High-pressure to low-pressure line set joining tool for air conditioning and refrigeration systems and methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVAC system flushing processes require multiple technicians to manage the introduction and collection of flushing solvents and gases, making the process inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A line set purging device that allows a single technician to connect and disconnect the high-pressure and low-pressure lines, using a flexible transition section with adjustable diameters to accommodate various pipe sizes, enabling efficient solvent and gas flow without exceeding system pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional flushing methods are used with multiple technicians, then the flushing process can be monitored at both charging and collection points, but the labor requirements and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing process monitoringVSAvoidnumber of technicians required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the charging location and collection point functions into a single location by using a mirror assembly that redirects flushed material back to the charging point. This eliminates the need for a second technician at a remote collection point, resolving the contradiction between reliable monitoring and reduced labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror assembly acts as an intermediary device that redirects the flushed coolant and debris back to the charging location. This intermediary mechanism enables single-technician operation by providing visual feedback of the flushing process without requiring direct access to a separate collection point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid coupling device is used to join high-pressure and low-pressure lines, then the connection is stable, but the device cannot accommodate varying pipe distances and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of varying pipe configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible couplings at both ends of the coupling device that can accommodate varying pipe distances, orientations, and orientations. These flexible elements maintain stable connections while adapting to different physical configurations, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and adaptability to varying pipe arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device incorporates flexible, movable components that allow dynamic adjustment to different pipe configurations. The flexible couplings enable the device to adapt its shape and orientation while maintaining secure connections, balancing stability with versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If solvent injection point is crimped to increase pressure, then the mass flow rate of solvent increases, but the risk of exceeding system pressure limits increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass flow rate of solventVSAvoidsystem pressure exceedance risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pressure gauges that provide real-time feedback on system pressure during the flushing operation. This feedback mechanism allows the technician to monitor pressure levels and adjust the solvent injection or system configuration to maintain effective flushing while preventing pressure from exceeding safe system limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient flushing and purging of HVAC systems with reduced labor requirements, allowing a single technician to manage the process and improve system maintenance efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the transition section having a tapering inner diameter between the high-pressure end and the low-pressure end that is operable to create a pressure differential between the low-pressure line and high-pressure line of the condenser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential creation through tapering geometry: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS11585580B2High-pressure to low-pressure line set joining tool for air conditioning and refrigeration systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 IRONS RYAN

AI summary

The present invention provides an improved method for flushing a solvent through a line set of a condenser, compressor, and routing of heat ventilation and air-conditioning, and a high-pressure to low-pressure coupling device. The novel device is operable for joining the high-pressure and low-pressure lines and eliminates the need for having multiple technicians present for conducting a line set flush.