Universal AC Service Adapter With Deformable Tube-Fitting Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air conditioning systems in automobiles require a large variety of adapters due to the diverse internal geometry and threading of tube fittings, necessitating a large inventory of adapters for servicing, which is inefficient and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
The development of universal adapters that connect to the external features of tube fittings, allowing conversion between different valve configurations and reducing the need for multiple adapters by using retention devices and deformable flanges to secure and seal the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different internal geometry and threading of tube fittings, then compatibility with various air conditioning systems is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal external interface that can connect to multiple types of tube fittings through a single deformation mechanism. The deformable flange can be shaped to match different fitting geometries, allowing one adapter design to serve multiple functions across different air conditioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates a deformable flange that can dynamically change its shape during installation to accommodate different tube fitting geometries. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for multiple static adapter variants, as the same adapter can be deformed to fit various fitting types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of adapters is maintained to service different air conditioning systems, then service coverage is improved, but ease of operation and management worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal adapter with deformation capability, the system eliminates the need for technicians to select from multiple adapter variants. The single universal adapter design simplifies inventory management and makes the selection process trivial, as only one adapter type is needed for all tube fitting variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional rigid adapters are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability to different fitting geometries worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter transitions from a rigid structure to one with a deformable flange section. This dynamic element can be deformed during installation to match different fitting geometries while the rest of the adapter body maintains its precise manufactured dimensions for reliable connection to the service equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes changes in the geometric parameters of the flange section through deformation. The flange can be deformed to alter its shape and dimensions to accommodate different tube fitting geometries, while the critical connection interfaces maintain their specified dimensional accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter that provides fluid communication to an air conditioning system, such as in a vehicle, is disclosed. The adapter includes a housing defining an internal passageway and a valve core positioned within the internal passageway. The valve core is movable between an open and closed state to control fluid communication through the adapter. The adapter housing is configured with a tube side opening to receive a tube fitting of an AC system port. The adapter housing includes a circumferential seal positioned within the adapter housing to provide a fluid seal between the housing tube side opening and the tube fitting. A retention device or a deformable flange of the adapter housing may retain a shoulder of the tube fitting to couple the adapter with the tube fitting. The adapter may reduce the number of variants needed to connect to tube fittings of AC system ports and improve their universality.