Refrigerant charging hose assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant charging hose assemblies are incompatible with R-1234yf refrigerant cans due to different thread patterns and lack a backflow preventer, posing safety risks when connecting to automotive air conditioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant charging hose assembly with a can tap featuring a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread, a backflow preventer, and a coupler fitting compatible with R-1234yf automotive air conditioning systems, including a pressure gauge for safe refrigerant charging and pressure testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional can tap with right-handed thread is used, then it is compatible with R-134a cans, but it cannot engage with R-1234yf cans that have left-handed threads
Solution Approach 1:
The can tap is designed with a left-handed thread pattern instead of the conventional right-handed thread, changing the thread direction parameter to match R-1234yf can specifications. This parameter change enables compatibility with the new refrigerant can standard while maintaining the same basic tap structure.
2Reliability
If a conventional cap with thin metal seal is used, then it is simple in structure, but it cannot provide the self-sealing function required for R-1234yf cans
Solution Approach 1:
The self-sealing valve mechanism is extracted from the conventional cap design, separating the sealing function from the basic cap structure. The valve includes a movable pin with a blunt depressor that can be actuated to open or close the seal, providing reliable self-sealing capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a charging hose assembly without backflow preventer is used, then it is simpler in structure, but it poses safety risks when refrigerant flows back into the can causing explosion
Solution Approach 1:
A backflow preventer is integrated into the can tap design to preemptively block reverse refrigerant flow before it can reach the can. This safety feature is built into the basic structure, creating a more robust design that prevents potential explosions while the refrigerant is being dispensed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler fitting for R-134a systems is used, then it is compatible with older systems, but it cannot connect to R-1234yf automotive air conditioning service fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler fitting is designed with specific dimensional and threading parameters that match R-1234yf automotive air conditioning service fittings. This parameter customization enables compatibility with the new refrigerant system standard while maintaining the fundamental coupler functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant charging hose assembly including a can tap connectable to the self-sealing valve of a R-1234yf refrigerant can with a one-half inch ACME left-handed thread on a self-sealing cap, a length of refrigerant charging hose, and a coupler fitting on the other end connectable to an R-1234yf automotive air conditioning system. An alternate embodiment of the refrigerant charging assembly can serve as a refrigerant charging and pressure testing hose assembly and includes a pressure gauge installed in the hose between the can tap and the coupler fitting.