Apparatus and methodology for opening refrigerant sources while servicing automotive refrigeration systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration system charging devices are unable to universally access both refrigerant cans with blind caps and self-sealing valves due to dimensional differences and temperature/pressure-induced variances, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A universal servicing device with a central body, valve, and actuator that can engage with both self-sealing valves and blind caps, allowing for controlled refrigerant flow and pressure measurement, featuring a plunger that can pierce or depress the valve while maintaining a seal, and a sealing mechanism to handle dimensional variances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length piercing member is used to access refrigerant cans, then the device can pierce blind caps, but it cannot accommodate dimensional variances caused by temperature and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member is made adjustable in length rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to dimensional changes in refrigerant cans caused by temperature and pressure variations. This ensures reliable sealing and piercing across different operating conditions while maintaining the ability to access both blind caps and self-sealing valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The servicing device is designed with a universal piercing member that can accommodate multiple can types (blind caps and self-sealing valves) through adjustable length mechanisms. This single device performs multiple functions by adapting to different dimensional requirements, eliminating the need for separate tools for different can configurations.
2Reliability
If separate servicing devices are used for blind caps and self-sealing valves, then each device can be optimized for its specific can type, but device complexity and the number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single servicing device incorporates multiple functionalities by including an adjustable-length piercing member that can handle both blind caps and self-sealing valves. This universal device eliminates the need for maintaining separate specialized tools while preserving the reliability of specialized access methods through configurable piercing depths and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of separate servicing devices into one unified tool. The adjustable piercing member combines the piercing capability for blind caps with the valve-depressing capability for self-sealing valves, reducing tool inventory while maintaining specialized functionality for each can type.
3Ease of operation
If refrigerant cans are made hand-held for ease of operation, then portability is improved, but dimensional variances due to thermal expansion and contraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable-length piercing member dynamically compensates for dimensional changes in hand-held refrigerant cans. As the can dimensions vary due to thermal expansion and contraction, the piercing member length can be adjusted to maintain proper contact and sealing, ensuring reliable operation despite the portability-induced dimensional instability.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for opening refrigerant sources while servicing a refrigeration system are provided by this disclosure. A system may include a fluid source, a device capable of coupling to the fluid source, and a fluid receiving system. The device may include a valve disposed in the body of the apparatus. A portion of the valve being engageable with a refrigerant supply composed of either a self-sealing valve or a penetrable seal.