Perforated Evaporator Insert for TXV Gurgle Noise Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal expansion valves (TXVs) in air conditioning systems produce undesirable noises, particularly a transient gurgle, when activated due to refrigerant flow exciting acoustical cavity modes, and existing damping materials either fail to effectively suppress these noises or amplify them, adding cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
A noise reduction insert for the evaporator, featuring a body with a perforated mesh and flange design that reduces refrigerant velocity and pressure, preventing the excitation of acoustical cavity modes and thus suppressing gurgle noises, is introduced. The insert is designed to fit within the output line of the TXV housing, allowing refrigerant to flow freely while reducing modal frequencies that cause noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy damping material layers are applied to the TXV, tubing, and evaporator to suppress hiss and compressor induced noises, then noise suppression is improved, but transient gurgle is amplified and cost/weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
A noise reduction insert is introduced as an intermediary component within the evaporator. This insert features a perforated portion that allows refrigerant flow while a flange with an aperture creates a restricted flow path. The insert acts as a mediator that reduces refrigerant velocity and pressure without requiring external damping materials, thereby suppressing gurgle noises without amplifying them.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert changes the flow parameters of the refrigerant by creating a restricted flow path through the flange aperture. This restriction reduces the velocity and pressure of the refrigerant, preventing the excitation of acoustical cavity modes. The parameter change occurs within the evaporator itself, eliminating the need for additional damping materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping materials are applied to suppress noises, then noise reduction is achieved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the noise reduction function from external damping materials and relocates it within the evaporator structure itself. The noise reduction insert is integrated into the evaporator, taking out the need for separate damping material layers and achieving noise suppression through the insert's flow-restricting geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction insert serves multiple functions: it reduces refrigerant velocity and pressure, suppresses transient gurgle noises, and integrates within the existing evaporator structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate damping materials, reducing both weight and cost while achieving comprehensive noise reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If damping materials are applied to suppress noises, then noise suppression is improved, but application consistency becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction function is segmented into a discrete insert component that can be manufactured separately and then installed within the evaporator. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of the insert with consistent geometry, ensuring uniform noise reduction performance without the application variability associated with damping materials.
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 noise reduction insert effectively suppresses gurgle noises by reducing refrigerant velocity and pressure, preventing the excitation of acoustical cavity modes, thereby improving the operational silence of air conditioning systems without the drawbacks of traditional damping materials.
Implementation Method 1
A perforated portion of the body defines a plurality of openings configured to allow fluid to pass out from within the inner volume through the plurality of openings
Implementation Method 2
The flange defines an aperture through which the longitudinal axis extends. The aperture is configured to permit fluid to flow therethrough and into the inner volume defined by the body
Implementation Method 3
high velocity refrigerant that readily excites the acoustical cavity modes and circular/cylindrical higher order modes of refrigerant system components, which results in undesirable noises being produced
Data Source
AI summary
A noise reduction insert for an evaporator. The noise reduction insert includes a body defining an inner volume of the insert. The body extends along a longitudinal axis of the insert. A perforated portion of the body defines a plurality of openings configured to allow fluid to pass out from within the inner volume through the plurality of openings. A flange at a first end of the body is opposite to a second end of the body. The flange defines an aperture through which the longitudinal axis extends. The aperture is configured to permit fluid to flow therethrough and into the inner volume defined by the body.