Refrigerant can tap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can taps do not accommodate R-1234yf refrigerant cans with a self-sealing valve and lack a backflow preventer, posing safety risks during refrigeration system charging, as they are not designed for the specific one-half inch ACME left-handed thread pattern and do not prevent reverse fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant can tap with a tap body featuring a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread pattern, an internal pin for operating the self-sealing valve, a gasket for leak prevention, and a backflow preventer located between the outlet and throat to ensure safe engagement and fluid flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing can taps are used with R-1234yf refrigerant cans, then the tool can be used for dispensing refrigerant, but the tool cannot securely engage the can due to different thread patterns (right-handed vs. left-handed)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thread pattern parameter from right-handed to left-handed to match the R-1234yf can specification. This allows the can tap to securely engage with the can while maintaining operational ease through proper threading geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing can taps are used with self-sealing valves, then the tool can connect to the can, but the tool cannot properly operate the valve due to lack of integrated valve operation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the can connection function and valve operation function into a single integrated tool. The can tap body connects to the can while the integrated pin mechanism simultaneously operates the self-sealing valve, eliminating the need for separate tools or manual valve manipulation.
3Device complexity
If can taps without backflow preventer are used, then the tool structure is simpler, but refrigerant may flow backward into the can causing explosion hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a backflow preventer that applies preliminary anti-action to prevent harmful refrigerant flow backward into the can. The check valve mechanism is designed to automatically close and block reverse flow before it can accumulate enough pressure to cause an explosion, thereby preemptively eliminating the safety hazard.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant can tap with a tap body having an inlet and an outlet, an internal pin, a gasket, and a backflow preventer. The inlet and outlet of the tap body have a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread, the inlet for engaging the self-sealing valve of an R-1234yf can.