Installation between valve connector and pipe of ice maker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice maker valve connectors with threaded connections often experience water leakage due to tolerances between outer and inner threads, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A threadless connection system using a valve connector with an inlet tube, sleeve, and tube adapter, where a water supply pipe is clamped by pawls and a seal ring to secure the connection, eliminating the need for threads and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connection is used between valve connector and water supply pipe, then connection can be secured, but water leakage occurs due to tolerances between threads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the threaded connection structure from the valve connector, replacing it with a smooth bore inlet tube that accepts push-fit connection of the water supply pipe, thereby removing the source of thread tolerance leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sealing structure (seal ring or O-ring) between the water supply pipe and inlet tube to prevent water leakage, eliminating the need for direct thread-to-thread contact that causes leakage
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded connection is used between valve connector and water supply pipe, then connection can be made, but manufacturing cost increases due to thread production
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex threaded structure from the valve connector, replacing it with a simple smooth bore inlet tube, thereby eliminating thread manufacturing processes and reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external threads on the valve connector to engage with internal threads in the pipe, the invention inverts the approach by using a smooth bore inlet tube that receives the pipe directly, simplifying the manufacturing process
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 secures the water supply pipe without threads, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing water leakage, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective connection for ice makers.
Implementation Method 1
The shank extends through a seal ring which is located in the inlet tube and contacts the inside of the inlet tube
Implementation Method 2
The pawls of the tube adapter each include a hook portion, and are expand outward when the water supply pipe is inserted into the passage of the tube adapter
Data Source
AI summary
An installation of a water supply pipe and a valve connector of an ice maker includes a valve connector with an inlet tube extending therefrom which communicates with a water supply hole in the body. The inlet tube has a first flange extending inward therefrom. A sleeve is inserted into the inlet tube and includes a shank and a second flange extending outward from the first end thereof. The sleeve extends through a seal ring which contacts the inside of the inlet tube. A tube adapter is inserted into the inlet tube and includes a passage defined through the tubular portion of the tube adapter. The tubular portion includes multiple pawls. Each pawl has a hook portion. A water supply pipe is inserted into the passage and clamped by the pawls.