Fluid connection assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connectors for refrigeration systems require high insertion force for assembly, necessitate post-process machining, are prone to misplacement of retaining clips, and lack clear assembly indicators, leading to potential structural integrity issues and prolonged assembly times.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly with a service valve body and a retainer that includes annular grooves and flanges, allowing for quick assembly without tools and providing visual assembly confirmation, using a quick connect mechanism with O-rings and a plastic retainer to secure tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional retaining clips are used in fluid connectors, then the connector can secure the tube, but the insertion force required is very large and assembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separate sections that can be independently assembled. The first section is installed on the connector body, and the second section is installed on the tube, eliminating the need for high insertion force to install a single complex retaining clip.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers are pre-installed onto the connector body and tube before the final assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for high insertion force during the final connection, as the retainers are already in place to guide and secure the components.
2Device complexity
If retaining clips are made thin and small to fit in the connector, then the connector structure is compact, but the clips are easy to lose if dropped or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The single small retaining clip is segmented into two larger retainers that are easier to handle and less prone to loss. The first retainer remains on the connector body and the second retainer remains on the tube, reducing the risk of both being lost during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining function is extracted from a single small clip and distributed to two separate retainers. This extraction allows each retainer to be larger and more manageable, reducing the likelihood of loss while maintaining the compact connector structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If slots or apertures are machined in the connector body for the retaining clip, then the connector can engage the tube, but post-process manufacturing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retainers are designed to be pre-installed on the connector body and tube before final assembly, eliminating the need for post-process machining of slots or apertures. The retainers themselves provide the engagement features needed for secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement function is extracted from the connector body structure and transferred to separate retainer components. This eliminates the need to machine slots or apertures in the connector body, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure tube engagement.
4Reliability
If traditional fluid connectors are used, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly process takes a long time and may require tools
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into simple steps where pre-installed retainers guide the connection. The first retainer on the connector body and the second retainer on the tube work together to secure the connection without requiring tools or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers are designed to self-align and self-secure during assembly. The pre-installed retainers guide the tube into the connector body and automatically secure the connection, eliminating the need for tools or complex assembly procedures while maintaining reliable connection security.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a service valve body, including a first section forming a first port and a second port, a second section connected to the first section and forming a third port, a connector body forming a fourth port and including a first end connected to the first section, a second end, a first radially outward facing surface including an annular groove, and a first radially inward facing surface.