Distributor, heat exchanger unit and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributors used in refrigeration systems face challenges in maintaining compactness and uniform fluid distribution as the number of branched pipes increases, leading to potential fluid leaks and worsened flow distribution characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A distributor design featuring a barrel-like main pipe with partitions and branched pipes connected to distribution paths, where the inner diameter and insertion length of branched pipes differ, and partitions are installed at a twisted angle to optimize fluid distribution and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributor is formed to have a plurality of branched pipes each linked to one of the plurality of distribution paths connected to a portion between neighboring partitions of the main pipe, then the distributor may not be compact with an increase in the number of branched pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor structure places the branched pipes inside the main pipe body, nesting them within the existing structure. The partition members divide the internal space of the main pipe, and branched pipes are positioned within these divided spaces, allowing multiple branched pipes to be accommodated without significantly increasing the overall volume of the distributor.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition members are arranged at different angular positions around the circumference of the main pipe, utilizing the radial dimension. This allows branched pipes to be distributed in different directions and planes within the main pipe body, maximizing space utilization and maintaining compactness while accommodating multiple branched pipes.
2Device complexity
If a structure in which each of the plurality of branched pipes is connected to a reservoir is employed, then fluids flowing into the plurality of distribution paths may be unequally distributed, which may worsen flow distribution characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the reservoir component from the distributor structure, eliminating the source of unequal flow distribution. Instead of connecting branched pipes to a common reservoir where flow imbalances occur, each branched pipe is directly connected to its corresponding distribution path, ensuring equal and independent flow distribution to each outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is segmented into independent flow paths by partition members that completely divide the internal space. Each partition creates a separate, isolated distribution path from the inlet to a specific branched pipe outlet, preventing flow interference between adjacent paths and ensuring uniform flow distribution to all branched pipes.
3Ease of manufacture
If a structure in which the distributor main body and the plurality of partition members are joined intact is employed, then a fluid leak may occur between the outer pipe and the plurality of partitions or between an inner shaft and the plurality of partitions
Solution Approach 1:
The partition members are integrally formed with the main pipe body as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate joining operations. This integral construction removes potential leakage interfaces between partitions and the main pipe, ensuring reliable fluid containment while simplifying the manufacturing process to a single forming operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of branched pipes is increased, then the number of distribution paths increases, which may fail to make the distributor compact
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distribution paths are nested within the single main pipe body by using partition members to divide the internal volume. Each partition creates a separate pathway, allowing the distributor to accommodate multiple branched pipes and distribution paths without increasing the external dimensions of the main pipe, thus maintaining compactness while increasing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner including a distributor configured to distribute a fluid to a heat exchanger. The distributor comprises a main pipe; a partition defining a plurality of distribution paths in the main pipe; a first branched pipe inserted into the main pipe as much as first length, linked to a first distribution path of the plurality of distribution paths, connected to a first portion of the heat exchanger; and a second branched pipe inserted into the main pipe as much as second length different from the first length, linked to the first distribution path, connected to a second portion of the heat exchanger. A flow velocity of air exchanging heat at the first portion of the heat exchanger is faster than a flow velocity of air exchanging heat at the second portion of the heat exchanger. The first length is shorter than the second length.