Fast Fill Valve Venting for Closed-Loop Air Pocket Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filling closed-loop fluid systems are time-consuming and inefficient, prone to introducing air pockets, and compromise system performance and longevity, posing challenges to manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction.
Innovation Solution
A fast fill valve with a dual-position internal valve component that allows rapid fluid ingress and hermetic sealing, incorporating snap features and O-rings for secure positioning, and venting passages to expel air, ensuring efficient fluid circulation and air evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step filling process is used, then system reliability is improved through thorough testing, but filling time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filling operations into a single integrated process. The fill valve assembly integrates the filling function with the existing closed-loop system, allowing coolant to be introduced directly into the system without requiring separate vacuum testing and air removal steps. This merging of operations significantly reduces filling time while maintaining system reliability through the integrated design that ensures proper fluid introduction and system sealing.
2Reliability
If traditional filling process is used, then thorough testing is performed, but air pockets are introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the air removal step from the traditional filling process. The fill valve assembly is designed to introduce coolant directly into the closed-loop system in a controlled manner that prevents air pocket formation. By taking out the separate vacuum and air removal steps and replacing them with this integrated filling mechanism, the system achieves thorough fluid introduction without introducing harmful air pockets that would require additional bleeding operations.
3Reliability
If conventional filling methods are used, then system testing is completed, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the fill valve assembly in a way that enables direct, rapid filling during the manufacturing process. The valve assembly is designed with pre-positioned components including the valve body, valve member, and sealing elements that work together to enable immediate and efficient coolant introduction. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential operations, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while ensuring proper system testing and filling.
4Reliability
If traditional filling process is used, then comprehensive testing is performed, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fill valve assembly performs multiple functions within a single integrated component structure. It serves as both the filling mechanism and the sealing element, eliminating the need for separate vacuum testing equipment, air removal devices, and filling apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the manufacturing process, decreases the number of required components and operations, and thereby reduces production costs while maintaining comprehensive system testing and high reliability standards.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid control system with a fast fill valve (200) for expedited filling and draining of closed-loop systems allowing for temporarily opening the loop to allow filling without a separate vacuum process The valve operates in two positions: an open position for rapid, unidirectional fluid ingress and passive air egress and a closed position for a secure, sealed state during normal operation. Some examples include vacuum assisted air egress in parallel with filling.