Pipe Connection Mechanism for Flexible-Rigid Refrigeration Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems face challenges in balancing the efficiency of assembling flexible and rigid pipes while ensuring effective sealing performance, with current connection structures being either inefficient or overly complex.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection mechanism featuring a joint pipe with a second pipe part that supports the flexible pipe in an interference manner, combined with a sleeve for external pressure, and incorporating anti-slip structures and limiting bosses to enhance sealing and facilitate quick assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member is inserted into a groove of the quick coupling mechanism to prevent refrigerant leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but the risk of the seal member coming loose and causing safety accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining rib is introduced as an intermediary structure between the seal member and the groove. The retaining rib protrudes from the groove bottom toward the seal member, acting as a mechanical barrier that prevents the seal member from detaching while allowing it to maintain sealing contact with the groove walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the groove walls for sealing contact, the groove bottom for positioning, and the retaining rib protrusion for mechanical retention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, preventing seal member detachment while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If thread sealing tape or sealant is applied to prevent refrigerant leakage at thread connections, then sealing performance is improved, but the disassembly time increases due to the need to remove sealing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The quick coupling mechanism features self-aligning and self-sealing capabilities. The inclined surfaces automatically guide the male and female connectors into proper alignment during insertion, while the O-ring seal member automatically positions itself in the groove and creates a seal without requiring external sealing materials or manual intervention for sealing application or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical sealing method using thread sealing tape or sealant is replaced with a deformable O-ring seal member that creates a seal through elastic deformation and contact pressure. This mechanical sealing approach eliminates the need for chemical sealing materials and their associated application and removal steps.
3Ease of operation
If the quick coupling mechanism is designed with simple structure for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of refrigerant leakage during connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including inclined surfaces that guide alignment during insertion, and a deformable O-ring seal member that adapts to contact pressures. These dynamic features enable automatic self-alignment and self-sealing during operation, maintaining simple operation while ensuring reliable sealing without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The utility model discloses a pipe connection mechanism, a refrigeration system having the same, and a refrigeration appliance. The pipe connection mechanism is used for connecting a flexible pipe and a rigid pipe, and includes: a joint pipe and a sleeve sleeving the flexible pipe, wherein the joint pipe has a first pipe part fixedly connected to the rigid pipe, and a second pipe part forward inserted into the flexible pipe and stretching the flexible pipe in an interference manner; and the sleeve backward sleeves the second pipe part and the sleeve and the second pipe part clamp and fix the flexible pipe together. The refrigeration system includes a rigid pipe and a flexible pipe which are fixedly connected in a fit manner through the pipe connection mechanism.