accumulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing accumulator designs for heat pump systems require a costly and time-consuming method to fix a drying agent containing bag, increasing component and assembly costs.

Innovation Solution

An accumulator design where the bag insertion cylindrical portion is integrally molded with the outer pipe, allowing the drying agent containing bag to be press-fitted and fixed, with the bag stretched between the gas-liquid separation body and the tank bottom, preventing crushing and leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drying agent containing bag is fixed by winding a connection band on the outer periphery of the outer pipe, then the bag can be secured in place, but the component cost and assembly cost increase considerably and time is spent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag fixation stabilityVSAvoidassembly cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection band is merged with the outer pipe by forming the connection band as an integral part of the outer pipe structure. This eliminates the need for separate connection bands, reducing component costs and assembly time while maintaining reliable bag fixation through the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer pipe is given multiple functions: it serves both as the structural conduit and as the fixation mechanism for the drying agent containing bag through its integrated connection band structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the drying agent containing bag is not properly fixed, then component cost is reduced, but the bag may rotate or move inside the tank causing operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidbag position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection band is integrated into the outer pipe structure, creating a unified component that provides reliable bag fixation without requiring separate parts. This integration maintains position stability while simplifying the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the fixation of the drying agent bag, reduces component and assembly costs, and effectively prevents the bag from being crushed or leaking, while maintaining the bag's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a bag (50) containing a drying agent (M)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

separated into a liquid phase refrigerant and a gas phase refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-liquid separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 3

moves toward the bottom portion of the tank due to a difference in property with respect to the liquid phase refrigerant or a difference in specific weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3118544B1accumulator

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 FUJIKOKI CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

[Object] To provide an accumulator capable of easily fixing a drying agent containing bag and hence decreasing a component cost or an assembly cost. [Solving Means] A bag insertion cylindrical portion (37) into which a bag (50) containing a drying agent (M) is inserted through press-fitting is provided in an outer portion of an outer pipe (32). Further, the bag insertion cylindrical portion (37) is integrally molded with the outer pipe (32).