Desiccant Bag Filter Assembly for Compact Dryer Chamber Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desiccant packages in mobile air conditioning systems are difficult to handle and position within integrated condenser dryer chambers, leading to inefficiencies in refrigerant drying and requiring separate tubing, which increases spatial requirements.
Innovation Solution
A desiccant bag and filter assembly with elongated exterior support members and integral stand-off members for easy handling and positioning, combined with a filter housing that can be integrally molded or detachably mounted, providing adequate filtration and flexibility in size and shape to fit various dryer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If desiccant material is placed in a separate bag or pouch, then the desiccant can be contained and positioned in the chamber, but the package becomes difficult to grip, handle, and position properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the desiccant bag with the filter assembly into a single integrated unit. The support member that structurally supports the filter also serves as the handling structure, eliminating the need for separate handling mechanisms and making the entire assembly easy to grip and position as one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the filter, acts as a handling structure for easy insertion and removal, and positions the desiccant bag properly within the chamber. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation without adding device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If stand off members are provided to ensure proper spacing, then the desiccant package is positioned correctly in the chamber, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off functionality is merged into the support member itself. The support member is designed with extended portions that naturally provide the required spacing between the filter assembly and the chamber walls, eliminating the need for separate stand-off members and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member features asymmetric extended portions that are strategically positioned to provide precise spacing in specific locations where needed for proper positioning and fluid flow channels, rather than uniform spacing throughout. This asymmetric design achieves positioning accuracy without excessive structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate tubing is used to connect condenser with receiver, then the system is easier to assemble, but the spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser and receiver are merged into a single integrated condenser/receiver unit with the filter assembly built-in. This integration eliminates the need for separate tubing connections while reducing the overall spatial footprint of the system, as the components occupy overlapping space rather than requiring linear arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly and desiccant package are nested within the receiver chamber of the integrated condenser/receiver unit. This nesting arrangement allows multiple components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall volume required compared to separate components connected by tubing.
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
The assembly allows for easy insertion and removal of desiccant packages, ensures proper spacing within the dryer chamber, and provides effective filtration, reducing spatial requirements and improving the efficiency of refrigerant drying in mobile air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a container or package of desiccant material, usually a bag or pouch of mesh material, which absorbs water vapor from the liquid refrigerant reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The desiccant-containing package positioned in the receiver dries refrigerant fluid (and the oil and moisture entrained therein) before the dried refrigerant enters a supercooler unit
Data Source
AI summary
Desiccant bag and filter assembly adapted for insertion into an integrated condenser dryer chamber of a vehicle or mobile air conditioning system or the like. A support member (4) lies along the exterior of a desiccant containing pouch (2) with the pouch secured at both of its longitudinal ends to the support. A filter member is integral with the assembly and positioned at one end of the pouch. Rigid stand off members (10, 18) are positioned at respective ends of the assembly.