Tight-Bend Metal Seal Fitting for Angled Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connection technologies face challenges when connecting components at an angle, leading to increased pressure drops, complexity, and cost due to complex contours and sharp corners, which can result in leakage and reduced efficiency in refrigerant circuits.
Innovation Solution
A block seal fitting assembly with a tube having segments at an angle, where one segment forms a seal engaging surface to engage a sealing element, allowing for improved sealing and reduced complexity by minimizing the radius of curvature in bends, thus reducing pressure drops and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components are connected at an angle using traditional block fitting assemblies, then the connection accommodates angular relationships between components, but the complex contour with sharp corners causes increased pressure drop and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp corners and complex contours with smooth curved transitions in the flow path. The internal geometry of the block fitting assembly incorporates rounded corners and gradual direction changes instead of abrupt angles, which eliminates flow separation and reduces pressure drop while maintaining the ability to connect components at various angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional block fitting assemblies are used for angled connections, then components can be coupled at angles, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the block fitting assembly into modular sections with standardized interfaces. The flow paths are segmented into distinct functional zones (inlet, angled transition, outlet) that can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining angular connection capability.
3Reliability
If seal engaging surfaces are properly formed on bent tube segments, then sealing capabilities are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates seal engaging surfaces into the tube segments before the bending operation. The tubes are pre-formed with appropriate sealing surfaces, then bent to the required angles, and finally inserted into the block fitting assembly. This preliminary preparation of sealing surfaces simplifies the overall manufacturing process by avoiding post-bending operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A block fitting assembly comprises a first block having a first opening formed therethrough, a sealing element, and a tube. The tube includes a linearly extending first segment extending through the first opening of the first block and a linearly extending second segment arranged at an angle relative to the first segment. A bend portion of the tube connects the first segment to the second segment. An end portion of the first segment of the tube forms a seal engaging surface of the tube for engaging the sealing element. The end portion of the first segment of the tube further defines at least a portion of the projecting portion of the first block configured for reception in a recess of a corresponding second block.