Adjustable muffler for cooling system noise reduction

Abstract

A cooling system (100) is disclosed, comprising a chamber (106) with an outlet tube (108) at one end for dispensing refrigerant and an inlet tube (102) at the opposite end for receiving refrigerant. The inlet tube (102) features a filter pattern (104) within its inner portion, consisting of orifices, depressions, and adjustable inner portion lengths tailored to a specific frequency range. The filter pattern (104) in conjunction with the inlet tube (102) serves to attenuate the specified frequency range, enhancing the operation of the system.

Description

202403300ADJUSTABLE MUFFLER FOR COOLING SYSTEM NOISE REDUCTIONFIELD

[0001] The field to which the disclosure relates is heating and cooling systems and more particularly to vehicle air conditioning systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Air conditioning (AC) systems serve to moderate interior temperature by removing heat and humidity from air.

[0003] Such systems generally involve a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, increasing its pressure and temperature. The refrigerant then flows to a condenser, where the refrigerant releases its heat to outside air and condenses into a high-pressure liquid. The high-pressure liquid typically moves through an expansion valve where it expands and cools into a low-pressure liquid.

[0004] The performance of AC systems can be limited resulting in insufficient interior cooling and can also generate substantial noise. What is needed are one or more techniques to improve air cooling performance and mitigate noise generation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed cooling chamber system100, 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 of mitigating noise for a cooling system in accordance with one or more aspects.DETAILED DESCRIPTION202403300

[0008] The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses. The description is presented herein solely for the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments of the disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of the disclosure. In the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the summary of the disclosure and this detailed description, with the understanding that a value range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific data points within the range, or even no data points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific data points, it is to be understood that inventors appreciate and understand that any and all data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that inventors had possession of the entire range and all points within the range.

[0009] Unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0010] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of concepts according to the disclosure. This description should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated.

[0011] The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including",202403300"comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving", and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited.

[0012] Also, as used herein, any references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

[0013] Air conditioning (AC) or cooling systems serve to moderate interior temperature by removing heat and humidity from air. Cooling systems are used in vehicles and other applications to regulate temperature of the engine and regulate cabin or interior temperature.

[0014] Such systems generally involve a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, increasing its pressure and temperature. The refrigerant then flows to a condenser, where the refrigerant releases its heat to outside air and condenses into a high-pressure liquid. The high-pressure liquid typically moves through an expansion valve where it expands and cools into a low-pressure liquid.

[0015] Some components, such as the compressor, can generate substantial noise.

[0016] What is needed are one or more techniques to mitigate noise generation in AC systems.

[0017] One or more embodiments are provided that mitigate noise generation by a chamber system that tuned to remove a selected frequency range or noise. The system includes an inlet tube having a pattern of holes, depressions, expansions and the like that filter out the selected frequency range or noise.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cooling system (100) including: a chamber (106); an outlet tube (108) at a second end of the202403300 chamber and provides an output refrigerant; an inlet tube (102) at a first end of the mixing chamber that receives a refrigerant, the inlet tube (102) having an inner portion with a filter pattern (104); the filter pattern (104) includes one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range; wherein the filter pattern (104) and the inlet tube (102) mitigate the selected frequency range.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the selected frequency range includes low frequency noise in a range of 50 Hertz to 200 Hertz.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the low frequency noise is from motor noise and / or condenser components.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the selected frequency range includes mid-frequency noise in a range of 200 Hertz to 1,000 Hertz.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the selected frequency range includes high frequency noise in a range of 1 ,000 Hertz to 10,000 Hertz.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the received refrigerant is from a condenser of a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the one or more orifices have a diameter to mitigate noise from the condenser by operating as a noise filter to mitigate the noise.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the received refrigerant includes one or more from the group including R-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane), R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane), and R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene).202403300

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the received refrigerant has a temperature in a range of 40 to 60 Celsius based on an efficiency of an evaporator.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the system further includes an outer portion positioned outside the chamber and an inner portion positioned within the chamber.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the one or more orifices are dimensioned to create a pressure drop and / or have sizes in a range of 1 to 5 millimeters.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, the one or more orifices arranged as 4 to 6 and a plurality of rows about the inlet tube.

[0030] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, the flow outlet is configured in a plurality of holes about the inlet tube and / or having an opening size is a range of 8 to 20 millimeters.

[0031] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the selected frequency range includes a plurality of frequency ranges.

[0032] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of operating a cooling system (100), the method including: identifying one or more noise sources for a cooling system (100); generating a selected frequency range based on the identified noise sources; configuring a filter pattern for an inner portion of an inlet tube, the pattern including one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range; removing or mitigating noise from the cooling system by the pattern (104) of the inlet tube (102).

[0033] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cooling chamber system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. The system is provided for illustrative purposes and suitable variations are contemplated.202403300

[0034] The system 100 includes a chamber 106, an inlet tube 102 and an outlet tube 108. The system 100 typically receives refrigerant from a condenser and provides a resulting refrigerant mixture having a decreased temperature. The resulting refrigerant mixture is typically provided to a thermal expansion valve (TXV).

[0035] The chamber 106 is also referred to as a muffler in that it can reduce noise.

[0036] The inlet tube 102 receives the refrigerant, which is typically an air conditioning system refrigerant. Some examples of suitable refrigerant types include R- 12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane), R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane), and R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene).

[0037] The received refrigerant is at a high-pressure, high temperature liquid state, such as at a temperature range of 40 to 60°C and the like, depending on the efficiency of the evaporator.

[0038] The inlet tube 102 includes an inner portion that fits within the chamber 106. The inlet tube 102 has a filter pattern 104 including holes, orifices, depressions, expansions, inner tube length and the like. The pattern is configured for a selected frequency range and operates to remove noise. The selected frequency range typically includes noise, such as noise generated by a condenser and / or other system components. The problematic frequency or frequencies can be identified and the pattern tunes a transmission loss curve of the chamber 106.

[0039] As stated above, the pattern 104 can include one or more holes or orifices. The size or diameter of the individual holes are modified to impact frequency of sound passing through. For example, larger holes can shift frequencies lower and smaller holes can shift frequencies higher. Additionally, the inner portion can be adjusted to be shorter or longer. Generally, longer tubes lower frequencies and shorter tubes increase frequencies. Depressions on the surface of the inner portion also impact frequencies. For example, smaller depressions can scatter sound waves and larger202403300 depressions can absorb some frequency ranges. Thus, the pattern 104 is configured to reduce or mitigate noise by filtering out the selected frequency range.

[0040] The chamber 106 can be an expansion chamber, muffler and / or the like. The chamber 106 and the pattern 104 reduce noise and can also reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. In one example, the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced vaporizing at least a portion of the received refrigerant.

[0041] The outlet tube 108 is connected to an output end of the mixing chamber and conveys the reduced noise refrigerant from the chamber 106.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed cooling chamber system 100, 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments. The system is provided for illustrative purposes and suitable variations are contemplated.

[0043] The system 200 includes the inlet tube 102, the mixing chamber 106 and the outlet tube 108.

[0044] The inlet tube 102 has the inner portion within the chamber 106 that includes the pattern 104.

[0045] The pattern 104, in this example, includes an adjustable length 210, an end outlet 214 and one or more orifices 212. It is appreciated that other suitable variations for the pattern are contemplated.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 of mitigating noise for a cooling system in accordance with one or more aspects.

[0047] At step 310, identifying one or more noise sources for a cooling system (100).

[0048] At step 320, generating a selected frequency range based on the identified noise sources.202403300

[0049] At step 330, configuring a filter pattern for an inner portion of an inlet tube 102, the pattern including one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range]

[0050] At step 340, removing or mitigating noise from the cooling system by the pattern (104) of the inlet tube (102).

[0051] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be sufficiently thorough and will convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the disclosure that individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0052] Also, in some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Further, it will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art that in the design, manufacture, and operation of apparatus to achieve that described in the disclosure, variations in apparatus design, construction, condition, erosion of components, gaps between components may present, for example.

[0053] Examples can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using202403300 multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described herein.

[0054] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0055] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner", “adjacent”, "outer", "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0056] Clause 1. A cooling system (100) comprising: a chamber (106); an outlet tube (108) at a second end of the chamber and provides an output refrigerant; an inlet tube (102) at a first end of the mixing chamber that receives a refrigerant, the inlet tube (102) having an inner portion with a filter pattern (104); the filter pattern (104) includes one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range; wherein the filter pattern (104) and the inlet tube (102) mitigate the selected frequency range.202403300

[0057] Clause 2. The system of clause 1 , wherein the selected frequency range includes low frequency noise in a range of 50 Hertz to 200 Hertz.

[0058] Clause 3. The system of clause 2, wherein the low frequency noise is from motor noise and / or condenser components.

[0059] Clause 4. The system of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the selected frequency range includes mid-frequency noise in a range of 200 Hertz to 1 ,000 Hertz.

[0060] Clause 5. The system of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the selected frequency range includes high frequency noise in a range of 1 ,000 Hertz to 10,000 Hertz.

[0061] Clause 6. The system of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the received refrigerant is from a condenser of a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0062] Clause 7. The system of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the one or more orifices have a diameter to mitigate noise from the condenser by operating as a noise filter to mitigate the noise.

[0063] Clause 8. The system of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the received refrigerant comprises one or more from the group comprising R-12(Dichlorodifluoromethane), R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane), and R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene).

[0064] Clause 9. The system of any one of clauses 1-8, wherein the received refrigerant has a temperature in a range of 40 to 60 Celsius based on an efficiency of an evaporator.

[0065] Clause 10. The system of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the system further comprises an outer portion positioned outside the chamber and an inner portion positioned within the chamber.

[0066] Clause 11. The system of any one of clauses 1-10, wherein the one or more orifices are dimensioned to create a pressure drop and / or have sizes in a range of 1 to 5 millimeters.202403300

[0067] Clause 12. The system of any one of clauses 1-11 , the one or more orifices arranged as 4 to 6 and a plurality of rows about the inlet tube.

[0068] Clause 13. The system of any one of clauses 1-12, the flow outlet is configured in a plurality of holes about the inlet tube and / or having an opening size is a range of 8 to 20 millimeters.

[0069] Clause 14. The system of any one of clauses 1-13, wherein the selected frequency range includes a plurality of frequency ranges.

[0070] Clause 15. A method of operating a cooling system (100), the method comprising: identifying one or more noise sources for a cooling system (100); generating a selected frequency range based on the identified noise sources; configuring a filter pattern for an inner portion of an inlet tube, the pattern including one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range; removing or mitigating noise from the cooling system by the pattern (104) of the inlet tube (102).

[0071] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

202403300CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cooling system (100) comprising: a chamber (106); an outlet tube (108) at a second end of the chamber and provides an output refrigerant; an inlet tube (102) at a first end of the mixing chamber that receives a refrigerant, the inlet tube (102) having an inner portion with a filter pattern (104); the filter pattern (104) includes one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range; wherein the filter pattern (104) and the inlet tube (102) mitigate the selected frequency range.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the selected frequency range includes low frequency noise in a range of 50 Hertz to 200 Hertz.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the low frequency noise is from motor noise and / or condenser components.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the selected frequency range includes mid-frequency noise in a range of 200 Hertz to 1 ,000 Hertz.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the selected frequency range includes high frequency noise in a range of 1 ,000 Hertz to 10,000 Hertz.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the received refrigerant is from a condenser of a vehicle air conditioning system.2024033007. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the one or more orifices have a diameter to mitigate noise from the condenser by operating as a noise filter to mitigate the noise.

8. The system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the received refrigerant comprises one or more from the group comprising R-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane), R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane), and R-1234yf (Tetrafluoropropene).

9. The system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the received refrigerant has a temperature in a range of 40 to 60 Celsius based on an efficiency of an evaporator.

10. The system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the system further comprises an outer portion positioned outside the chamber and an inner portion positioned within the chamber.

11. The system of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the one or more orifices are dimensioned to create a pressure drop and / or have sizes in a range of 1 to 5 millimeters.

12. The system of any one of claims 1-11 , the one or more orifices arranged as 4 to 6 and a plurality of rows about the inlet tube.

13. The system of any one of claims 1-12, the flow outlet is configured in a plurality of holes about the inlet tube and / or having an opening size is a range of 8 to 20 millimeters.

14. The system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the selected frequency range includes a plurality of frequency ranges.

15. A method of operating a cooling system (100), the method comprising: identifying one or more noise sources for a cooling system (100); generating a selected frequency range based on the identified noise sources;202403300 configuring a filter pattern for an inner portion of an inlet tube, the pattern including one or more orifices, one or more depressions and one or more adjustable inner portion lengths based on a selected frequency range; removing or mitigating noise from the cooling system by the pattern (104) of the inlet tube (102).

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