Variable refrigerant flow assembly with quick connection and serviceable filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current variable refrigerant flow systems require brazing for line connections, making assembly and disassembly time-consuming and difficult, and in-line filters are not serviceable, leading to system downtime when filters become clogged.
Innovation Solution
A variable refrigerant flow assembly with fluid connection assemblies that include a serviceable filter, allowing for quick assembly, disassembly, and serviceability of components, utilizing a connector body with a removably connected filter and a retainer system for secure tube connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brazing is used to connect lines in variable refrigerant flow systems, then connection strength and reliability are improved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal brazing process with a mechanical compression connection system. The compression fitting uses a ferrule and body that mechanically secure the tube through compression, eliminating the need for fire, brazing rods, and extensive training while achieving reliable, leak-free connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate components: tube sections, compression fittings with ferrules, and connector bodies. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where components can be connected quickly without requiring the entire system to be brazed together, significantly reducing assembly time.
2Reliability
If in-line filters are brazed into the system, then filter reliability is improved, but serviceability and maintenance time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is extracted from the permanent system structure and made removable through the quick-connect mechanism. The filter can be easily disconnected and replaced by simply separating the connector body from the tube, allowing maintenance without system shutdown or complex disassembly while maintaining reliable filtration when installed.
3Reliability
If brazing is required for all line connections, then connection integrity is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex brazing operation with a simple mechanical insertion and compression action. The push-to-connect mechanism allows untrained personnel to quickly assemble connections by simply pushing tubes into connector bodies, eliminating the need for specialized brazing equipment and skills while maintaining connection integrity through the compression fitting design.
4Reliability
If traditional brazed connections are used, then system sealing is improved, but productivity and installation speed worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components with standardized quick-connect interfaces. This allows rapid assembly of different system configurations by simply connecting pre-assembled modules together, dramatically increasing installation speed while the compression fitting design ensures reliable sealing at each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression fittings and connector bodies are pre-configured with sealing elements and compression mechanisms built-in. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site brazing operations, allowing installers to quickly assemble the system by simply connecting components, thereby improving productivity without compromising sealing integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable refrigerant flow assembly including a housing including a first wall, the first wall including a first hole, a piping network arranged in the housing, the piping network including at least one valve and at least one manifold, a first tube connected to the manifold and extending through the first hole, a connector body removably connectable to the first tube, including a first end arranged to engage the first tube, a second end, a first through-bore extending from the first end to the second end, a first radially inward facing surface, and a first radially outward facing surface, and a filter removably arranged in the connector body.