Vehicle AC Compressor-Heat Exchanger Module for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems for vehicles are complex and costly due to the need for customization for different vehicle types, with limited installation space and requiring multiple components, which also pose a fire risk with flammable refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
A compact air conditioning system design where the heat exchanger is directly attached to the compressor, forming a unified module with a refrigerant circuit, reducing the need for additional components and adapters, and using a self-contained control unit for independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the heat exchanger is attached to the compressor housing, then the system compactness is improved and the number of components is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate function is merged with the compressor housing by integrating a mounting surface directly into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for a separate mounting plate component, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the mechanical support function for the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it contains the compressor unit, provides structural support, and includes an integrated mounting surface for the heat exchanger. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Device complexity
If a separate mounting plate is used to support the heat exchanger, then the compressor housing remains simple, but the system complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate function is merged with the compressor housing by integrating a mounting surface directly into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for a separate mounting plate component, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the mechanical support function for the heat exchanger.
3Area of stationary object
If additional piping and mounting plates are used, then the mechanical support is provided, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate function is merged with the compressor housing by integrating a mounting surface directly into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for a separate mounting plate component, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the mechanical support function for the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it contains the compressor unit, provides structural support, and includes an integrated mounting surface for the heat exchanger. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 system achieves universal integration across vehicle types with reduced installation space, lower refrigerant volume, and enhanced safety by minimizing leaks and vibrations, while providing both heating and cooling functions efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (10) with a housing (11) having an intake region (13) on a suction side of a compressor unit (12) and a high-pressure region (14) on a pressure side of the compressor unit (12)
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat exchanger (20, 30) coupled to the intake region (13) and/or to the high-pressure region (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an air conditioning system, in particular for vehicles, in particular electric or hybrid vehicles, comprising a compressor (10) and at least one heat exchanger (20, 30) which is fluid-tightly connected to the compressor (10) to form a refrigerant circuit, wherein the compressor (10) has a housing (11) in which a compressor unit (12) for compressing the refrigerant is arranged, wherein the housing (11) has an intake region (13) on a suction side of the compressor unit (12) and a high-pressure region (14) on a pressure side of the compressor unit (12), and wherein the at least one heat exchanger (20, 30) is coupled to the intake region (13) and/or the high-pressure region (14).The invention is characterized in that the heat exchanger (20, 30) is fastened to the compressor (10) in such a way that the compressor (10) mechanically supports the heat exchanger (20, 30), wherein two heat exchangers (20, 30) are provided, and wherein a first heat exchanger (20) is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the intake region (13) and a second heat exchanger (30) is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the high-pressure region (14) of the compressor (10).