portions of a fitting, which are securely engaged by a fastener to minimize refrigerant leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rubber O-rings and elastomeric seals are used in seal structures, then the seal structure can be easily manufactured and installed, but the seals degrade over time and are prone to leakage due to improper installation or handling
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure combines a metal annular ring with an elastomeric seal portion to create a composite seal that leverages the strengths of both materials: the metal provides structural integrity and resistance to degradation, while the elastomer provides sealing flexibility. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of manufacture through simple assembly of two components while significantly improving reliability and leak prevention.
2Reliability
If a dual-seal structure with metal annular ring and elastomer portion is used, then refrigerant leakage is minimized and reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal annular ring and elastomeric seal portion are merged into a single integrated seal structure that functions as one component during installation. This merging approach maintains reliability through the dual-material design while minimizing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate installation steps or additional sealing components.
3Device complexity
If traditional seals are used, then the fitting structure remains simple, but the seals are damaged due to improper installation or handling leading to refrigerant leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The metal annular ring serves as a protective cushion for the elastomeric seal portion during shipping and handling. This beforehand protection prevents damage to the softer elastomer material before installation, reducing the harmful factor of seal damage from improper handling while maintaining relatively simple fitting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner system fitting is disclosed including a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of said first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.