AC Condenser Connector Block Layout for Crossed Flow Pipe Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing AC system piping in vehicles, particularly in trucks, experiences wear and vibration issues due to vertical piping configurations, and space constraints limit the ability to route pipes sideways from the connector bloc to the compressor, necessitating long and inefficient pipe lengths.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with a flat, rectangular AC condenser configuration and a connector bloc featuring separate channels for charge and discharge flows that cross within the bloc, allowing piping to extend parallel to the condenser and turn sideways, eliminating pipe crossings and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pipes run vertically from the connector bloc, then the piping can be simply connected, but the pipes experience wear and vibration against the vehicle and front panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical pipe routing to horizontal/sideways routing at the connector bloc level. The charge pipe and discharge pipe are arranged to extend in different directions from the connector bloc, with the charge pipe extending sideways and the discharge pipe extending in another direction, eliminating vertical contact points that cause wear and vibration.
2Reliability
If pipes are routed sideways from the connector bloc to the compressor, then wear and vibration are reduced, but space constraints prevent pipe crossing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the piping system into separate charge pipe and discharge pipe pathways at the connector bloc. Each pipe is routed independently in different directions, allowing the charge pipe to extend sideways and the discharge pipe to extend in another direction, eliminating the need for pipe crossing and optimizing space utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If long pipe lengths are used between connector bloc and compressor, then connection flexibility is increased, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing dimension from longitudinal (along the vehicle length) to lateral (sideways from connector bloc). By extending the charge pipe sideways and the discharge pipe in another direction at the connector bloc, the pipes reach the compressor more directly, reducing overall pipe length and space consumption while maintaining connection flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A connector device for an AC condenser comprising a connection header and a connector bloc (5) for transferring a charge gas flow of a charge pipe to the condenser via an inlet opening (8) and an outlet opening (9) of the connector bloc and for transferring a discharge liquid flow from the condenser via an inlet opening (12) and an outlet opening (13) to a discharge pipe, the charge inlet opening and the discharge outlet opening and the respective connecting pipe parts running thereto being arranged substantially in one plane substantially parallel to the main extension plane of the condenser, the discharge outlet opening being positioned between the charge inlet opening and the condenser header. The device is especially characterized in that the connector bloc (5) is arranged so that the charge gas flow (6) crosses the discharge liquid flow (11) in the connector bloc. The invention also relates to a vehicle.