Dual-Pipe Accumulator Layout for Compact Vapor-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner accumulators require larger tank sizes due to coolant pipe bending, making them unsuitable for small spaces and struggle with efficient vapor-liquid separation and high pressure resistance.
Innovation Solution
A compact accumulator design featuring a dual pipe configuration with an internal heat exchanger, where high-pressure pipes are aligned longitudinally for efficient heat exchange and a cyclone mechanism for effective liquid-vapor separation, along with an explosion means for pressure relief, allowing for a smaller tank diameter while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the coolant pipe is bent inside the tank to connect inlet and outlet, then the pipe can be routed internally, but the tank size must be increased to accommodate the bent pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional bent pipe layout to a three-dimensional coiled pipe configuration. The pipe is wound in a spiral pattern around a central axis, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions to achieve compact routing without increasing the tank's footprint or requiring excessive tank volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant pipe is coiled within itself, with each loop nested around the previous one. This nested arrangement allows the pipe to occupy minimal space while maintaining the necessary inlet and outlet connections, effectively hiding the complexity within a compact cylindrical form.
2Volume of stationary object
If the tank size is reduced for compact mounting, then space requirements are reduced, but the vapor-liquid separation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vortex-generating structure that creates rotational motion in the incoming coolant flow. This mechanical vortex action enhances the separation of vapor and liquid phases through centrifugal forces, allowing effective separation in a compact tank volume without sacrificing separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hydraulic properties of the two-phase flow, employing a cyclone separator design where the vortex flow pattern naturally separates vapor (rising to the center) from liquid (thrown to the periphery). This pneumatic-hydraulic separation mechanism achieves high efficiency in a compact configuration.
3Volume of stationary object
If the tank diameter is reduced for compact mounting, then space requirements are reduced, but the pressure resistance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction for the tank, combining materials with different mechanical properties to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio and superior pressure resistance in a compact form. The composite structure allows the tank to withstand high pressures without requiring increased diameter or wall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a cylindrical tank geometry with optimized curvature ratios, where the circular cross-section and appropriate length-to-diameter ratio distribute stress evenly under pressure. This curved geometry provides inherent pressure resistance, allowing compact dimensions while maintaining high pressure capability.
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 design enables easy mounting in small spaces with improved vapor-liquid separating performance and high pressure resistance, maintaining efficiency across a range of tank diameters from 30 mm to 60 mm, outperforming traditional designs in both separation and pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone mechanism for effective liquid-vapor separation
Implementation Method 2
an internal heat exchanger, where high-pressure pipes are aligned longitudinally for efficient heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
along with an explosion means for pressure relief
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an accumulator of an air conditioner, in which a coolant outlet pipe is a dual pipe (36) with an internal pipe (36b) and an external pipe (36a), a return cap (56) is combined to the lower end of the dual pipe (36), and a gas coolant flows from the upper portion inside a tank (20) through a gas coolant inlet between the internal pipe and the external pipe, turns into the internal pipe at the return cap (56), and then continues flowing through the gas coolant outlet to an outer pipe. Therefore, the accumulator can be manufactured from a small tank, so that it can be easily mounted in a small space with high liquid-vapor separating performance and pressure resistance.