Compressor Output Device with Integrated Distribution Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing air conditioning systems in vehicles have a bulky design due to separate ducts and components, which hinders compactness and efficiency in thermal treatment of both cabin and powertrain elements.

Innovation Solution

An integrated output device for the compressor with a refrigerant fluid distribution body and valves that directly links to the compressor, allowing for efficient fluid distribution without separate ducts, featuring a single-piece head and distribution body configuration, and controlled by electrical actuators to manage fluid flow based on system needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If separate ducts and components are used to link the compressor to the distribution system, then the system can be easier to manufacture and assemble, but the mechanical extension and overall size of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidduct quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the compressor housing and distribution body into a single integrated component. The distribution body is directly formed within the compressor housing, eliminating the need for separate ducts and reducing the number of parts. This merging of components directly reduces system volume and eliminates intermediate duct connections, resolving the contradiction between compactness and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the compressor and distribution body are gathered into an integrated output device, then system compactness is improved and duct quantity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidintegration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution body is integrated directly into the compressor housing as a unified structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate duct components and reduces assembly steps, while the integrated design allows for optimized manufacturing processes that can achieve required precision levels more efficiently than assembling multiple separate parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If distribution valves are positioned close to the compressor in an integrated output device, then mechanical extension is minimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical extensionVSAvoidoutput device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution valves are integrated directly into the distribution body within the compressor housing. This merging of the valve assembly with the distribution body eliminates the need for separate valve housings and connection ducts, minimizing mechanical extension while the unified structure simplifies the overall device complexity compared to having separate valve assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4279739A1Output device of a compressor
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 VALEO KLIMASYST
  • EP4279739A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4279739A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4279739A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an output device (5) of a compressor (1) suitable for an air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising a head (6) configured to receive a refrigerant fluid compressed by a compression part (2) of the compressor (1), such head (6) comprising an output section (18) of refrigerant fluid, said output device (5) comprising a refrigerant fluid distribution body (7) which is directly linked to the head (6), said distribution body (7) comprising at least two channels (8, 9), each having an exit port (10) of refrigerant fluid, said output device (5) comprising at least two distribution valves (11) attached to the distribution body (7) and able to control the circulation of refrigerant fluid through each channel (8, 9). The invention also relates to a compressor (1) comprising such output device (5) and to an air conditioning system comprising such compressor (1).