Oil separator and air conditioner having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil separators for air conditioners are inefficient in separating oil from refrigerant, leading to reduced compressor performance due to oil accumulation, and require a more effective design to enhance separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The oil separator is designed with a cylindrical casing of specific dimensions (inner diameter of 38.1 mm to 46.8 mm and height of 150 mm to 180 mm) and a suction tube angled at 60°, which increases oil separation efficiency by optimizing refrigerant flow and pressure differences, allowing for effective separation and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the oil separator size is reduced for miniaturization, then the device volume decreases, but the oil separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the inner diameter (38.1-46.8 mm) and height (150-180 mm) of the casing, as well as the suction tube angle (60°), to optimize the balance between compact volume and effective oil separation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dimensional optimization by specifying precise geometric parameters including the 60° suction tube angle and specific diameter-to-height ratios, transforming the separation process through optimized spatial configuration rather than simply increasing overall size
2Reliability
If the suction tube angle is increased to 60° for better separation, then the oil separation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the suction tube angle to 60°, which creates optimal centrifugal force for oil separation while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical structure without complex mechanical components
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 significantly increases oil separation efficiency by up to 20% while reducing the size of the oil separator by 75%, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of prior art and improving compressor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a suction tube inserted into and installed on a side surface of the casing to introduce a refrigerant mixed with oil into the casing
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant discharge tube vertically inserted into and installed on an upper portion of the casing to discharge the refrigerant into the casing
Implementation Method 3
an oil discharge tube connected to a lower portion of the casing to discharge the oil into the casing
Data Source
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AI summary
An oil separator and an air conditioner having the same are provided. The oil separator may include a casing having a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section in a horizontal direction, a suction tube inserted into and installed on a side surface of the casing to introduce a refrigerant mixed with oil into the casing, a refrigerant discharge tube vertically inserted into and installed on an upper portion of the casing to discharge the refrigerant from the casing, and an oil discharge tube connected to a lower portion of the casing to discharge the oil from the casing. The casing may have an inner diameter of about 38.1 mm to about 46.8 mm in the horizontal cross-section.