Dual Evaporator Refrigerant Pipe Layout to Prevent Back-Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-type air conditioning systems for vehicles face challenges in minimizing the installation space for refrigerant discharging pipes and preventing refrigerant back-flow, leading to suboptimal compressor operation and reduced air conditioning performance, especially when the rear evaporator is not in use.
Innovation Solution
The system features a refrigerant joining point positioned closer to the compressor intake, with the first and second refrigerant discharging pipes arranged approximately in parallel and an arcuate portion near the joining point to prevent back-flow, allowing for efficient refrigerant flow and optimal installation in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the refrigerant joining point is positioned closer to the compressor intake, then the installation space for refrigerant discharging pipes is minimized, but the refrigerant flow path becomes more complex and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement to a three-dimensional parallel arrangement where the first and second refrigerant discharging pipes are positioned side-by-side. This dimensional change allows both pipes to reach the compressor intake simultaneously, minimizing installation space while maintaining simple, parallel pipe routing that avoids complex configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the first refrigerant discharging pipe connects from the front evaporator and the second refrigerant discharging pipe connects from the rear evaporator, with both pipes arranged at different spatial levels. This asymmetric yet parallel arrangement optimizes space utilization while preventing refrigerant back-flow through strategic positioning rather than complex routing.
2Volume of moving object
If the refrigerant discharging pipes are arranged in parallel, then the installation space is minimized and compressor operation is improved, but the risk of refrigerant back-flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions both the first and second refrigerant discharging pipes at equivalent heights and orientations, creating equipotential conditions for refrigerant flow. This parallel arrangement ensures that refrigerant from either evaporator flows smoothly to the compressor without creating pressure differentials that would cause back-flow, while minimizing installation space through compact positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing the parallel pipe arrangement with inherent flow direction control, where the pipes are positioned and oriented to prevent back-flow before it can occur. The strategic positioning of pipe entrances and exits, along with the parallel configuration, creates natural flow guidance that opposes any potential back-flow tendency.
3Reliability
If the refrigerant joining point is positioned closer to the compressor, then oil flow to the compressor is improved, but the refrigerant flow path length increases causing overheating instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigerant flow paths by providing separate first and second refrigerant discharging pipes for the front and rear evaporators, respectively. Both pipes terminate at the compressor intake, creating independent flow channels that prevent mixing and maintain optimal flow characteristics. This segmentation ensures reliable oil delivery to the compressor while controlling the length of each individual flow path to prevent overheating.
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 ensures smooth compressor operation and improved air conditioning performance by preventing refrigerant back-flow and allowing normal oil flow, while also minimizing installation restrictions and reducing overheating instability.
Implementation Method 1
the air, which is blown by a blower unit installed in the inlet end of the air conditioning case, is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant passing through the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
the compressor driven by the engine power compresses the refrigerant and sends the compressed refrigerant to the condenser
Implementation Method 3
In the condenser, the refrigerant is condensed by a forced blowing of a cooling fan
Implementation Method 4
the refrigerant passes, in sequence, a receiver drier, an expansion valve and an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerating cycle of a dual-type air conditioning system for vehicles having a front and rear evaporators provided at the front and rear sides of the car, in which the installation space for a refrigerant discharging pipe installed in the refrigerant discharging sides respectively of the front and rear evaporators can be minimized, and also the arrangement of the refrigerant discharging pipe is improved to prevent the refrigerant from back-flowing, thereby enabling a smooth operation of the compressor and also improving the performance of the air conditioning system.