Coolant Charging Through Hoses With Density Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for charging a coolant into a cooling system via a hose suffer from inaccuracy due to variations in hose length, internal diameter, supply pressure, and temperature differences, leading to incorrect dosage and inefficiencies in charging gaseous coolants.

Innovation Solution

Implementing temperature and pressure sensors at both ends of the hose, connected to a computer with software that calculates and compensates for density changes, ensuring precise control of the coolant flow through a flow valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If charging is performed via a hose of significant length, then the charging process can be performed remotely or with flexible positioning, but the density variations along the hose cause inaccuracy in the measured and calculated coolant amount

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible positioningVSAvoidcoolant amount accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring both temperature and pressure at the inlet and outlet of the hose, then using these measurements to calculate density variations and compensate for the amount of coolant that passes through the valve but is not directly measured by the meter. This closed-loop feedback system corrects for the hose-induced measurement errors in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by measuring multiple physical parameters (temperature and pressure at two locations) rather than relying on a single parameter, and by using these varying parameters to calculate density changes along the hose. This allows the system to account for the changing conditions within the hose and achieve accurate measurement despite the hose's presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If a meter is used to measure coolant flow, then the charging process can be monitored and controlled, but the measurements become inaccurate due to pressure drop and density changes through the hose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging controlVSAvoidcoolant amount measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring temperature and pressure at both inlet and outlet, then using these feedback signals to calculate the actual amount of coolant charged by compensating for density variations. This feedback mechanism corrects the measurements in real-time, maintaining accuracy while preserving automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces reliance on purely mechanical flow measurement with a combination of sensor-based measurements (temperature and pressure sensors) and computational calculation. This substitution of mechanical measurement with sensor-based measurement and software calculation allows for compensation of physical effects that would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If temperature and pressure variations are not compensated for, then the charging system remains simple, but the charged amount of coolant becomes incorrect due to density changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcoolant charging accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by measuring multiple physical parameters (temperature and pressure at two locations) and using these parameters to calculate density variations. By incorporating these parameter measurements and calculations, the system achieves accurate charging despite the added complexity of monitoring and computing density changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces simple mechanical charging with a system that uses sensor-based measurements and software calculation to determine the actual amount of coolant charged. This substitution allows for compensation of thermal and pressure effects through computational methods rather than complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ensures accurate charging of the desired coolant amount, regardless of physical state, by accounting for temperature and pressure variations, enhancing the precision and economy of coolant maintenance and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature of the coolant as well as its pressure is recorded currently at its admission to the hose and at its discharge from the hose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the temperature of the coolant as well as its pressure is recorded currently at its admission to the hose and at its discharge from the hose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a connected computer with suitable software is able to compensate and control the charging via a flow valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity calculation:

Data Source

PatentEP2762804B1A method of charging a coolant
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 AGRAMKOW FLUID SYST
  • EP2762804B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

To ensure precise charging of a coolant into a cooling system (6) via a hose (4), temperature sensors (Ts and Te) and pressure sensors (Ps and Pe) are mounted at the inlet side and/or outlet side of the hose (4). A signal may be applied from these sensors to a computer (11), which is capable of calculating the amount pumped through the hose (4) and thereby controlling it via a valve (5). It is ensured in this manner that the charged amount is determined on the basis of its density and not, as was previously the case, solely on the basis of a weight control.