Sealing Sleeve Structure for Different-Diameter Pipe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of refrigerant pipes with different diameters is time-consuming and inconvenient due to difficulties in sealing and recognizing the direction of the sleeve, leading to potential leaks and cross-section breaks.
Innovation Solution
A sealed sleeve with a pressing portion that gradually increases pressure through a curved surface transition segment, featuring an identification structure for direction recognition, optimizes the sealing process by minimizing errors and facilitating quick mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sleeves are used to connect pipes with different diameters, then the connection can be made, but the installation time is excessively long and the sealing is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve has different inner diameter sections: a first section with a larger inner diameter for the second pipe and a second section with a smaller inner diameter for the first pipe. This local variation in geometry allows different pipe diameters to be connected simultaneously, enabling quick installation of pipes with different sizes while maintaining proper sealing at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portion is pre-formed within the sleeve structure, positioned to contact and seal against the first pipe. This preliminary configuration of the sealing geometry eliminates the need for complex sealing operations during installation, allowing workers to simply insert the pipes and achieve automatic sealing, thus dramatically reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If conventional sleeves are used, then connection is possible, but sealing performance is insufficient leading to potential refrigerant leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion is specifically designed with a smaller inner diameter than the first pipe, creating a localized interference fit that generates radial compression force. This localized geometric feature ensures reliable sealing against refrigerant leakage without requiring complex multi-component sealing systems, achieving high reliability through a relatively simple structural modification.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sleeves are used, then connection can be made, but workers cannot easily recognize the direction of the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
An identification protrusion is added to the outer circumference of the sleeve, creating an asymmetric feature that is visually and tactilely distinct. This asymmetric element allows workers to easily recognize the correct insertion direction by feeling or seeing the protrusion, preventing incorrect installation without significantly increasing the overall structural complexity of the sleeve.
4Productivity
If pipes with different diameters are connected using conventional methods, then connection is possible, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates a first section with a larger inner diameter and a second section with a smaller inner diameter, each specifically dimensioned to match different pipe sizes. This local geometric differentiation allows the single sleeve to accommodate both pipe types with proper fit and alignment, eliminating installation errors and reducing time by avoiding the need for separate connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portion is pre-configured within the sleeve to automatically engage and seal against the first pipe upon insertion. This preliminary arrangement of sealing geometry ensures proper alignment and contact force without requiring precise manual adjustment during installation, thereby improving both installation speed and accuracy simultaneously.
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 solution effectively prevents refrigerant leakage and cross-section breaks, reduces installation errors, and enables efficient connection of pipes with different diameters by enhancing sealing performance and simplifying the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing portion (310) that applies a sealing pressure to the insertion coupling portion
Implementation Method 2
as the sealed sleeve is gradually further inserted into the second pipe side, in order to gradually increase a pressure in which the sealed sleeve applies to the second pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A sealed sleeve installed at an insertion coupling portion in a state in which a first pipe and a second pipe are insertion coupled to each other in order to seal couple the first pipe having a first outer diameter and a first inner diameter and the second pipe having a second outer diameter and a second inner diameter larger than the first outer diameter includes: a pillar shaped-main body having a main body central shaft; a through-hole formed using the main body central shaft as a central shaft on the main body and having an inlet as a second pipe side opening in an installation state and an outlet as a first pipe side opening in an installation state, wherein in the through-hole, a pressing portion that applies a sealing pressure to the insertion coupling portion is formed in a portion of an inner wall, and an inner diameter of the pressing portion is smaller than the second outer diameter.