Quick-Connect Collet System for High-Pressure Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect fittings fail to withstand high-pressure applications in air conditioning systems, leading to leaks and premature failure due to the inability to handle pressures exceeding 1000 psi, resulting in increased assembly time and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect system featuring a port with a collet and sealing element, where the collet's legs deform radially inwardly to securely engage tubes, and a projection isolates the sealing element from the collet cavity, preventing damage under high pressure, allowing for secure connections and rapid assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional female nut and male fitting connections are used, then sufficient performance under high pressure is achieved, but assembly time increases to over fifteen seconds per fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a port with collet cavity, a removable collet with gripping legs, and a tube. The collet can be independently inserted into the port and then the tube into the collet, allowing rapid sequential assembly without threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with a deformation-based mechanical locking system. The collet legs deform radially inwardly under pressure to grip the tube, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and wrench tightening.
2Loss of time
If conventional quick-connect fittings are used, then assembly time is reduced, but the fittings fail under pressures exceeding 1000 psi due to inability to withstand high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The collet legs are designed with curved surfaces that deform radially inwardly when pressure is applied. This curved deformation mechanism allows the rigid collet structure to flex and grip the tube securely under high pressure conditions exceeding 1000 psi.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines rigid components (port and collet body) with flexible elements (collet legs that deform radially). This composite approach provides both the structural strength to withstand high pressure and the flexibility to create a secure gripping connection.
3Strength
If the collet is designed to grip the tube securely, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time increases due to complex engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is designed to automatically grip the tube through self-actuating deformation. When the tube is inserted, the collet legs radially inwardly deform to engage the tube surface, creating a secure grip without requiring additional fastening operations or complex engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet legs change their geometric parameters (radial position) in response to applied pressure. The legs transition from a relaxed state to a deformed state where they conform to and grip the tube, providing strong engagement through parameter change rather than mechanical fastening.
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 system effectively reduces assembly time to two seconds or less, withstands pressures up to 2500 psi without failure, and maintains a fluid-tight seal, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of high-pressure air conditioning service systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element prevents high-pressure fluid from entering the collet cavity
Implementation Method 2
the collet's legs deform radially inwardly to securely engage tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connect system for a high pressure connection includes a port and a collet. The port defines an inlet opening at an outer longitudinal end of the port and includes an inner wall having a first sloped surface at least partially defining a collet cavity. The first sloped surface has a first diameter at a first end nearest the inlet opening and a second diameter, which is greater than the first diameter, at a second end opposite the first end. The collet includes a head portion and a plurality of legs extending distally from the head portion, and each leg of the plurality of legs includes a distal foot portion. In a connected state, the foot portions of the plurality of legs are located in the collet cavity, and the foot portions define an outermost diameter that is greater than the first diameter.