Refrigerant Recovery Manifold Assembly for Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant recovery units face issues with solenoids having insufficient closing force to completely stop refrigerant flow, leading to backflow and inefficiencies in refrigerant recovery and recharging processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a manifold assembly that includes a solenoid valve and a check valve, where the check valve is configured to directly mate with the solenoid valve and manifold, providing improved backflow prevention and reducing the need for additional machining passages, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If solenoid valves are used to control refrigerant flow, then the refrigeration system can be automated and operated remotely, but the solenoids have insufficient closing force to completely stop refrigerant flow causing backflow and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the solenoid valve and the refrigerant flow path. The check valve acts as a mechanical backup that automatically prevents backflow when the solenoid valve fails to close completely, thus maintaining reliable flow control while preserving automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is pre-installed in the flow path to provide beforehand protection against backflow. This preventive measure ensures that even if the solenoid valve does not close properly, the refrigerant flow will be stopped by the check valve's mechanical action, cushioning against potential system failures
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional manifold designs with separate machining passages for solenoid and check valves are used, then each component can be independently installed, but additional machining passages increase manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features for both the solenoid valve and check valve are merged into a single integrated manifold structure. The manifold body incorporates both valve mounting passages and sealing surfaces in one unified component, reducing the number of separate machining operations and assembly steps while maintaining independent installability of each valve
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
The solution enhances the ability to control refrigerant flow, prevents backflow, and reduces material and machining costs, making the refrigerant recovery unit more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to directly mate with the solenoid valve. The second end is configured to directly mate to the manifold.
Implementation Method 2
The manifold assembly includes a solenoid valve, a manifold, and a check valve. The solenoid valve is configured to control a flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold assembly includes a solenoid valve, a manifold, and a check valve. The manifold has an inlet bore and an outlet bore. The check valve has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to directly mate with the solenoid valve. The second end is configured to directly mate to the manifold. The second end has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the inlet bore. The outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet bore.