Compressor Suction Pipe Heat Insulation via Segmented Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compressor systems, the high-pressure refrigerant generated in the compression chamber can circulate and transfer heat to refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe before compression, reducing compressor efficiency due to the configuration of the suction pipe extending from the accumulator to the suction port within the housing.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system design featuring a suction pipe with an insertion end portion that forms both abutment and non-abutment regions between its outer peripheral surface and the suction port's inner surface, creating a heat insulation space to prevent heat transfer from the high-pressure refrigerant within the housing to the refrigerant before compression, while securely fixing the suction pipe to the suction port through elastic deformation and circumferential contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suction pipe extends from the accumulator to the suction port within the housing, then the refrigerant can be supplied from the accumulator to the compression chamber, but the high-pressure refrigerant heat propagates to the refrigerant in the suction pipe causing temperature rise and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pipe is divided into multiple sections along its length, with alternating abutment regions (where the pipe contacts the housing) and non-abutment regions (where gaps exist between the pipe and housing). This segmentation allows different portions of the pipe to serve different functions: heat insulation through gaps and structural support through contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the suction pipe are given different properties: abutment regions provide mechanical support and positioning, while non-abutment regions provide thermal insulation. This local differentiation of properties allows the pipe to simultaneously maintain its position and reduce heat transfer from the high-pressure refrigerant in the housing to the low-pressure refrigerant inside the pipe.
2Reliability
If the suction pipe is firmly fixed to the suction port to resist external forces from vibration, then the connection reliability improves, but heat transfer from the housing to the suction pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the suction pipe and housing is segmented into discrete contact points (abutment regions) rather than continuous contact. This allows the pipe to be firmly fixed at specific locations to resist vibrational forces while maintaining gaps at other locations to prevent heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment regions act as intermediary contact points that transmit mechanical forces (vibrations, external loads) from the suction pipe to the housing, while the non-abutment regions act as thermal intermediaries that block heat transfer paths. This intermediary structure allows simultaneous achievement of mechanical reliability and thermal insulation.
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 minimizes temperature rise of the refrigerant before compression, improving compressor efficiency and securely fixing the suction pipe, thereby enhancing overall compressor performance.
Implementation Method 1
In the non-abutment region, a space is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion end portion and the inner peripheral surface of the suction port. The inside of the housing and the inside of the suction pipe are separated from each other by the space. Therefore, it can be made difficult for the heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the housing to be transmitted to the refrigerant before compression flowing through the suction pipe.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A compressor system includes a compression mechanism unit which includes a cylinder (12A) having a compression chamber formed inside; a housing (11) through which a high-pressure refrigerant generated flows; and a suction pipe (26A) in which an insertion end portion (42) to be inserted into an suction port (23A) formed in the cylinder (12A) is formed at an end portion. Between an outer peripheral surface of the insertion end portion (42) and an inner peripheral surface of the suction port (23A), an abutment region in which the outer peripheral surface of the insertion end portion (42) and the inner peripheral surface of the suction port (23A) abut each other, and a non-abutment region (A2) forming a space between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion end portion (42) and the inner peripheral surface of the suction port (23A) are formed.