Double-Conduit Gauge Connection for Refrigerant Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for transferring, recovering, and charging refrigerant in refrigeration systems pose a risk of fluid leakage, potentially igniting flammable substances and contaminating the environment due to the proximity of electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A double conduit design is implemented for fluid connections, where an outer conduit collects and directs any leaking fluid back into the system, preventing environmental release and ensuring safe operation by requiring the outer conduit to be securely connected before the inner conduit, with features like fittings and safety valves for enhanced safety and accurate pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single conduit is used to connect the gauge to the main compartment, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid leakage to the environment cannot be reliably prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a double conduit design where an inner conduit is nested within an outer conduit. The inner conduit carries the fluid connection while the outer conduit serves as a containment barrier. This nesting structure ensures that even if the inner conduit leaks, the fluid is contained within the outer conduit and directed back to the main compartment, preventing environmental release while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer conduit acts as an intermediary containment layer between the inner conduit and the environment. It mediates any potential leakage by capturing fluid from the inner conduit and redirecting it safely back to the main compartment through a dedicated opening, thus preventing direct contact with environmental elements or ignition sources.
2Reliability
If the outer conduit is connected before the inner conduit, then safety is ensured by preventing operation without outer conduit protection, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional connection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the outer conduit to be connected to the gauge before the inner conduit is connected. This preliminary action ensures that the containment barrier is in place before any fluid-carrying components are attached, guaranteeing that even if the inner conduit leaks during or after installation, the fluid will be contained and redirected safely. This sequence prioritizes safety over operational convenience.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus operates without confirming outer conduit connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but fluid leakage to the environment becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensor that detects whether the outer conduit is properly connected to the gauge before allowing the apparatus to operate. This feedback mechanism prevents operation unless the containment barrier is confirmed to be in place, thereby eliminating the risk of uncontained fluid leakage to the environment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated safety verification.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transferring a fluid from and/or to a system, e.g., an air conditioning system, includes a main compartment having at least one pumping device for pumping the fluid from/to the system, an interface module having at least one gauge which is configured for displaying the pressure of the fluid, and a fluid connection fluidly connecting the gauge to the main compartment. The fluid connection is formed in a double conduit design in order to prevent any leakage of the fluid from the fluid connection.