Integrated filter and adsorbent unit for an integrated receiver-dryer and related method of manufacturing

A pressure vessel adapted for use with a refrigeration system, said pressure vessel comprising:

• a housing;
• an inlet tube extending into said housing for directing a flow of refrigerant into said housing;
• an outlet tube extending out of said housing for directing a flow of refrigerant out of said housing;
• and
• an integrated filter and adsorbent unit disposed within said housing, said integrated filter and adsorbent unit comprising:
• at least one adsorbent unit having a flap, said flap having a mounting aperture therethrough, said inlet tube extending through said mounting aperture;
• and
• a filter body having an aperture therethrough, said inlet tube extending through said aperture, said filter body further having at least one projection extending therefrom, said at least one projection having a displaced portion retaining said flap of said adsorbent unit between said displaced portion and said filter body.

A method of manufacturing an integrated filter and adsorbent unit for use with a pressure vessel of a refrigeration system, said method comprising the steps of:

• manufacturing a filter body having at least one projection extending therefrom;
• producing an adsorbent unit having a flap extending therefrom;
• and
• assembling said adsorbent unit to said filter body, said step of assembling said adsorbent unit to said filter body further comprising the steps of:
• mounting said adsorbent unit to said filter body;
• and
• upsetting said at least one projection over at least a portion of said flap to form a displaced portion of said at least one projection that retains said flap between said displaced portion and said filter body.