A non-replaceable filter assembly for a vehicle condenser having an upper subcooling section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condenser systems for vehicles with replaceable filter assemblies face challenges in reducing coolant loss and maintaining effective filtration when the sub-cooling section is positioned above the condensing section, particularly due to the need for cost-effective and leak-proof solutions.
Innovation Solution
A filter assembly with a tubular container and a filter cartridge featuring a cage-shaped support structure and a refrigerant flow pipe, where the caps are bonded to the container ends, and a spacer member with hook formations to secure the dehydrating material bag, ensuring proper positioning and sealing without coolant loss during welding and vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a replaceable filter assembly is used in a condenser with upper sub-cooling section, then maintenance and filter replacement become easier, but coolant loss increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is divided into a permanent tubular container (integrated with condenser) and a removable filter cartridge, allowing the filter element to be replaced while keeping the sealed container intact, thus preventing coolant loss during maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The filter cartridge is nested within the tubular container, with the cartridge removable through the lower end while the sealed container remains fixed to the condenser body, enabling filter replacement without disassembling the sealed structure
2Productivity
If the sub-cooling section is positioned above the condensing section, then downward recirculation of hot air is improved, but coolant separation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular container is positioned at a higher level than both the condensing and sub-cooling sections, creating an equipotential position where gravity naturally facilitates coolant separation and liquid return to the sub-cooling section despite its upper location
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly with tubular container acts as an intermediary accumulator between the condensing and sub-cooling sections, using gravity and pressure differential to separate gaseous and liquid coolants and ensure proper flow direction
3Reliability
If welding is performed on the container during manufacturing, then sealing and integration become more reliable, but the filter cartridge may be damaged by heat
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge is installed in the tubular container before the welding operation, and the welding is performed on the container ends without direct contact with the cartridge, preventing heat damage while achieving reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular container acts as a thermal barrier between the welding heat source and the filter cartridge, protecting the plastic components from heat damage while allowing reliable welding of the container to the condenser body
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures all coolant passes through the filter mesh without loss, maintains the dehydrating material in place, and allows for secure welding and installation, promoting efficient coolant separation and filtration while reducing costs and coolant loss.
Implementation Method 1
a particle filter and a dehydrating material, the filter assembly further provides to remove moisture and foreign materials from the coolant
Implementation Method 2
a particle filter and a dehydrating material, the filter assembly further provides to remove moisture and foreign materials from the coolant
Implementation Method 3
The condensing section of the condenser acts to cool the high temperature, high pressure gaseous cooling fluid sent by the compressor, and to cause the condensation thereof into a liquid cooling fluid
Implementation Method 4
The sub-cooling section acts to further cool the liquid cooling fluid in order to increase its enthalpy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A filter assembly for a condenser for vehicles, comprising a tubular container (10) having a fluid inlet (17) and a fluid outlet (18) formed on its side wall (11), and connectable to a condensing section (SC) and to a sub-cooling section (SSR) of the condenser, respectively, in which the fluid outlet is located in use above the fluid inlet; and a filter cartridge (20) comprising a cage-shaped support structure (21) of plastic material. The ends (13, 14) of the container (10) are closed by caps bonded thereto. The support structure is located in use near to the upper end (13) of the container (10), and comprises a peripheral edge (25d) sealingly engaging the side wall (11) of the container (10) between fluid inlet and outlet (17, 18), and a base (24) through which a communication opening (24d) is formed. The filter cartridge further comprises a refrigerant flow pipe (27) connected to the communication opening and extending toward the lower end (14) of the container (10).