Service connection valve assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service connection valve assemblies for air conditioning and refrigeration units are complex, costly, and suffer from pressure drops during fluid processing operations, limiting their efficiency and accessibility for maintenance and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified service connection valve assembly with a minimal number of parts, featuring a cylindrical valve body and core with a metal-to-metal seal, providing high flow rates with minimal pressure drop, and optional elastomeric sealing elements or biasing springs to facilitate easy assembly and maintenance without the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional service connection valve assemblies are used, then sealing reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single elastomeric sealing element that performs both the primary seal and backup seal functions. The sealing assembly integrates the elastomeric sealing element with sealing surfaces on both the valve core and valve body, eliminating the need for separate backup sealing components while maintaining reliable sealing through the elastomeric material's compliance and resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the primary seal between the valve core and valve body, provides a backup seal in case of manufacturing variations or wear, and compensates for misalignment or thermal expansion. This multi-functional design reduces overall valve assembly complexity while maintaining high sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional service connection valve assemblies are used, then sealing reliability is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing element is designed as a relatively simple, replaceable component that can be manufactured cost-effectively using standard elastomeric molding processes. While the sealing element may require replacement over time, its low individual cost and simple manufacturing process reduce overall valve assembly costs compared to complex metal-to-metal sealing systems with multiple precision-machined components.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple sealing functions into a single elastomeric component, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate sealing rings, gaskets, and backup seals that would require separate manufacturing processes, assembly steps, and quality control procedures. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Ease of manufacture
If service connection valve assemblies with minimal parts are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but flow rate may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties and design characteristics to different parts of the valve assembly: the valve body and core use rigid materials with precision-machined flow passages to maximize flow rate, while the elastomeric sealing element is localized to the sealing interface where it is needed. This localized application of elastomeric sealing allows high flow rates through the valve while maintaining reliable sealing where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the flow passage geometry, valve core diameter, and sealing interface dimensions to achieve high flow rates while using minimal components. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the valve assembly achieves both high productivity and cost-effectiveness without requiring complex multi-component constructions.
4Ease of manufacture
If service connection valve assemblies with minimal parts are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing element is localized to the sealing interface where it is needed, without obstructing the main fluid flow path. The valve body and core are designed with smooth, adequately sized flow passages that minimize pressure drop, while the elastomeric seal is confined to the peripheral sealing surface where it can prevent leakage without interfering with bulk flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the flow passage cross-sectional area, velocity profile, and pressure gradient to minimize energy losses. By carefully designing the valve core diameter, flow passage shape, and sealing interface location, the system achieves low pressure drop while maintaining simple construction and cost-effectiveness.
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 reduces costs, enhances flow rates, and simplifies maintenance processes by eliminating the need for complex components, ensuring reliable fluid processing and sealing without pressure drops, making it more efficient and cost-effective for both assembly and service operations.
Implementation Method 1
a metal-to-metal seal is created between the generally cylindrical valve body and the generally cylindrical valve core which creates a seal to prevent fluid flow through the service connection valve assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified service connection valve assembly that provides access to fluid systems, such as air conditioning units, freezer units, refrigeration units and like systems, for fluid processing through the valve assembly. The valve assembly can include a valve body and a valve core received in the valve body. The valve core is movable relative to the valve body in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between an open position allowing fluid flow through the valve assembly and a closed position preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly. At the closed position, a metal-to-metal seal is created between the valve body and the valve core which creates a seal to prevent fluid flow through the valve assembly.