Modular Hose Coupling for Multi-System Refrigeration Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing evacuation hose couplings are permanently attached and dimensioned for specific refrigeration systems, limiting their compatibility with systems of different dimensions, restricting their use across various refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular coupling system with interchangeable connectors and seals allows the same evacuation hose to be used with different refrigeration systems by swapping connectors and seals, ensuring proper alignment and sealing engagement for fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling is permanently attached to the evacuation hose, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability to different refrigeration systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate connectors: a first connector that attaches to the refrigeration system and a second connector that attaches to the evacuation hose. These connectors can be permanently attached to each other to provide stable connection, yet the modular design allows different first connectors to be paired with the same second connector for different system types, thus resolving the contradiction between connection stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second connector is designed as a universal component that can interface with multiple types of evacuation hoses, while the first connector is customized for specific refrigeration system attachment points. This universal design allows the same second connector to work with different refrigeration systems by simply changing the first connector, thereby achieving both stable permanent attachment and broad adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coupling is dimensioned for one refrigeration system, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the versatility across different systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into system-specific first connectors and hose-specific second connectors. Each first connector can be precisely manufactured for a specific refrigeration system attachment point, while the second connector maintains standardized dimensions for hose compatibility. This segmentation allows high manufacturing precision for each component without compromising overall versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coupling have different quality characteristics: the first connector has customized dimensions and properties tailored to specific refrigeration systems, while the second connector has standardized properties for universal hose attachment. This local differentiation enables precise manufacturing for system compatibility while maintaining versatility through standardization.
3Loss of substance
If the same evacuation hose is used for different refrigeration systems, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into interchangeable first connectors and a reusable second connector. This allows the expensive evacuation hose and second connector to be reused across multiple systems, reducing waste, while the simpler first connectors are system-specific. The modular design manages complexity by keeping the reusable portion simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for discarding system-specific first connectors while recovering and reusing the evacuation hose and second connector for different applications. This selective replacement strategy reduces overall substance loss by preserving the reusable components while allowing easy exchange of system-specific adapters.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting an evacuation hose to a system for evacuation of the system. The apparatus includes a first connector, a second connector, and a seal. The first connector includes a first face defining a longitudinally extending indentation and the second connector includes a second face with a protrusion that is positionable within the indentation. The seal is positionable on the protrusion to circumscribe the protrusion and to be sealing engagement with the first connector and the second connector when the protrusion is at a preferred position in the indentation.