Refrigerant Tube-to-Cap Coupling With Screwless Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting refrigerant gas discharge tubes to hermetic compressor cylinder caps are complex, costly, and prone to sealing issues due to dimensional variations and the use of screws that obstruct the gas path, leading to inefficiencies and potential operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a tubular body and perimetral flap is used, featuring a conical end for interference fitting with the discharge tube and a channel on the cylinder cap, along with adhesive sealing material and UV activation, to ensure a secure, efficient, and economical coupling without screws, absorbing dimensional tolerances and providing optimal sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to connect the discharge tube to the cylinder cap, then the connection is secure, but the gas path is obstructed causing loss of load and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the screw connecting elements from the system. Instead of using screws to connect the discharge tube to the cylinder cap, the patent creates a direct integrated connection where the discharge tube is formed as part of the cap structure itself, eliminating the obstructive screws while maintaining connection security through a seamless structural integration.
2Strength
If a connecting member with threaded hole is used to couple the discharge tube, then the connection is secure, but the production process becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex threaded connecting member from the system. Instead of drilling and threading holes in the cylinder cap to secure the discharge tube, the patent integrates the discharge tube directly into the cap structure through a simplified forming process, eliminating the need for complex machining operations and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the discharge tube and cylinder cap into a single integrated component. The discharge tube is formed as an integral part of the cap structure, combining two previously separate components (the cap and the tube) into one unified piece, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating the need for separate connecting elements.
3Device complexity
If interference coupling is used without additional sealing means, then the structure is simple, but sealing is compromised due to dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a composite sealing solution by combining the mechanical interference fit structure with an elastomeric sealing ring. The sealing ring made of elastomeric material is inserted into a groove within the connecting structure, creating a composite sealing system that leverages both the mechanical interference coupling and the flexible sealing properties of the elastomer to ensure reliable sealing despite dimensional variations.
4Strength
If the discharge tube is fixed to the compressor block instead of the cap, then the connection is secure, but the gas path is obstructed by the fixing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screw fixing elements from the connection between the discharge tube and the system. By integrating the discharge tube directly into the cylinder cap structure, the patent removes the obstructive screws that would interfere with gas flow, allowing the refrigerant gas to flow smoothly through the discharge tube without obstruction while maintaining secure connection.
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
This solution simplifies and enhances the coupling process, reducing load loss, ensuring tightness, and maintaining efficiency despite component variations, while being practical and economical, thus improving the overall performance of the cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
applying ultraviolet light, or the like, to promote bleaching of the sealing material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the technological field of compressors for cooling systems and, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting device a substantially cylindrical or tubular body provided, at one of its ends, with an outer perimetral projection and co-operative with a duct or channel of a cylinder cap, wherein, preferably, the device will be produced with steel, aluminum alloy, or other metal alloy with similar structural and thermal properties, mainly due to the stresses it may suffer during use and to be able to absorb the tolerance variations and to have a resilience capable of providing resistance at the time the connection undergoes mechanical stresses of performance—especially torsion.