Ejectors and methods of manufacture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ejector refrigeration systems face limitations in manufacturing robust ejector components that can withstand operational pressures, requiring innovative solutions for material selection and manufacturing techniques to enhance flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a housing with a less robust material insert, such as a motive nozzle and mixer, allows for manufacturing flexibility and weight reduction, utilizing techniques like 3D printing and rapid prototyping, while maintaining structural integrity through a robust housing material like stainless steel, and incorporating seals and retaining mechanisms for axial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If robust materials are used for ejector components to withstand operational pressures, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is divided into two main segments: a robust housing that provides structural integrity and pressure containment, and a less robust insert (motive nozzle and mixer) that can be manufactured with lighter materials using additive manufacturing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials and manufacturing approaches are applied to different parts of the ejector based on local requirements. The housing requires high strength for pressure containment, while the insert components (motive nozzle and mixer) can use lighter materials since they don't bear the full operational pressure loads, enabling weight reduction without compromising overall structural integrity.
2Strength
If robust materials are used for ejector components, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and customization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is divided into two main segments: a robust housing that provides structural integrity and pressure containment, and a less robust insert (motive nozzle and mixer) that can be manufactured with lighter materials using additive manufacturing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert components are manufactured using additive manufacturing processes that allow for easy modification of design parameters, geometry, and flow characteristics. This enables customization and optimization of the ejector performance without requiring changes to the robust housing structure, providing manufacturing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If traditional manufacturing techniques are used for ejector components, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insert components are manufactured using additive manufacturing processes that allow for easy modification of design parameters, geometry, and flow characteristics. This enables customization and optimization of the ejector performance without requiring changes to the robust housing structure, providing manufacturing flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motive nozzle and mixer are combined into a single integrated insert component that can be manufactured as one piece using additive manufacturing. This merging reduces the number of parts, assembly steps, and associated costs, while the robust housing provides the necessary structural integrity for pressure containment.
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 approach enables the production of ejector components that can withstand operational pressures, offering customization, optimization, and weight reduction, particularly beneficial for transportation refrigeration systems, while maintaining structural integrity and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The primary refrigerant flow 103 enters the inlet 40 and then passes into a convergent section 104 of the motive nozzle 100. It then passes through a throat section 106 and an expansion (divergent) section 108 through an outlet (exit) 110 of the motive nozzle 100. The motive nozzle 100 accelerates the flow 103 and decreases the pressure of the flow.
Implementation Method 2
The pressure reduction caused to the primary flow by the motive nozzle helps draw the secondary flow 112 into the outer member.
Implementation Method 3
As the flow 103 exits the outlet 110, it begins to mix with the flow 112 with further mixing occurring through the mixing section 116 which provides a mixing zone.
Implementation Method 4
The resulting combined flow 120 is a liquid/vapor mixture and decelerates and recovers pressure in the diffuser 118 while remaining a mixture.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ejector (200; 400; 600; 700; 800) has a housing (202) and an insert. The housing has an upstream end (206) and a downstream end (208) and a branch (220). A primary flowpath extends from the upstream end and a secondary flowpath passes through the branch to join the primary flowpath. The insert (204; 402) is within the housing and extends from an upstream end (250) to a downstream end (252). The insert has a motive nozzle (240) having an inlet and an outlet. A mixer (242) is at least partially downstream of the motive nozzle. One or more passages (304) are positioned such that the secondary flowpath extends through the branch and through the one or more passages to join the primary flowpath, at least one portion of the insert being of less robust material than a material of the housing.