Safety device for a compressor of a coolant fluid circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric or hybrid motor vehicles, the transmission of refrigerant fluid pressure information is insecure, leading to potential overpressure and unintended activation of pressure relief valves, which can result in the discharge of refrigerant into the atmosphere, posing safety risks due to the toxic nature of refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
A safety device integrated with the compressor that includes both pressure detection means and a safety valve, where the detection means ensures the refrigerant fluid passes through before activating the safety valve, allowing direct communication of pressure information to the control device without relying on the vehicle's network, ensuring reliable detection and venting of overpressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure information is transmitted through the vehicle's network, then the control device can receive pressure information, but the transmission is insecure and may fail due to network breakdown or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure detection means and safety valve into a single integrated safety device that is directly mounted on the compressor. This merging eliminates the need for separate network transmission of pressure information, as the detection means directly communicates with the control device through integrated wiring, ensuring reliable pressure monitoring and safety valve activation without network dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary safety device that acts as a local pressure monitoring and control unit between the refrigerant circuit and the vehicle's network system. This intermediary contains the pressure detection means and safety valve, and communicates pressure information directly to the control device, serving as a reliable mediator that bypasses the vulnerable multiplexed network for critical safety functions.
2Reliability
If the safety valve is activated without prior detection, then rapid pressure relief can occur, but unnecessary refrigerant discharge may happen due to lack of verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the pressure detection means to detect and verify the pressure level before the safety valve is activated. The detection means continuously monitors pressure and only triggers the safety valve when the predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded, ensuring that refrigerant discharge occurs only when genuinely necessary and preventing unnecessary loss of refrigerant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the pressure detection means continuously monitors the refrigerant pressure and provides real-time information to the control device. This feedback loop ensures that the safety valve activation is based on accurate, verified pressure data, allowing the system to respond appropriately only when actual overpressure conditions exist, thereby preventing premature or unnecessary refrigerant discharge.
3Ease of manufacture
If the detection means and safety valve are separate components, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the transmission of pressure information becomes insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure detection means and safety valve into a single integrated safety device assembly that is mounted on the compressor. This integration ensures that the pressure information detected by the detection means is directly and securely transmitted to the control device without relying on the vehicle's multiplexed network, thereby maintaining reliable communication while still allowing for modular manufacturing and installation of the integrated unit.
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 solution enhances the reliability of refrigerant fluid pressure management by guaranteeing detection before venting and direct communication of pressure information, preventing unnecessary refrigerant discharge and improving safety by acting independently of the vehicle's network.
Implementation Method 1
a means for detecting a first pressure level of the refrigerant fluid arranged to deliver to the compressor at least one electrical item of information relating to the pressure level detected
Implementation Method 2
a safety valve arranged to place the inlet and the outlet in communication when a second level of pressure is crossed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns a safety device 1 for a compressor fitted to a coolant fluid circuit, comprising at least one inlet 6 capable of receiving the coolant fluid and at least one outlet 7 through which the coolant fluid is capable of exiting said safety device 1, the latter comprising: a means 3 for detecting a first pressure level of the coolant fluid arranged to deliver, to the compressor, at least one piece of electrical information relative to the pressure level detected, a safety valve 4 supplied with coolant fluid via detection means 3 and arranged to bring inlet 6 into communication with outlet 7 when a second pressure level is crossed.