Self-Locking Refrigerant Pipe Joint for One-Step Vibration-Stable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting joints in refrigerant pipelines have complex structures and lack stability during assembly, leading to easy detachment under vibration, necessitating additional tools and multiple assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A connecting joint design featuring a joint main body with a stop platform and a locking spring with elastic strips and blocks, allowing for self-locking assembly in one step without additional tools, enhancing stability and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking spring with stop ring is used to restrict the connector, then the connecting joint can be locked to the connector, but the structure becomes complex and assembly cannot be completed in one time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking spring, stop ring, and connector into an integrated assembly where the locking spring is pre-mounted on the connector with the stop ring positioned to engage the slot. This integration allows the entire locking mechanism to be installed in one operation, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring and stop ring are pre-assembled on the connector before installation into the connecting joint. The stop ring is preliminarily positioned to align with the slot, and the locking spring is pre-compressed to the correct tension, enabling one-step assembly without requiring additional adjustment or tooling during final installation.
2Reliability
If a locking spring with stop ring is used to restrict the connector, then the connecting joint can be locked to the connector, but the connector stability is not high and the connecting joint is easily separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances local engagement quality by positioning the stop ring to precisely engage the slot wall at the locked position, and designing the locking spring to apply concentrated force at the abutting surface. This localized quality enhancement ensures stable locking while allowing the connector to remain accessible for authorized disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting surface is designed with a curved or beveled geometry that complements the slot wall surface, creating a wedge-like engagement that resists pull-out forces. This curved surface design increases the effective contact area and mechanical interlocking, preventing easy separation while maintaining stable locked positioning.
3Reliability
If additional tools and multiple assembly steps are used, then the connecting joint can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components (locking spring, stop ring, slot, abutting surface) that are pre-assembled as a unit. This segmentation allows the entire locking assembly to be installed in one operation without requiring sequential adjustment of individual components, reducing assembly time while ensuring complete and reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring is designed to be self-compressing during assembly, automatically engaging the stop ring with the slot wall without requiring external tools or manual adjustment. The elastic force of the locking spring provides self-alignment and self-locking functionality, enabling tool-free assembly while ensuring complete engagement.
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 design ensures secure, one-time assembly of the connecting joint with improved stability and reduced complexity, facilitating efficient packaging and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The abutting and pushing block is configured to push the elastic strip to elastically deform along an axis of the matching joint in response to being pushed by the matching joint
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting joint including a joint main body and a locking spring is provided. The joint main body is provided with a slot, a slot wall of the slot is provided with a stop platform, the stop platform is provided with a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to each other, the locking spring includes an elastic strip, a locking block and an abutting and pushing block, position interference is formed between the abutting and pushing block and the matching joint, the locking block can bypass the first end surface of the stop platform and move to the second end surface of the stop platform under being driven by the elastic strip, and the locking spring can be locked to the joint main body and the matching joint can be fixed by abutting cooperation between the locking block and the second end surface of the stop platform.