Condenser module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitor assemblies for air conditioning systems, particularly in motor vehicles, face structural and thermodynamic limitations that restrict installation space and increase material usage, complicating the manufacturing and soldering processes.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor assembly design where the inlet and outlet openings are arranged on the same side of the tubes, allowing for fluid communication with the headers, reducing installation space constraints and enabling more flexible thermodynamic design, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing material usage by integrating the inlet and outlet with the collection container or first collecting tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the inlet and outlet openings are arranged on opposite sides of the tubes (conventional design), then the structural stability is improved, but the installation space requirements increase and design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging both inlet and outlet openings on the same side of the condenser assembly (first header) rather than on opposite sides. This reconfigures the spatial arrangement from a linear/opposite configuration to a lateral/same-side configuration, freeing up the opposite side for alternative uses such as mounting brackets or additional components, thereby reducing installation space requirements while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The first header is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the inlet header and outlet header for the refrigerant flow, and simultaneously provides mounting surfaces for both inlet and outlet openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated headers for each function, simplifying the overall structure and reducing installation space requirements
2Loss of substance
If separate headers are used for inlet and outlet, then the fluid flow control is improved, but the material usage increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inlet header and outlet header functions into a single first header component. Both the inlet opening and outlet opening are provided on the same first header, eliminating the need for a separate second header for outlet purposes. This consolidation reduces material usage by removing redundant header structure while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components that need to be produced, assembled, and soldered
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inlet and outlet are arranged on the same side, then the installation freedom is improved, but the thermodynamic flow path optimization may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow management within the single header by providing multiple inlet openings and multiple outlet openings that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operating conditions. The header internal geometry is designed to dynamically distribute refrigerant flow across multiple tubes, ensuring optimal thermodynamic performance is maintained regardless of which specific inlet/outlet combinations are in use, thus preserving flow path precision while achieving design freedom
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 design enhances installation space efficiency, expands thermodynamic design possibilities, simplifies the manufacturing and soldering processes, and reduces material usage, making it suitable for compact installations such as small cars with limited engine compartments.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling fluid, which is in a vaporous state when it enters the condenser assembly, is converted into a liquid state of aggregation
Implementation Method 2
the liquid cooling fluid in a subcooling area is further supercooled
Implementation Method 3
A refrigerant, which is also referred to as cooling fluid, circulates in the refrigerant circuit... the cooling fluid... is converted into a liquid state
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a condenser assembly (10) for an air conditioning system, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising: several pipes (12) providing a flow path (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) for a cooling fluid, in particular coolant, a first collecting pipe (18), a second collecting pipe (20), a collecting container (22), an inlet opening for introducing the cooling fluid and an outlet opening for discharging the cooling fluid.The condenser assembly (10) is characterized in that the collection tank (22, 50, 62) and the first collecting tube (18) are arranged on the same side of the tubes (12), wherein the tubes (12) are in fluid communication with the collecting tubes (18, 20) and the first collecting tube (18) is in fluid communication with the collection tank (22, 50, 62), wherein the inlet opening (30, 52, 60) and/or the outlet opening (9, 32, 54, 66) is arranged on the first collecting tube (18), on the collection tank (22, 50, 62) or in between and is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the first collecting tube (18).