System for accurately recharging an air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning system recharging processes are time-consuming and lack accuracy, requiring multiple transfers and relying on weight measurements after refrigerant settling, with limited ability to fine-tune refrigerant addition near the desired amount.
Innovation Solution
A recharging system with a container, pressure sensors, and a controller that uses pressure readings from both the refrigerant container and the air conditioning system to determine and control the flow of refrigerant, allowing for precise addition based on empirical data and manufacturer recommendations, potentially reducing the number of transfers needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing 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 transfer by weighing the container in real-time and uses this feedback to control the valve, allowing precise termination of the transfer process without requiring multiple iterative transfers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weighing method (requiring manual interruption and settling time) with an electronic sensing and control system that provides continuous monitoring and automated valve control, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and settling periods
2Measurement precision
If weight measurement is used to monitor refrigerant transfer, then the amount of refrigerant added can be measured, but the process requires waiting for refrigerant to settle after each transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing process continues uninterrupted throughout the refrigerant transfer, providing continuous measurement data without requiring pauses for settling, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating wasted time
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous weight monitoring before the transfer begins, so that the exact moment when the desired refrigerant amount is reached can be immediately detected and the valve closed, eliminating the need for post-transfer settling and remeasurement
3Ease 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 near the desired amount
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed-amount transfers to dynamic, continuously adjustable transfers by monitoring weight in real-time and controlling the valve based on the actual amount needed, enabling both ease of operation and fine-tuning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of refrigerant addition from fixed discrete amounts to continuously variable amounts controlled by real-time weight feedback, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving precise fine-tuning near the desired refrigerant amount
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 method significantly reduces the time and increases the accuracy of refrigerant addition, allowing for efficient and precise recharging with fewer iterations, ensuring the air conditioning system is filled with the optimal amount of refrigerant.
Implementation Method 1
A first pressure sensor is configured to determine a first refrigerant pressure within the container and a second pressure sensor is configured to determine a second refrigerant pressure within the air conditioning system
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system, the apparatus comprising: a container configured to store the refrigerant; a valve configured to transfer a first amount of the refrigerant from the container to the air conditioning system; a first pressure sensor configured to determine a first pressure of the container; a second pressure sensor configured to determine a second pressure of the air conditioning system; and a controller configured to obtain the first pressure from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure from the second pressure sensor and determine a second amount of refrigerant to add to the air conditioning system based upon the first refrigerant pressure and the second refrigerant pressure, wherein the controller further controls the valve and determines the first amount of refrigerant.