High Pressure Fitting with Thrust Bearing for Manual Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings for high-pressure refrigerant connections, such as those used in HVAC units, are difficult to remove manually due to the high axial loads caused by the pressure, requiring excessive torque and posing a challenge for manual disconnection without tools.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a friction reducing device, such as a thrust bearing or needle roller bearing, within the fitting to facilitate easy rotation and reduce the torque required for removal, allowing for manual disconnection from high-pressure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fitting is used for high-pressure refrigerant connections, then the connection can maintain high pressure sealing, but the fitting becomes difficult to remove manually due to high axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
A friction reducing device is introduced as an intermediary element between the fitting components. This device mediates the interaction between the mating surfaces, reducing friction and allowing manual rotation and removal of the fitting even under high pressure conditions, while maintaining the sealing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based connection with a bearing-based mechanical system. The bearing substitutes the direct frictional contact between fitting surfaces, enabling easy manual operation while maintaining structural integrity and sealing under high pressure
2Reliability
If high pressure connection is maintained, then refrigerant containment is effective, but excessive torque is required for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The friction reducing device acts as a mediator that decouples the force required for containment from the force required for removal. During containment, the bearing supports the axial load from high pressure, while during removal, the bearing reduces the rotational friction, allowing manual operation with minimal torque
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the high-friction mechanical contact system with a bearing-based system that has low rotational friction. This substitution maintains the axial load-bearing capability for pressure containment while dramatically reducing the torque needed for rotational removal
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 friction reducing device significantly reduces the torque needed to remove the fitting, making it easier to disconnect from high-pressure connections, especially at pressures above 500 psi, requiring 20-25% less torque compared to conventional fittings.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a friction reducing device, such as a thrust bearing or needle roller bearing, within the fitting to facilitate easy rotation and reduce the torque required for removal
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.