Device for a safe service intervention for an enclosure and method for opening the enclosure.
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration systems using flammable working fluids like propane, existing technologies face challenges in safely detecting and mitigating leaks, as electrical sensors increase explosion risk and propane's toxicity poses hazards to personnel, while existing safety measures are complex and prone to faults, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a service cartridge containing pressurized inert gas is used, which, when connected, displaces the flammable gas with activated carbon, allowing safe intervention by opening the housing only after the inert gas has cleared the flammable mixture, ensuring a controlled environment for maintenance and minimizing risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electrical sensors are used to detect propane leaks, then leak detection capability is improved, but explosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (inert gas from the service cartridge) between the detection system and the flammable atmosphere. The inert gas displaces the propane, creating a non-flammable environment that allows safe operation of electrical sensors and unlocking mechanisms without triggering explosions.
Solution Approach 2:
The service cartridge is designed to automatically discharge inert gas before any service personnel or electrical sensors enter the housing. This preliminary action of gas displacement occurs in advance, converting the hazardous flammable atmosphere into a safe inert atmosphere before detection or intervention takes place.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is opened for service intervention, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the risk of igniting flammable gas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking device is designed to automatically discharge the service cartridge's inert gas before the housing can be opened. This preliminary atmosphere replacement ensures that when the service opening becomes accessible, the internal atmosphere is already non-flammable, eliminating the ignition risk upon opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by counteracting the potential harm (ignition) before it can occur. The inert gas displacement happens in advance to prevent the formation of an ignitable mixture, thereby preventing the harmful effect before the housing is opened for service.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safety measures are enhanced to protect against flammable gas, then personnel safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety function from complex electronic sensor systems and mechanical interlocks, and implements it through a simple pressurized gas cartridge. The service cartridge contains the safety function in a standalone, simple component that automatically discharges inert gas, replacing the need for complex detection and response systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The service cartridge is designed as a disposable, simple component rather than a complex reusable system. It contains pressurized inert gas and automatically discharges when activated, providing a simple, reliable safety function without the complexity of sensors, processors, or reusable mechanical safety interlocks.
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
Enables safe and controlled service intervention by displacing flammable gases with inert gases, reducing the risk of explosions and ensuring personnel safety during maintenance, while maintaining a secure and leak-proof environment.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a service cartridge containing pressurized inert gas is used, which, when connected, displaces the flammable gas with activated carbon
Implementation Method 2
the housing has an open gas path to the environment, protected by an adsorbent for working fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for opening a housing containing a flammable working fluid of a left-handed circular process, wherein the housing (6) has an open gas path to the environment protected by an adsorbent (12) for the working fluid, the housing (6) has a service opening (14) which is protected against opening by a release device (16), the service opening (14) has a service port (15) for a service cartridge (13), the service cartridge (13) contains a pressurized inert gas in an amount which, in the depressurized state, is at least equal to the volume of the container (6), the service cartridge (13) has a cartridge neck (19) with a connecting line in the cartridge neck (19) and an external thread (25) on the cartridge neck (19), the service port (15) has an internal thread (26) which fits the external thread (25) of the cartridge neck (19), the service port (15) has a sealing cap (21) exhibitswherein the sealing cap (21) comprises a sealing seal (20) facing outwards of the housing (6), furthermore a sealing membrane (23) facing inwards of the housing (6) on which a pin (22) is arranged in the direction of the outside of the housing (6), furthermore a sealing surface (27) on the internal thread (26), characterized by the following steps: screwing the cartridge neck (19) into the service port (15), turning further until the pin (22) of the sealing membrane (23) engages the connecting line (24) of the service cartridge (13), turning further until the cartridge neck (19) engages the sealing membrane (23), emptying the service cartridge (13) into the housing, turning further until the cartridge neck (19) actuates the release device (16), opening the service opening (14).