Double pipe icemaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double pipe icemakers inefficiently utilize the heat exchanger due to refrigerant jetting only in the circumferential direction, leading to non-uniform heat exchange with the cooling target.
Innovation Solution
The double pipe icemaker incorporates nozzles that jet refrigerant in both the radial and axial directions, or uses a shielding plate to ensure uniform heat exchange by expanding the refrigerant radially, and adjusts nozzle sizes and pitches to optimize cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the refrigerant is jetted only in the circumferential direction from orifices, then the device structure is simple, but the heat exchange uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction (circumferential) refrigerant jetting to multi-directional jetting by configuring nozzles that spray refrigerant in both axial and circumferential directions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion of the spray pattern ensures comprehensive coverage of the inner pipe surface, achieving uniform heat exchange without requiring complex multi-component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it jets refrigerant in the circumferential direction for cooling and in the axial direction for promoting uniform heat distribution. This multi-functional nozzle design eliminates the need for separate spraying mechanisms while achieving both structural simplicity and heat exchange uniformity.
2Device complexity
If the refrigerant jets only in the circumferential direction, then the nozzle structure is simple, but the heat exchanger utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds axial direction jetting capability to the nozzle, transforming the refrigerant spray from a two-dimensional circumferential pattern to a three-dimensional pattern that covers the entire inner pipe surface including axial regions. This enhances heat exchanger utilization by ensuring all areas of the inner pipe are effectively cooled.
3Device complexity
If the refrigerant hits a limited region of the inner pipe, then the spray pattern is simple, but the cooling uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle configuration enables refrigerant to spray in both axial and circumferential directions, creating a three-dimensional spray pattern that covers the entire inner pipe surface. This prevents the refrigerant from concentrating on limited regions and ensures uniform cooling across all areas of the inner pipe.
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 configuration enhances the utilization of the heat exchanger by ensuring uniform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling target, improving cooling efficiency and preventing refrigerant from hitting limited regions.
Implementation Method 1
the nozzle has a jet port allowing the refrigerant to jet in a radial direction including at least an axial direction and a circumferential direction of the inner pipe
Implementation Method 2
Cold water or brine as a cooling target flows into the inner pipe via an inlet provided at a first end of the inner pipe, and flows out of an outlet provided at a second end of the inner pipe. A refrigerant used to cool cold water or brine jets into an annular space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger including the inner pipe and the outer pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A double pipe icemaker includes an inner pipe, and an outer pipe provided radially outside the inner pipe and coaxially with the inner pipe. The outer pipe allows a cooling target to flow in the inner pipe and a refrigerant to flow in a space between the inner and outer pipes. The outer pipe has a wall provided with at least one nozzle to jet the refrigerant into the space. The nozzle has a jet port. The jet port may allow the refrigerant to jet in a radial direction including at least an axial direction and a circumferential direction of the inner pipe. A shielding plate may be provided ahead of the jet port in a jetting direction such that the refrigerant hitting the shielding plate expands along a surface of the shielding plate in a radial direction.