Systems, methods and apparatus for servicing a refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for servicing automotive air conditioning systems, such as manifold gauges, are complex, dangerous for inexperienced users, and expensive, making them unsuitable for the 'do-it-yourself' market, particularly when dealing with refrigerant systems equipped with self-sealing valves.
Innovation Solution
A device with an outer housing, central body, and actuator that allows selective communication between the refrigeration system, a measuring device, and a refrigerant supply, featuring a valve that engages with self-sealing valves to regulate refrigerant flow, enabling safe and efficient measurement and charging of refrigerant without the need for adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manifold gauges are used for servicing automotive air conditioning systems, then refrigerant level and pressure can be measured, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple hoses and gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (refrigerant charging, pressure measurement, and system servicing) into a single integrated device. The service device includes an integrated valve that can both charge refrigerant and measure pressure, eliminating the need for separate manifold gauges and multiple hoses, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The service device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both refrigerant charging and pressure measurement through a single device. The integrated valve mechanism allows the device to switch between charging mode (connecting to refrigerant supply) and measurement mode (connecting to system service port), making one device serve multiple purposes
2Productivity
If manifold gauges are used to handle high pressure service ports, then refrigerant charging is enabled, but safety risks increase for inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The service device acts as an intermediary between the user and the high-pressure refrigerant system. It includes safety features such as pressure relief mechanisms and controlled valve operation that mediate the interaction between the user and the high-pressure service port, reducing the risk of injury while enabling refrigerant charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic safety features that operate without user intervention, such as pressure-regulated valves and automatic shutdown mechanisms. These self-service safety features protect inexperienced users from the harmful effects of high-pressure refrigerant while maintaining the charging capability
3Ease of operation
If manifold gauges are purchased by do-it-yourself consumers, then refrigerant servicing is possible, but the cost is relatively high for infrequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The service device is designed as an affordable, simplified tool that can be purchased by individual consumers for occasional use. Rather than requiring expensive professional-grade manifold gauge sets, this device provides essential refrigerant servicing capability at a lower cost point, making it economically viable for do-it-yourself consumers who use the service infrequently
4Reliability
If self-sealing valves are used in refrigerant supply, then refrigerant containment is improved, but compatibility with existing service devices becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The service device incorporates a dynamic valve mechanism that can adapt its operation to work with self-sealing valves. The integrated valve includes a plunger or actuating mechanism that can dynamically open the self-sealing valve during refrigerant charging, then automatically seal it afterward. This dynamic operation enables compatibility between the service device and self-sealing valve technology, maintaining both refrigerant containment and adaptability
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 device provides a safe and cost-effective means for do-it-yourself users to measure and add refrigerant to automotive air conditioning systems, addressing the limitations of manifold gauges by simplifying the process and ensuring compatibility with self-sealing valves.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is disposed in the internal bore. A portion of the valve may be engageable with a self-sealing valve of the refrigerant supply
Implementation Method 2
The actuator operatively connected to the outer housing and the plunger, wherein, during use, the actuator actuates the plunger to move to a first position that allows fluid to communicate between the third fluid port and the first fluid port
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and apparatuses for servicing a refrigeration system are described herein. A system may include a fluid source and a device is capable of coupling to the fluid source, a measuring device and a fluid receiving system. The device may include a valve disposed passage disposed in a body of the apparatus that communicates with the fluid source, the measuring device and the fluid receiving system. A portion of the valve being engageable with a self-sealing valve of the refrigerant supply while inhibiting fluid flow between the fluid source and the measuring device and/or between the measuring device and the fluid receiving system.