CN110822083B

CN110822083B - Sealing configuration to prevent damage from explosive decompression

Info

Publication number: CN110822083B
Application number: CN201910726846.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃里克·凯斯勒; 迈克尔·斯普劳尔勒
Original assignee: Hanon Systems Corp
Current assignee: Hanon Systems Corp
Priority date: 2018-08-09
Filing date: 2019-08-07
Publication date: 2022-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-07
Also published as: DE102019211917A1; DE102019211917B4; CN110822083A

Abstract

A seal assembly for an air conditioning system includes an annular inner seal member and an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member. The outer seal member has a first recess formed in a first surface thereof. The first recess transitions between a substantially closed configuration when the outer seal member is compressed and a substantially open configuration when the outer seal member is decompressed.

Description

Sealing configuration to prevent damage from explosive decompression

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application No.62/716,588 filed on 8/9/2018. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fittings for vehicle air conditioning systems, and more particularly to seals that allow high pressure gas to escape from the air conditioning system during depressurization thereof.

Background

In air-conditioning systems, e.g. using R744 (CO)₂) Refrigerant air conditioning systems-automotive refrigeration components used in such systems must be subjected to the necessary testing as required by governmental agencies such as the United states and the European Union. Testing is required because depressurization in an air conditioning system can occur by switching the air conditioning system on and off (i.e., pressure rise and pressure drop). For example, automotive refrigeration parts that come into direct or indirect contact with R744 refrigerant must be tested according to German society for automotive industry (Verband der Automobilinddustrie; hereinafter "VDA") German standards institute (Deutsches institute fur Normung; hereinafter "DIN") specification VDADIN SPEC,74102: 2015-08. According to VDA DIN SPEC 74102:2015-08, if the elastomer with joining technology is in direct or indirect contact with R744 refrigerant, a reduced pressure test should be performed. During testing, the simulation of the actual driving condition and the idling condition of the air conditioning system at high ambient temperature is particularly critical. Elastomers have failed due to the high compression of R744 refrigerant attempting to escape through the elastomer upon rapid release of pressureAnd (3) direction.

In some air conditioning systems, metal seal fittings or gaskets are employed between the fittings to maintain a seal between the fittings. However, often redundant elastomeric seals are also employed with metal seal fittings. Thus, due to the elastomeric seal, the metal seal fitting needs to undergo a decompression test because the elastomeric seal will be susceptible to damage due to the rapid pressurization of R744 refrigerant followed by the rapid decompression of R744 refrigerant.

To prevent decompression damage of elastomeric seals subjected to high pressures, connectors having a gasket seal with a spring metal core coated with Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) are commonly employed. However, known seals with elastomeric seals typically do not allow gas to escape as quickly as may be needed or desired, which results in damage to the seal.

Accordingly, there is a need for an elastomeric seal that minimizes damage to the elastomeric seal during depressurization of the air conditioning system while maintaining the desired sealing function.

Disclosure of Invention

In concordance with the instant disclosure, an elastomeric seal that minimizes damage to the elastomeric seal during depressurization of an air conditioning system while maintaining a desired sealing function, is surprisingly discovered.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a seal assembly for an air conditioning system includes an annular inner seal member and an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member. The outer seal member has a first recess formed in a first surface thereof. The first recess transitions between a substantially closed configuration when the outer seal member is compressed and a substantially open configuration when the outer seal member is decompressed.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a seal assembly for an air conditioning system is disclosed. The seal assembly includes an annular inner seal member and an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member. The outer sealing member has a plurality of first recesses formed in a first surface thereof and a plurality of second recesses formed in a second surface thereof. Each of the plurality of first and second recesses transitions between a closed configuration when the outer seal member is compressed and an open configuration when the outer seal member is decompressed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a block fitting assembly is disclosed. The block fitting assembly includes a block fitting configured as one of a female block fitting and a male block fitting. The block fitting receives a tube carrying refrigerant. The seal assembly engages the block fitting and includes an annular elastomeric seal member having a plurality of notches formed therein. The elastomeric seal has gas from the refrigerant embedded therein by an adsorption process. The elastomeric seal releases gas through the plurality of notches.

Drawings

The above and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a block fitting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a left side view of a seal assembly of the block fitting assembly according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the seal assembly of FIG. 2 taken through line 3-3 with the notch formed in the seal assembly in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the seal assembly of FIG. 2 taken through line 3-3, wherein the notch formed in the seal assembly is in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of a seal assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a left side view of a seal assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 7 is a left side view of a seal assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. With respect to the disclosed methods, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature and, thus, not necessary or critical.

"a" and "an" as used herein mean the presence of "at least one" of the object; where possible, there may be a plurality of such objects. As used herein, "substantially" means "to a substantial degree," "largely," or "approximately" as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the term based on the present disclosure. For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "front," "back," "inner," "outer," "bottom," "top," "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "lower," "side," and the like may be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a block fitting assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The block fitting assembly 1 is configured for a refrigeration system of a vehicle, such as an R744 refrigeration system of a vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that the block fitting assembly 1 of the present disclosure may be configured for use with other systems, such as oil and gas drilling systems, refrigeration systems other than vehicle refrigeration systems, or other fluid systems, as desired. The assembly 1 is configured to receive an end of a first pipe and an end of a second pipe therein such that the first and second pipes are substantially axially aligned. The assembly 1 comprises a male block fitting 2 and a female block fitting 4. The first bores 6, 8 of the respective male and female block fittings 2, 4 receive an end of one of the first and second pipes therein, respectively, so that the first and second pipes are substantially axially aligned. A seal assembly 10 is received between the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 to substantially surround and seal the first bore 6 of the male block fitting 2 and the first bore 8 of the female block fitting 4. A female recess (not shown) is formed in the female block fitting 4 to receive the male projection 3 formed on the male block fitting 2 to facilitate alignment of the respective first apertures 6, 8. Therefore, the refrigerant is transported through the first and second tubes substantially without leakage. Second holes 7, 9 formed in the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4, respectively, receive fasteners 5 therein to facilitate fastening the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 together. It will be appreciated that the features and shape of the block fittings 2, 4 shown in fig. 1 may vary depending on the application or type of block fitting employed. For example, the male block fitting 2 and/or the female block fitting 4 may include one or more holes for receiving alignment pins. In another example, each of the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 may have alternative cross-sectional shapes than the illustrated pear-shaped or inverted oval shape, such as peanut-shaped, circular, oblong, rectangular, polygonal, or any other shape desired.

As shown, the block fittings 2, 4 are shown as separate block fittings from the component or system. However, according to alternative embodiments, the block fittings 2, 4 may each be configured as a component, such as a component block, which is integrated with the system or integrated with the system structural member. For example, the component may be a refrigeration system component, such as a condenser block or a compressor manifold. In other examples, the component may be a housing or other similar structural member of the system. According to an alternative embodiment, the male block fitting 2 is a block fitting configured for coupling to a female block component configured as a female block component of a system or system structure. Similarly, a male block component is a male block component of a system or system structure configured for coupling to a female block fitting 4 configured as a block fitting.

Fig. 2 to 4 show the sealing assembly 10 of the block fitting assembly 1. The seal assembly 10 includes an annular inner seal member 12 and an annular outer seal member 14 coupled to the inner seal member 12. The inner seal member 12 is formed of a metal material. However, the inner seal member 12 may be formed of other materials, if desired. The outer sealing member 14 is formed of an elastomeric material. For example, the elastomeric material may be ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM), FKM fluoropolymers, manufactured by Chemours Company

A fluoroelastomer, a nitrile rubber such as hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), or any other similar type of elastomer as desired. However, it should be understood that the sealing outer seal member 14 may be formed from other materials having desired properties, such as deformability and chemical resistance. For example, the outer sealing member 14 may be formed of, for example, nylon or plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer seal member 14 is coupled to the inner seal member 12 by an over mold (over mold), wherein a portion of the outer seal member 14 covers an outer portion of the inner seal member 12. For example, as shown, outer seal member 14 is formed around outer circumferential edge surface 24, an outer radial portion of first surface 26, and an outer radial portion of second surface 28 opposite first surface 26 of inner seal member 12. As a result, the inner seal member 12 is embedded into the outer seal member 14 to form the assembled seal assembly 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, portions of the first and

second surfaces

26, 28 adjacent the edge surface 24 of the inner seal member 12 taper outwardly toward the edge surface 24 such that the thickness of the inner seal member 12 tapers toward the edge surface 24. However, it is understood that the first surface 26 and the second surface 28 of the inner seal member 12 may be continuous planes in which the inner seal member 12 does not taper outwardly toward the edge surface 24.

The outer sealing member 14 includes a plurality of recesses 16 formed in a first surface 18 and an opposing second surface 20 thereof. The recesses 16 are configured as a plurality of slots having an arcuate rectangular cross-sectional shape. The notch 16 formed in the first surface 18 will be referred to herein as a first notch 16a, and the notch 16 formed in the second surface 20 will be referred to herein as a second notch 16 b. As shown, the notch 16 is formed in a portion of the outer seal member 14 adjacent the outer end 30 of the outer seal member 14. However, the recess 16 may be formed along the entire thickness t of the outer sealing member 14 from the inner end 32 to the outer end 30 of the outer sealing member 14.

Each of the first recesses 16a is at a first depth d₁Extends into the first surface 18 and each of the second recesses 16b is at a second depth d₂Extending into the second surface 20. As shown, the first depth d of each of the first recesses 16a₁The thickness t along the outer sealing member 14 varies, and the second depth d of each of the second recesses 16b₂The thickness t varies along the outer sealing member 14. However, in alternative embodiments, it can be appreciated that the first depth d of each of the first recesses 16a₁And a second depth d of each of the second recesses 16b₂May be approximately equal. In yet another embodiment, the first depth d of at least two, but not all, of the first recesses 16a₁May be substantially equal and the second depth d of at least two, but not all, of the second recesses 16b₂May be approximately equal. A border 34 of the material of the outer seal member 14 separates the first recess 16a from the second recess 16 b. A border 34 is formed at a generally central portion of the width w of the outer seal member 14, wherein the border 34 is spaced apart from the first and

second surfaces

18, 20 of the outer seal member at equal perpendicular distances along the thickness t of the outer seal member 14. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the boundary 34 may be formed at an off-center portion of the width w of the outer seal member 14, wherein the boundary 34 is spaced at unequal vertical distances from the first and

second surfaces

18, 20 of the outer seal member along the thickness t of the outer seal member 14.

As shown, the first and

second surfaces

18, 20 of the outer seal member 14 each have a varying non-planar profile, wherein the profile of each of the

surfaces

18, 20 is curvilinear. According to another embodiment, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 of the outer sealing member 14 may have a substantially flat profile. The depth of each of the first and second recesses 16a, 16b may depend on the profile of the first and

second surfaces

18, 20.

As shown, the notch 16 is formed in a portion of the outer seal member 14 that overlaps the inner seal member 12 and in a portion of the outer seal member 14 that does not overlap the inner seal member 12. However, in other embodiments, the recess 16 may be formed entirely in a portion of the outer seal member 14 that does not overlap the inner seal member 12 or in the entire outer seal member 14.

The first recess 16a formed in the first surface 18 of the outer seal member 14 is aligned with the second recess 16b formed in the second surface 20 of the outer seal member 14 to minimize the thickness of the outer seal member 14 where the recess 16 is formed. However, if desired, the first recess 16a formed in the first surface 18 of the outer seal member 14 may be misaligned with the second recess 16b formed in the second surface 20 of the outer seal member 14.

The recesses 16 are formed in a plurality of concentrically formed annular rows. In the embodiment shown, four rows of notches 16 are formed. However, it is understood that the outer sealing member 14 may include more or less than four rows of recesses 16. The rows of recesses 16 are formed in a staggered pattern on each of the

surfaces

18, 20 of the outer seal member 14. For example, the notches 16 may be formed in a plurality of annularly aligned rows on each

surface

18, 20, wherein the notches 16 of one of the rows are offset from adjacent ones of the rows and the notches 16 of alternate ones of the rows are aligned. However, it is understood that all of the rows of notches 16 may not be aligned with each other, all of the rows of notches 16 may be aligned with each other, or the notches 16 may be formed in a substantially random pattern, if desired. Although the notches 16 are shown as extending continuously in an annular fashion, it is understood that the notches 16 may extend in one or more intermittent arcuate segments.

As shown in fig. 3, outer sealing member 14 is shown in an "as molded" configuration or a "free state" configuration, meaning that outer sealing member 14 is not in a compressed state or compressed configuration. In the free state configuration, the outer seal member 14 is expanded with the opposing sidewalls 22 defining the recess 16 separated, biased outwardly from one another, or spaced apart from one another to define the recess 16 in an open configuration. During compression of the air conditioning system, the outer seal member 14 contracts, compresses, or squeezes to bias the side walls 22 of each of the recesses 16 inwardly toward each other relative to the radial direction of the outer seal member 14, as shown in fig. 4. The side walls 22 of the recess 16 may engage each other when the outer seal member 14 is compressed. Compression of the outer seal member 14 causes the sidewalls 22 of the recesses 16 to transition toward a closed configuration in which the sidewalls 22 defining each of the recesses 16 substantially engage one another or are in close proximity to one another to nearly engage one another, thereby significantly minimizing the passage of gas or fluid through the recesses 16. During compression, the seal assembly 10 maintains seal integrity due to the recess 16 being in a closed configuration in which a desired outer seal width is maintained.

As shown in fig. 3, during depressurization, the side walls 22 of the recess 16 return to substantially the same position as in the free state position, wherein the side walls 22 are spaced apart from each other in the open configuration relative to the radial direction of the outer seal member 14. As a result, the width w of the outer sealing member 14 at the recess 16 is less than the outer sealing thickness of the outer sealing member 14.

Gas-such as CO from R744 refrigerant flowing through an air conditioning system₂Gas, for example, is embedded within the outer seal member 14 by adsorption during compression. Although R744 refrigerant is used to produce CO₂Examples of fluids that are gases, but it should be understood that other fluids may also produce gases that may be embedded in the outer seal member 14 that require release. Adsorption is a chemical and physical process in which one substance is attached to another by absorption and absorption in a single process. However, during the period of reduced pressureMeanwhile, gas must rapidly escape from the outer sealing member 14. The notch 16 controls and minimizes the distance the gas must travel. Due to the notch 16, the gas travels a shorter distance to be released from the outer seal member 14 than in a seal member without a notch. The recess 16 provides a faster escape path for the gas. It will be appreciated that depending on the nature of the compression, all or only a portion of the side wall 22 of the recess 16 may transition to the closed configuration. Fig. 3-4 schematically illustrate the minimized path (represented by the arrows) that gas (represented by "o") takes to be released from the outer seal member 14.

According to alternative embodiments, the recess 16 formed in the outer seal member 14 may have different shapes and configurations as desired. Examples of alternative recesses will be shown and described hereinafter.

As shown in fig. 5, a seal assembly 10' is shown according to an alternative embodiment. For convenience, features of the seal assembly 10 'of fig. 5 that are the same as or similar to features of the seal assembly 10 of fig. 1-4 are designated by the same reference numerals but with prime (') symbols. The seal assembly 10 'is substantially the same as the seal assembly 10' of fig. 1-4, except that each of the recesses 16 'is cylindrical and has a circular cross-sectional shape and forms seven annular rows aligned with respect to a radial direction of the outer seal member 14'. It will be appreciated that the recess 16' may have other cross-sectional shapes as desired. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 16' may be oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, serpentine, oblong, zigzag, or any other shape, as desired. Additionally, as mentioned above, the notches 16' may be formed in any number of aligned or non-aligned rows as desired. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the notches 16 ' formed in the first surface 18 ' may be aligned or misaligned with the notches (not shown) formed in the second surface 20 '. The arrangement of the recesses 16 'formed in the first surface 18' relative to the arrangement of the recesses 16 'formed in the second surface 20' will be the same as or similar to the arrangement of the recesses 16 described and illustrated with respect to fig. 1-4.

According to fig. 5, during a compression state of the refrigeration system, the opposite portions of the side wall 22 'of each of the recesses 16' move towards each other according to a closed configuration with respect to the radial direction of the outer sealing member 14 'and move away from each other according to an open configuration with respect to the radial direction of the outer sealing member 14' during a decompression state of the refrigeration system. Due to the recess 16 ', gas can be released from the outer sealing member 14' in a fast manner.

As shown in fig. 6, a seal assembly 10 "is shown according to another alternative embodiment. For convenience, features of the seal assembly 10 "of fig. 6 that are the same as or similar to features of the seal assemblies 10, 10' of fig. 1-5 are indicated by the same reference numerals but with an angular second (") symbol. The seal assembly 10 "is substantially identical to the seal assemblies 10, 10' of fig. 1-5, except that each of the notches 16" forms a ring continuously and annularly in both the first surface 18 "and the second surface of the outer seal member 14". The recesses 16 "are concentric with each other. In the embodiment shown, four rows of notches 16 "are shown. However, as mentioned above, the notches 16 "may be formed in any number of rows as desired. The notches 16 "formed in the first surface 18" may be aligned or misaligned with the notches (not shown) formed in the second surface 20 ". The arrangement and depth of the recesses 16 "formed in the first surface 18" relative to the arrangement of the recesses 16 "formed in the second surface 20" will be the same as or similar to the arrangement of the recesses 16, 16' described and illustrated with respect to fig. 1-5.

According to fig. 6, the side walls 22 "of each of the recesses 16" move towards each other according to a closed configuration with respect to the radial direction of the outer sealing member 14 "during a compression state of the refrigeration system and move away from each other according to an open configuration with respect to the radial direction of the outer sealing member 14" during a decompression state of the refrigeration system. Due to the recess 16 ", gas can be released from the outer sealing member 14" in a fast manner.

As shown in fig. 7, a seal assembly 10' "according to an alternative embodiment is shown. For convenience, features of the seal assembly 10' ″ of fig. 6 that are the same as or similar to features of the

seal assemblies

10, 10', 10 ″ of fig. 1-6 are indicated by the same reference numerals but with a triple prime (') symbol. The seal assembly 10' "is substantially identical to the

seal assemblies

10, 10', 10" of fig. 1-6, except that each of the notches 16 ' "is an annularly aligned, angled slot in which the notch 16 '" is angled relative to a line extending perpendicularly between the outer end 30 ' "and the inner end 32 '" of the outer seal member 14 ' ". In the illustrated embodiment, the notches 16 '"are formed in a single annular row in each of the surfaces 18'", 20 '"of the outer seal member 14'". However, as mentioned above, the notches 16' ″ may be formed in any number of rows as desired. The notches 16 ' "formed in the first surface 18 '" can be aligned or misaligned with the notches (not shown) formed in the second surface 20 ' ". For example, the notches 16 '"formed in the first surface 18'" can be angled with equal and the same slope, equal and opposite slopes, or unequal and opposite slopes as desired with the notches 16 '"formed in the second surface 20'". The arrangement and depth of the notches 16 ' "formed in the first surface 18 '" relative to the arrangement of the notches 16 ' "formed in the second surface 20 '" will be the same or similar to the arrangement of the

notches

16, 16 ', 16 "described and illustrated with respect to fig. 1-6.

According to fig. 7, the side walls 22 "'of each of the recesses 16"' move towards each other according to a closed configuration relative to the radial direction of the outer sealing member 14 "'during a compression state of the refrigeration system and move away from each other according to an open configuration relative to the radial direction of the outer sealing member 14"' during a decompression state of the refrigeration system. Due to the recess 16 "', gas can be released from the outer sealing member 14"' in a rapid manner.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, which is further described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A seal assembly for an air conditioning system, the seal assembly comprising:

an annular inner seal member; and

an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member, the outer seal member having a first recess formed in a first surface thereof, the first recess transitioning between a substantially closed configuration when the outer seal member is compressed and a substantially open configuration when the outer seal member is decompressed,

wherein gas is embedded in the outer seal member by adsorption and released from the outer seal member through the first recess in the substantially open configuration.

2. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein a second recess is formed in the second surface of the outer seal member.

3. The seal assembly of claim 2, wherein the second notch is aligned with the first notch.

4. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the first notch is one of a rectangular slot, a cylindrical notch, and a continuous annular slot.

5. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner seal member is formed of metal and the outer seal member is formed of an elastomeric material, and wherein the outer seal member is coupled to the inner seal member by means of an overmold.

6. A seal assembly for an air conditioning system, the seal assembly comprising:

an annular inner seal member; and

an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member, the outer seal member having a plurality of first recesses formed in a first surface thereof and a plurality of second recesses formed on a second surface thereof, each of the plurality of first recesses and the plurality of second recesses transitioning between a closed configuration when the outer seal member is compressed and an open configuration when the outer seal member is decompressed,

wherein gas is embedded in the outer seal member by adsorption and released from the outer seal member through the first recess in the open configuration.

7. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the inner seal member is metal and the outer seal member is an elastomeric material, and wherein the outer seal member is overmolded to the inner seal member.

8. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plurality of notches are aligned with the second plurality of notches.

9. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plurality of notches are a plurality of annularly arranged grooves having an arcuate rectangular cross-section.

10. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plurality of notches is a plurality of cylindrical notches.

11. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plurality of notches is a plurality of annular notches.

12. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first plurality of notches are a plurality of annularly aligned angled grooves.

13. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second plurality of notches are arranged in a plurality of rows.

14. The seal assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of rows are aligned relative to a thickness of the outer seal member.

15. The seal assembly according to claim 13, wherein adjacent rows of the plurality of rows are offset from each other relative to a thickness of the outer seal member.

16. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of first recesses extends into the first surface at a first depth and each of the plurality of second recesses extends into the second surface at a second depth, and wherein the first depths of the plurality of first recesses vary along a thickness of the outer sealing member and the second depths of the plurality of second recesses vary along a thickness of the outer sealing member.

17. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second surfaces of the outer seal member has a curvilinear profile.

18. A block fitting assembly comprising:

a block fitting configured as one of a female block fitting and a male block fitting, the block fitting receiving a tube carrying refrigerant; and

a seal assembly engaging the block fitting, the seal assembly including an annular elastomeric seal member having a plurality of notches formed therein, the elastomeric seal member having a gas from the refrigerant embedded therein by an adsorption process, the elastomeric seal member releasing the gas through the plurality of notches.

19. A block fitting assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the plurality of notches transition between a substantially closed configuration when the elastomeric sealing member is compressed and a substantially open configuration when the elastomeric sealing member is decompressed, and wherein the gas is released when the plurality of notches assume the substantially open configuration.