Hydraulic coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection adapters for air conditioning systems using CO2 as refrigerant fail to meet high sealing requirements and durability under pressure, often requiring additional energy sources or mechanically vulnerable sealing systems.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter with a rotary handle actuating a switching valve, featuring a venting stop that moves axially with the actuating element, ensuring the venting path is closed before establishing a fluid connection, and a locking mechanism restricted to a locked position, using simple and durable sealing elements like O-rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sealing systems are used in connection adapters for CO2 air conditioning systems, then the device can be operated, but the sealing systems are mechanically vulnerable and do not meet high sealing requirements under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanically vulnerable sealing systems with a simpler, more reliable sealing concept using O-rings in conjunction with a venting path closure mechanism. The sealing reliability is achieved through the interaction between the venting stop closing the venting path and the O-ring sealing elements, eliminating the need for additional energy sources while providing durable sealing under CO2 pressure conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a venting path is provided for safety, then safe operation is enabled, but the locking mechanism cannot be restricted to locked position, allowing premature opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the venting stop to close the venting path before the locking mechanism can be actuated to lock the connection. This sequence is achieved through the mechanical design where the venting path closure must occur first, preventing premature opening of the main valve while maintaining safety. The O-ring sealing elements ensure that the venting path remains securely closed before locking occurs.
3Ease of operation
If a complex switching valve mechanism is used to control venting and locking, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases with more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the venting control and locking control functions into a single integrated switching valve mechanism actuated by one actuating element. The venting stop and locking mechanism are controlled through the same actuating element, reducing the number of separate moving parts while maintaining precise control over the sequence of operations. The O-ring sealing elements work in conjunction with this unified mechanism to provide reliable sealing.
4Reliability
If additional energy sources are used to operate the sealing system, then high sealing requirements are met, but the device requires external energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the sealing system to operate without additional energy sources. The O-ring sealing elements are actuated purely mechanically through the venting stop closure and switching valve operation. The system uses the inherent mechanical motion of the actuating element to compress the O-rings and establish sealing, eliminating the need for external energy input while maintaining high sealing performance under CO2 pressure.
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
Ensures secure, intuitive, and durable fluid connections under pressure without additional energy, preventing premature opening of the main valve and ensuring safe operation with minimal moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
the venting stop moves axially with the actuating element when the actuating element is actuated
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element is designed as a rotary handle which can be screwed into a threaded bore of a housing for actuating the switching valve
Implementation Method 3
the locking mechanism is restricted to a locked position when the venting block closes the venting path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection adapter (1) for producing a detachable fluid connection between a first fluid system (37) and a second fluid system (38). The connection adapter (1) has a switching valve (4), which is actuable by means of an actuation element (5) for the purposes of selectively opening up and closing off a fluidic connection between a pressure chamber (12) provided in the connection adapter (1) and a valve chamber (31) provided in the connection adapter (1). From the valve chamber (31), a ventilation path leads out of the connection adapter (1), which ventilation path can be closed off and opened by a ventilation shut-off means (2). A fluidic connection from the pressure chamber (12) to the first fluid system (37) can be produced by means of a connection element (15). The valve chamber (31) is fluidically connected to a quick fastener socket (23) for the connection of a connection element (35) of the second fluid system (38), and the connection adapter (1) has a locking mechanism (39) for the quick fastener socket (23). The locking mechanism (39) is restricted to a locked position when the ventilation shut-off means (2) closes off the ventilation path.