Air Conditioning Recharging by Pressure-Guided Refrigerant Pulsing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning system recharging processes are time-consuming and lack accuracy due to the need for multiple refrigerant transfers and the inability to fine-tune the amount of refrigerant added, especially when nearing the desired level.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use pressure sensors to determine the initial and supplemental amounts of refrigerant needed by measuring pressures within the refrigerant container and the air conditioning system, allowing for precise addition through a controlled flow mechanism, enabling faster and more accurate recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple refrigerant transfers are performed with weight measurements, then accuracy of refrigerant amount is improved, but time required for recharging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with a pressure-based measurement system. Pressure sensors monitor refrigerant pressure in the container and system to determine when the desired refrigerant amount has been achieved, eliminating the need for physical weighing and multiple transfers while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through pressure sensors that monitor refrigerant pressure in real-time during the charging process. The controller receives pressure data and automatically adjusts the charging rate and termination point, enabling accurate refrigerant amount determination without time-consuming iterative transfers
2Ease of operation
If the same amount of refrigerant is added with each transfer, then simplicity of process is maintained, but accuracy of final refrigerant amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-amount charging process into a dynamic, adaptive process. The charging rate and amount are continuously adjusted based on real-time pressure feedback, allowing the system to automatically fine-tune the refrigerant amount and achieve precise targeting without complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time pressure feedback enables the controller to monitor the charging process and adjust the refrigerant addition rate accordingly. The system can detect when the desired refrigerant amount is approaching and automatically reduce the charging rate or terminate the process, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning while maintaining accuracy
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required for recharging and enhances accuracy by allowing for precise control of refrigerant addition, often completing the process with just two steps: an initial and a supplemental addition, based on pressure readings and empirical data.
Implementation Method 1
measuring pressures within the refrigerant container and the air conditioning system
Implementation Method 2
transfer the refrigerant from the container to the air conditioning system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. The method includes measuring a first pressure inside of the air conditioning system and a second pressure inside of a container that holds refrigerant being added to the air conditioning system. The method also includes comparing the difference between the two measured pressures to empirical data in order to determine how long to pulse additional refrigerant into the air conditioning system. In addition, an apparatus configured to add refrigerant to an air conditioning system.