Adjustable Core-Rod Depressor for Leak-Safe Manifold Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manifold gauge sets for heat exchange equipment, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, suffer from refrigerant leaks during coupling and decoupling due to a fixed core depressor pushing the core-rod before complete coupling, leading to gas leaks, potential operator hazards, and difficulties in safely discharging exhaust and residual gases.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extendable or retractable core-rod depressor with a depressor-adjustment unit that includes a hollow cylinder and plunger system, allowing precise control and alignment of the core-rod depressor to prevent leaks and facilitate safe gas discharge, along with a discharge fold for residual gas management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed core depressor is used in the coupler, then the coupling structure is simple, but refrigerant leaks occur during coupling/decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed core depressor with a movable core depressor that can extend and retract along the coupling axis. The movable depressor is driven by a driving mechanism (such as a spring-loaded piston or motor-driven actuator) to extend only when the coupler is fully coupled to the valve, thereby preventing refrigerant leaks during the coupling/decoupling process while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If the core depressor extends early during coupling, then the gas flow channel opens early, but a large amount of gas leaks into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary coupling action where the coupler first engages with the valve in a sealed manner before the core depressor extends. The driving mechanism ensures that the coupler body and valve form a tight seal first, then the core depressor extends to open the gas flow channel. This preliminary sealing action prevents refrigerant leakage during the coupling process while maintaining efficient gas flow establishment.
3Device complexity
If a fixed core depressor is used, then the device structure is simple, but the core-rod may not open due to insufficient protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable core depressor with adjustable extension distance controlled by a driving mechanism. The mechanism allows the depressor to extend to the precise distance needed to reliably open the core-rod valve, overcoming the limitation of fixed depressors that may not protrude sufficiently. The dynamic adjustment ensures consistent and reliable valve opening without requiring complex oversizing of the depressor structure.
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 solution ensures gas-tight coupling, prevents leaks and operator hazards, and allows for safe discharge of exhaust and residual gases, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The core-rod 9 includes a spring and a rubber packing. When the core-rod 9 is pressed, the gas inlet/outlet valve 7 is opened. When the core-rod 9 is released, the core-rod 9 returns to an original state thereof by an elastic force of the spring, and, thus, the valve is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure, leak of gas is suppressed when a coupler of a manifold gauge set including a gas hose is detached to a gas inlet/outlet valve of a thermal exchange equipment. To this end, the set includes a core-rod depressor extending from the coupler into the hose, and a depressor-adjustment unit disposed on the hose to adjust a position of the core-rod depressor.