Rotatable Connector Prevents Drainage Hose Twisting in Vehicle AC
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Solution Overview
Problem
The twisting phenomenon of the drainage hose during assembly in motor vehicle air conditioning systems leads to clogging and leakage of condensate water, as the twisting is not easily recognizable and can result in poor assembly.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system with a rotatable connector mechanism that includes a rotation guiding projection on the drainage port and a rotation guiding rail on the connector, allowing the drainage hose to rotate freely and preventing twisting, while a sealing mechanism ensures water-tightness between the port and connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drainage hose is pulled and drawn out during assembly, then the drainage hose can be installed through the dashboard, but the drainage hose may be distorted and twisted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with rotational freedom, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation during the assembly process. The rotation guiding projection and rail enable the connector to rotate as the drainage hose is pulled through the dashboard, preventing twisting while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation guiding mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed drainage port and the movable drainage hose. It mediates the movement by providing a controlled rotation path, allowing the hose to be installed without twisting while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Productivity
If the drainage hose is twisted during assembly, then assembly may be completed quickly, but the drainage hose becomes clogged and condensate water leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational capability built into the connector allows assembly workers to quickly install the drainage hose without worrying about twisting, as the connector will naturally rotate into the correct position. This maintains high assembly speed while ensuring the drainage hose remains straight and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation guiding mechanism enables the connector to self-adjust its orientation during installation. As the drainage hose is pulled through, the connector automatically rotates to align with the drainage port, preventing twisting without requiring additional manual adjustment or inspection steps.
3Device complexity
If a fixed connection is used between the drainage hose and drainage port, then assembly is simple, but the drainage hose cannot rotate and twists during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure incorporates a rotational degree of freedom through the rotation guiding projection and rail. This allows the connector to rotate during installation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation guiding functionality is integrated into the connector itself through the projection and rail features, rather than being a separate mechanism. This merging of the rotation capability into the basic connector structure minimizes additional complexity while enabling easy installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system for motor vehicles includes an air conditioner case having a drainage port, an evaporator installed within the air conditioner case, a drainage hose configured to discharge condensate water generated in the evaporator to the outside of a vehicle room, the drainage hose connected to the drainage port and drawn out to the outside of the vehicle room through a dashboard, and a connector means configured to rotatably connect the drainage hose to the drainage port of the air conditioner case so as to permit rotation of the drainage hose with respect to the drainage port when the drainage hose is twisted in an assembling process of the drainage hose.