accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accumulator designs transfer compressor vibrations to the accumulator through connection pipes, causing noise and requiring costly bending processes, and fail to separate connection pipes from gas-liquid separation pipes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The accumulator design separates the connection pipe from the gas-liquid separation pipe, allowing the connection pipe to be formed as a straight pipe, minimizing vibration transfer and enabling the use of lower-cost materials by eliminating the need for bending, with the gas-liquid separation pipe supported by a liquid refrigerant inflow preventing plate and oil recovery holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connection pipe is formed as a single pipe extending from the compressor side surface through the accumulator bottom surface in an L-shape, then the compressor and accumulator can be connected, but a bending process is required which increases manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pipe is divided into two separate functional parts: a straight connection pipe for connecting the compressor and accumulator, and a separate gas-liquid separation pipe extending upward from the accumulator bottom surface. This segmentation eliminates the need for bending the connection pipe while maintaining the L-shaped configuration's space-saving advantage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection pipe extends to an upper side of a line vertically bisecting the accumulator after passing through the accumulator, then the compressor and accumulator can be connected, but vibration from the compressor is transferred to the accumulator causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid separation function is extracted from the connection pipe and implemented through a separate upward-extending pipe structure. This allows the connection pipe to remain straight and minimize vibration transfer, while the separate gas-liquid separation pipe handles the refrigerant phase separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The upward-extending gas-liquid separation pipe acts as an intermediary structure that separates the connection function from the vibration path. By providing a dedicated path for gas-liquid separation that does not involve the connection pipe, vibration transfer is minimized while maintaining proper refrigerant separation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection pipe is bent into an L-shape to connect the compressor and accumulator, then the spatial arrangement can be achieved, but the pipe requires costly bending processes and specialized materials
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped configuration is achieved through segmentation rather than bending a single pipe. The straight connection pipe connects the compressor horizontally, while a separate upward-extending pipe provides the vertical portion, eliminating bending requirements and associated costs.
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
This design significantly reduces noise from vibration and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing the use of straight pipes and various materials, while ensuring effective separation of refrigerant phases.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-liquid separation pipe (14) which guides the gaseous refrigerant to the connection pipe (12)
Implementation Method 2
a liquid refrigerant inflow preventing plate (116) which prevents liquid refrigerant from inflow into the connection pipe (12)
Implementation Method 3
oil recovery holes (116d) which allow the refrigerating machine oil to drain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An accumulator having a case which forms a space in which liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant are accommodated, a suction pipe connected to a first side of the case, a connection pipe that connects a second side of the case to a suction side of the compressor, and a gas-liquid separation pipe disposed inside the case to guide the gaseous refrigerant to the connection pipe, and in which the gas-liquid separation pipe is disposed inside the case and is separated from the connection pipe.