Threaded Cartridge Injection for Pressurized Refrigeration Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for injecting additives into pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration systems are complex, costly, and prone to air formation and incomplete additive delivery due to multiple components and hose assemblies, making them difficult to use and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A simplified apparatus comprising a cartridge with a threaded nozzle and a direct adapter fitting to the service valve, eliminating the need for intermediate hoses and check valves, ensuring complete additive injection without air introduction and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hose assembly with multiple components (pipe thread adapter, check valve fitting, flexible hose segment, Schrader valve coupling) is used to connect the cartridge to the service valve, then the apparatus can be connected to the pressurized system, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (pipe thread adapter, check valve fitting, flexible hose segment, and Schrader valve coupling) into a single integrated hose assembly component. This merging eliminates the need for separate connections between these parts, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to connect the cartridge to the service valve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components including a hose segment are used in the apparatus, then the apparatus can function, but air may be introduced into the system which is harmful
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the hose assembly as a single component with minimized internal volume, the patent reduces the amount of air that can be trapped within the assembly. The direct connection design eliminates multiple joints and interfaces where air bubbles could form, thereby reducing the harmful effect of air introduction while maintaining connection functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hose assembly is used to deliver the additive, then the additive can be injected into the system, but some additive remains in the hose assembly and is not fully delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hose assembly design creates a streamlined flow path from the cartridge outlet to the service valve connection, eliminating dead zones and expansion chambers where additive could be retained. The minimized internal volume of the single-component assembly ensures that nearly all additive is delivered to the system with minimal retention in the delivery mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for injecting an additive in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system, comprises a cartridge having two ends, a first open end which connects to the system being charged and a second open end, and wherein said first open end comprises a threaded nozzle. A piston is sealably disposed with said second open end of said cartridge. An adapter is provided to sealably and releasably connect said cartridge to a service valve of the pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system. The adapter consists in a fitting having a fitting body with a first end portion to be connected to the threaded nozzle of the cartridge and a second end portion to be connected to the service valve of the pressurized system.