Refrigerant Additive Injection Using a Propellant Bag-in-Can
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively introducing additive fluids into refrigerant circuits without pre-mixing with refrigerant, often requiring expensive oil injection tools and potentially harming the environment.
Innovation Solution
A supply device with an outer rigid container and an inner flexible bag containing the additive, utilizing a propellant to force the additive into the refrigerant circuit through a valve actuated by an actuator, allowing for additive introduction without refrigerant pre-mixing and using environmentally friendly methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-mixing additive fluid with refrigerant is used to introduce additives into the circuit, then the additive can be introduced into the system, but it requires expensive oil injection tools and potentially harms the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The additive fluid is segmented from the refrigerant by using an inner flexible bag that contains the additive separately within the supply device. The propellant forcefully introduces the additive into the refrigerant circuit without requiring pre-mixing with refrigerant, eliminating the need for expensive oil injection tools and reducing environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
A propellant acts as an intermediary substance that is sealed within the space between the inner flexible bag and the outer rigid container. The propellant forcefully introduces the additive from the inner bag into the refrigerant circuit through the valve mechanism, enabling additive introduction without direct mixing with refrigerant during storage and transport.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical piston is used to inject additive fluid into the circuit, then the additive can be introduced, but it requires complex equipment and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The supply device uses a propellant in a pressurized state within the space between the inner flexible bag and outer rigid container. When the valve is activated, the propellant expands and forcefully introduces the additive into the refrigerant circuit, replacing the need for complex mechanical piston mechanisms with a simpler pneumatic/hydraulic approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner flexible bag containing the additive is nested within the outer rigid container that holds the propellant. This nested structure allows the additive to be forcefully introduced into the refrigerant circuit through the valve mechanism activated by the actuator, simplifying the overall device structure compared to traditional mechanical piston systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If additive is stored pre-mixed with refrigerant in the supply device, then the additive can be easily introduced, but it requires refrigerant pre-mixing equipment and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The additive fluid is segmented from the refrigerant by storing the additive in an inner flexible bag separate from the propellant space in the outer rigid container. This segmentation eliminates the need for refrigerant pre-mixing equipment during manufacturing, simplifying the supply device fabrication process while maintaining the ability to introduce additive into the refrigerant circuit when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The additive is prepared in advance within the inner flexible bag, sealed and positioned within the outer rigid container along with the propellant. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex pre-mixing operations during device manufacturing, allowing the supply device to be manufactured independently of refrigerant handling equipment.
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 efficient and environmentally friendly transfer of additive fluids into refrigerant circuits, eliminating the need for refrigerant pre-mixing and expensive tools, while ensuring effective performance enhancement in systems like automotive air conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a propellant to force the additive into the refrigerant circuit through a valve actuated by an actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant additive supply device can include an outer rigid container, an inner flexible bag positioned in the outer rigid container and defining a space therebetween where the inner flexible bag contains an additive without a refrigerant, a valve in fluid communication with the inner flexible bag, an actuator operably coupled to the valve, and a propellant sealed within the space, where the inner flexible bag has a device pressure that allows flow of the additive into a refrigerant circuit when the actuator is depressed. Other embodiments are disclosed.