A/C Refrigerant Recharging Using Pressure-Based Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning system recharging processes are time-consuming and lack accuracy due to the need for multiple transfers and manual weight measurements, with limited ability to fine-tune refrigerant addition near the desired amount.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using pressure sensors to determine the initial and supplemental amounts of refrigerant needed, with a controller managing the valve to precisely add refrigerant based on pressure readings from the container and the air conditioning system, allowing for more efficient and accurate recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transfers are used to add refrigerant, then the desired amount of refrigerant can be added, but the recharging process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors refrigerant pressure in real-time during the transfer process and uses this feedback to dynamically control the valve operation. This allows the system to automatically determine when the desired refrigerant amount has been reached, eliminating the need for multiple manual transfers and weight measurements, thereby reducing recharging time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weighing system with a pressure-based sensing system. Instead of physically weighing the refrigerant container before and after transfer, the system uses pressure sensors to monitor refrigerant pressure changes, which correlate to the amount of refrigerant transferred. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming weighing process while providing continuous real-time data.
2Ease of operation
If the same amount of refrigerant is added with each transfer, then the process is simple to operate, but fine-tuning of the amount added is not available when close to the desired amount
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-amount transfer approach to a dynamic, adaptive transfer process. The valve operation is continuously adjusted based on real-time pressure readings, allowing the transfer amount to vary during the process. This enables fine-tuning capability while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically adapts the transfer parameters without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the refrigerant transfer process dynamically. Instead of using a constant transfer amount, the system adjusts the transfer rate and duration based on real-time pressure measurements. This allows the system to add larger amounts initially and then fine-tune the final amount with smaller increments, achieving both operational simplicity and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If weight measurements are taken after each transfer, then accurate refrigerant amount can be determined, but the process requires time for refrigerant to settle
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of refrigerant pressure throughout the entire transfer process without interruption. Instead of stopping to allow settling and then measuring weight, the pressure sensor continuously tracks pressure changes, providing uninterrupted data about the refrigerant transfer status. This eliminates idle settling time while maintaining measurement accuracy through continuous real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the discontinuous weight measurement system with a continuous pressure monitoring system. Weight measurements require stopping the transfer process to allow refrigerant to settle, whereas pressure monitoring can occur continuously during active transfer. This substitution eliminates the need for settling time while providing equivalent or superior measurement capability through real-time pressure data.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and improves the accuracy of refrigerant addition, enabling the air conditioning system to be recharged with greater precision and efficiency, often requiring only a few transfers to reach the optimal refrigerant level.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, with a first sensor, a first refrigerant pressure of the refrigerator tank and with a second sensor, a second refrigerant pressure within the air conditioning system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. The method includes measuring a first pressure inside of the air conditioning system and a second pressure inside of a container that holds refrigerant being added to the air conditioning system. The method also includes comparing the difference between the two measured pressures to empirical data in order to determine how long to pulse additional refrigerant into the air conditioning system. In addition, an apparatus configured to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system.