One-Piece Pipe Connector With Integrated Seals for AC Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for air-conditioning systems face challenges in ensuring a tight seal between plastic pipes and components, often resulting in refrigerant leakage due to complex installation processes and potential loss or damage of O-rings.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a one-piece design, where the connection piece and sealing element are integrally formed, featuring radial and axial seals, and a fastening device for a secure, rigid connection, manufactured from injection-mouldable plastic with elastomeric seals, ensuring a tight and stable seal without additional installation steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-rings are used in circumferential depressions on the connection piece, then sealing is achieved, but the installation becomes complicated and O-rings may slide out and be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrally formed with the connection piece as a single component, eliminating the need for separate O-rings that can be lost or damaged during installation. This merging of the sealing function into the structural component itself ensures reliable sealing while simplifying installation procedures.
2Reliability
If the O-ring diameter is chosen to ensure a permanently tight connection, then sealing is improved, but the installation process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed as an integral part of the connection piece, eliminating the need for separate O-ring selection and installation. This integration ensures consistent sealing performance without adding complexity to the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed sealing element automatically provides the necessary sealing function without requiring additional components or complex installation procedures. The sealing element is self-contained and self-positioning, ensuring reliable connection tightness while simplifying the overall installation process.
3Reliability
If the sealing element is separately installed on the connection piece, then sealing can be achieved, but additional installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element and connection piece are manufactured as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate installation steps. This merging ensures effective sealing while significantly improving installation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-formed and integrated into the connection piece during manufacturing, so that no additional sealing installation steps are required during assembly. This preliminary integration of the sealing function accelerates the overall installation process while maintaining reliable sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a connecting element (1) for connecting a pipe end (2) to a component (3) of an air-conditioning system, wherein said connecting element comprises a base body (4) with a passage opening (5) for conveying through a refrigerant, a receptacle bore (6) for receiving the pipe end (2), wherein the receptacle bore (6) is arranged on a face side (7) of the base body (4) and corresponds to the passage bore (5), as well as a connection piece (8) that is arranged on the other face side (9) of the base body (4) and corresponds to the passage bore (5) on this side, wherein the connection piece (8) and the base body (4) consist of the same material and are realized in one piece, wherein at least one sealing element (12, 13) is arranged on the connection piece (8), and wherein the sealing element (12, 13) and the connection piece (8) are realized in one piece, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a connecting element.