Compact Refrigerant Distributor With Tuned Feeder Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributor assemblies in refrigeration systems have long feeder tubes that limit component placement, hinder servicing, and negatively impact system access, while also increasing costs and reducing efficiency due to the need for larger, less efficient designs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact distributor assembly with shorter feeder conduits and adjustable feeder port diameters to maintain pressure drop and even refrigerant distribution, allowing for easier servicing and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long feeder tubes are used in conventional distributor assemblies, then refrigerant distribution can be achieved, but component placement is limited, servicing is hindered, and system access is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the distributor assembly by reducing feeder tube length and adjusting feeder port diameters. This allows the system to maintain proper refrigerant distribution while improving accessibility and easing servicing operations.
2Productivity
If long feeder tubes are used in distributor assemblies, then refrigerant can reach all circuits, but manufacturing costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes system efficiency by changing the length parameter of feeder tubes to shorter dimensions. This reduction eliminates unnecessary material and manufacturing complexity while maintaining proper refrigerant flow and distribution across all evaporator circuits.
3Manufacturing precision
If feeder port diameters are standardized, then manufacturing is simplified, but even refrigerant distribution to all circuits cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each feeder port have a different diameter tailored to the specific requirements of each evaporator circuit. This customization ensures uniform refrigerant distribution across all circuits, with each port sized appropriately for its designated circuit's flow needs.
4Ease of operation
If shorter feeder conduits are used, then servicing and accessibility are improved, but pressure drop may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention compensates for the reduced pressure drop from shorter feeder tubes by changing the diameter parameter of the feeder ports. By adjusting port sizes, the system maintains the necessary pressure differential for proper refrigerant expansion and distribution while keeping the compact, accessible design.
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 compact distributor assembly achieves efficient refrigerant distribution and pressure drop while simplifying system maintenance and reducing costs, enhancing overall system performance and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the distributor assembly is configured to generate a pressure drop in the refrigerant flowing therethrough in route to the evaporator so that the pressure of the refrigerant continues to decrease and the refrigerant absorbs thermal energy, expands, and phase changes into a gas
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant absorbs thermal energy, expands, and phase changes into a gas
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant phase changes into a gas, and the refrigerant absorbs thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor assembly has a distributor extending along a central axis between a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The distributor has a flow passage extending from the first end of the distributor and a plurality of feeder ports extending from the second end of the distributor to the flow passage and each feeder port is in fluid communication with the flow passage. Each feeder port extends along a central axis from a first end at the flow passage to a second end at the second end of the distributor and each feeder port comprises a first axial segment and a second axial segment, the first axial segment being connected between the flow passage and the second axial segment and the second axial segment being connected between the first axial segment and the second end of the distributor.