Compressor Accumulator Pipe Fixing to Reduce Vibration and Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressors face challenges with vibration and noise due to the alignment of refrigerant connection and suction pipes, which leads to inefficient separation of liquid and gas refrigerants, increased manufacturing costs, and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
The accumulator design features a refrigerant suction pipe fixed to both surfaces of the case without a separate pipe holder, with the connection pipe positioned closer to the compressor's axial center, and a screen member to enhance separation and reduce vibration and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the refrigerant connection pipe and refrigerant passage pipe are located on the same axial line, then the structure is simplified, but liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant are not sufficiently separated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the refrigerant passage pipe inlet at a location different from the axial line of the refrigerant connection pipe, specifically at a lower position and offset radially. This spatial reconfiguration in multiple dimensions allows sufficient separation distance between liquid and gas refrigerant flow paths, preventing liquid refrigerant from directly entering the passage pipe while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a blocking plate is interposed between the refrigerant connection pipe and refrigerant passage pipe, then liquid refrigerant flow is blocked, but the blocking plate is damaged by compressor vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the blocking plate component entirely and replaces it with a geometric configuration of the pipes themselves. The refrigerant passage pipe inlet is positioned at a location where liquid refrigerant naturally drains to the bottom of the accumulator, creating a passive geometric barrier that prevents liquid entry without requiring a separate blocking component susceptible to vibration damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a screen member as an intermediary component between the refrigerant connection pipe and passage pipe. The screen member facilitates refrigerant separation through its filtering action while being supported by the pipe structures, distributing vibration stresses and preventing the direct damage that would occur to a blocking plate.
3Reliability
If a separate pipe holder is used to fix the refrigerant passage pipe, then vibration and noise are suppressed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the pipe holder and the accumulator body into a single integrated structure. The accumulator body itself is designed with features that directly support and secure the refrigerant passage pipe, eliminating the need for separate pipe holder components. This integration reduces part count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers costs while maintaining effective vibration and noise suppression.
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 configuration effectively reduces vibration and noise, improves refrigerant separation, and decreases manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a screen member disposed in the refrigerant accommodating space
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant suction pipe is fixed to both longitudinal sides of the case in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
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AI summary
An accumulator for a compressor and a compressor having an accumulator are disclosed. The accumulator may include a case configured to be disposed at an outside of a shell of a compressor and defining a refrigerant accommodating space, a refrigerant connection pipe having a first end that communicates with an outlet side of an evaporator and a second end that communicates with the refrigerant accommodating space of the case, and a refrigerant suction pipe having a first end that communicates with the refrigerant accommodating space of the case and a second end that communicates with a suction side of the compressor. The refrigerant suction pipe may be fixed to a lower surface and an upper surface of the case defining the refrigerant accommodating space. Therefore, the refrigerant suction pipe may be fixed to the case of the accumulator without a separate pipe holder, thereby attenuating vibration of the accumulator and reducing manufacturing costs.