Integrated Oil Filter Reservoir for Leak-Safe Refrigeration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vapor compression refrigeration systems face inefficiencies in oil management, particularly in low-pressure systems, where oil vaporization leads to refrigerant contamination and increased Global Warming Potential (GWP) due to separate oil filter and reservoir components, resulting in higher material and labor costs and potential refrigerant leaks.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a serviceable oil filter housing directly into a satellite oil reservoir, utilizing existing hardware and pressure boundary components, with a filter cartridge held by a compression spring, allowing for efficient filtration and easy replacement, reducing the need for separate components and potential leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate oil filter and reservoir components are used, then oil filtration and storage functions are provided, but material and labor costs increase and potential refrigerant leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oil filter and oil reservoir into a single integrated assembly, where the filter housing forms part of the reservoir structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and connections, thereby reducing material and labor costs while minimizing potential leak points between components.
2Ease of manufacture
If integrated filter-reservoir assembly is used, then material and labor costs are reduced, but serviceability of the filter may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is designed with a removable filter housing or cartridge that can be accessed and replaced independently from the reservoir. This segmentation allows the filter to be serviced without draining or disassembling the entire reservoir, maintaining ease of repair while benefiting from the integrated design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and potential leak points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filter housing, filtration media, and reservoir into a unified structure where the filter assembly forms an integral part of the reservoir. This reduces the total number of discrete components and connections, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities for oil filtration and storage.
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 integrated design reduces material and labor costs, minimizes refrigerant leaks, and decreases the Global Warming Potential by combining oil filtration and reservoir functions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a filter cartridge contained in the housing and disposed between the inlet and the filtered oil outlet, the filter cartridge containing filtration media
Implementation Method 2
a filter cartridge held by a compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
An oil filtration assembly is described herein comprising a container having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, an oil reservoir formed on the lower end portion of the container, and a removable oil filter subassembly integrated with the upper end portion of the container. The subassembly comprises a filter housing including an inlet configured to receive oil and a filtered oil outlet configured to permit an outward flow of oil into the oil reservoir, a filter contained in the housing and disposed between the inlet and the filtered oil outlet, and a top component configured to be removed for replacement of the filter. The oil filtration-reservoir assembly further includes an inlet service valve, an oil outlet service valve and at times a service valve for the vent line. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.