Compositions, system and methods for introducing PAG lubricant or refrigerant into an air-conditioning or system using lower or low GWP refrigerant or refrigerant blends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reintroducing lubricants into automotive air-conditioning (A/C) systems using HFO-1234yf refrigerant are inefficient and require manual injection, leading to lubricant adhesion in hoses and incomplete delivery due to the lack of automatic lubricant injection capabilities in existing recovery, recycle, recharge machines.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a mixture of polyalkylene glycol (PAG) lubricants and low GWP refrigerants, where the refrigerant conveys the lubricant through the hose, ensuring miscibility and preventing adhesion, allowing for efficient delivery into the A/C system using a conventional recharging hose.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual injection method is used to introduce lubricant into A/C system, then lubricant can be delivered into the system, but lubricant adheres to hose walls causing incomplete delivery and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant delivery efficiencyVSAvoidlubricant loss due to adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses refrigerant as an intermediary carrier to transport lubricant through the hose. The refrigerant-lubricant mixture is introduced into the A/C system, where the refrigerant prevents lubricant adhesion to hose walls by maintaining lubricant in a fluid state through cooling and phase change, ensuring complete delivery without manual pumping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits phase transitions of refrigerant (from gas to liquid to gas) to drive lubricant delivery. The refrigerant condenses in the condenser, creating suction that draws the lubricant-refrigerant mixture through the hose, then evaporates in the evaporator to prevent lubricant adhesion and complete the cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of operation

If hand pump mechanism is used to convey lubricant, then lubricant can be pushed into the system, but the process is tedious and requires manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidtime required for manual injection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the A/C system to self-deliver lubricant through its own operating cycle. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator work together to create pressure differentials and phase changes that automatically draw and distribute the lubricant-refrigerant mixture throughout the system without external manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the A/C system's own pneumatic and hydraulic cycle to convey lubricant. The refrigerant pressure and flow dynamics created during normal A/C operation are harnessed to transport the lubricant mixture through hoses and into the system components, replacing the need for mechanical hand pumps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Extent of automation

If existing R/R/R machine is used for refrigerant recharge, then refrigerant can be refilled, but automatic lubricant injection capability is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lubricant injectionVSAvoidmachine functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines refrigerant recharge and lubricant delivery into a single integrated process. The lubricant is pre-mixed with refrigerant in the recharge canister, allowing both substances to be delivered simultaneously through the same hose and service port using the existing R/R/R machine's basic functionality, without requiring separate injection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables more effective and convenient lubricant introduction into the A/C system, ensuring higher lubricant delivery and system performance by utilizing the refrigerant to atomize and convey the lubricant mixture, reducing manual handling and adhesion issues.

Implementation Method 1

the refrigerant component will change state from compressed liquefied gas to vapor, while the oil component is atomized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

ensuring miscibility and preventing adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMiscibility:

Implementation Method 3

the refrigerant component will change state from compressed liquefied gas to vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS11427777B2Compositions, system and methods for introducing PAG lubricant or refrigerant into an air-conditioning or system using lower or low GWP refrigerant or refrigerant blends

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 THE CHEMOURS CO FC LLC

AI summary

Compositions, systems and methods for introducing lubricants, and additives, that are designed to work with environmentally friendly refrigerants into vehicle heat management systems including passenger compartment air conditioning (A/C) systems are disclosed. Methods for charging lubricants and specific additives using environmentally desirable (low GWP) refrigerant or refrigerant blend compositions into an environmentally friendly system, such as a system that uses HFO-1234yf, are also disclosed.