Vehicle AC Flange Structure for Multi-Evaporator Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems using two or more evaporators face challenges in efficiently connecting and expanding valve assemblies, leading to limitations in rapidly adjusting temperatures and increased complexity in refrigerant flow management.
Innovation Solution
A pipe and flange structure is designed with a flange that includes parallel positioned inlets and outlets for efficient refrigerant flow, and a fixing mechanism that ensures accurate pipe positioning and secure connections, even when the pipe is divided into multiple sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device type using two or more heat exchangers is used to cool different sides of the vehicle independently, then temperature control capability is improved, but pipe assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated flange body. The flange simultaneously provides connection ports for expansion valves, evaporators, and pipe routing features, merging what would otherwise require multiple separate components and complex assembly steps into one unified component that simplifies installation while supporting multiple evaporators for independent temperature control of different vehicle zones
2Ease of operation
If the pipe is divided into multiple sections for long pipes, then ease of installation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange includes pre-formed connection portions with threaded holes and fixing features that are prepared in advance during flange manufacturing. These pre-prepared connection interfaces allow pipe sections to be easily assembled and securely fixed without requiring complex field assembly operations, thereby maintaining high connection reliability while enabling modular pipe installation
3Device complexity
If connection portions are simply joined without reinforcement, then device complexity is reduced, but connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure combines the flange body (made of a base material) with fastening reinforcement parts (made of a different material) to create a composite connection system. The reinforcement parts are selectively positioned at high-stress connection points and are fixed to the flange body, creating a composite structure that provides enhanced mechanical strength and durability at critical connection locations while keeping the overall design efficient and relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A flange, and a pipe and a flange structure and, more particularly, to a pipe and a flange structure, which allows the pipe connection and the assembling of an expansion valve of a vehicle air conditioner using two or more evaporators.