Systems, devices, and methods for fluid management
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a difficulty in introducing a fluid into air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which hinders efficient operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a container with fittings configured to connect to service ports of these systems, allowing fluid introduction through pressure differentials, enabling fluid discharge into the systems while they are operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fluid introduction methods are used, then the system must be taken offline for service mode, but this causes loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using its own operational pressure differential to introduce fluid automatically. The high-pressure side and low-pressure side of the running system create the force needed to push fluid through the container and into the system, eliminating the need for external service intervention or system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
A container with two fittings acts as an intermediary device between the high-pressure side and low-pressure side of the system. This container allows fluid transfer while maintaining system operation, serving as a mediator that enables fluid introduction without requiring direct connection or system shutdown.
2Reliability
If the system is taken offline for fluid introduction, then proper fluid charging can be achieved, but this reduces productivity and increases loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by allowing fluid introduction while remaining in operational mode. The pressure differential created during normal operation continuously drives the fluid transfer process, ensuring that the system remains productive throughout the fluid introduction procedure.
3Ease of operation
If manual fluid introduction is used with system shutdown, then control over fluid amount is improved, but this increases loss of time and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational parameters (pressure differential) to perform the fluid introduction service automatically. The high-pressure side naturally pushes fluid through the container to the low-pressure side without requiring manual intervention or system shutdown, making the process both convenient and time-efficient.
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
Facilitates the introduction of fluids into air conditioning and refrigeration systems without requiring them to be in service mode, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance by utilizing pressure differentials to discharge the fluid through the system.
Implementation Method 1
connecting the two-way valve fitting to a service port of a system such that a pressure differential between a service mode of the system and an operating mode of the system forces the fluid into the system from the tube through the two-way valve fitting
Implementation Method 2
the connector is configured to connect to a service port of a system such that the energy storing element is able to facilitate a discharge of the fluid from the container through the connector into the service port based on a pressure differential in the system
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises: a container; a first fitting coupled to the container; and a second fitting coupled to the container, wherein the first fitting is configured for coupling to a first service port of a system and the second fitting is configured for coupling to a second service port of the system such that a fluid can travel from the first service port to the second service port through the container while the system is running, wherein the system comprises at least one of an air conditioning system or a refrigeration system.