Flow path unit and refrigerant circulation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerant circulation devices face challenges in efficiently managing foreign substances and pressure loss in refrigerant flow paths, which can affect the performance and longevity of components like heat exchangers and pumps.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a flow path assembly with a tubular body and pressure sensor to detect pressure changes, allowing for timely replacement of the tubular body to prevent foreign substance accumulation and reduce pressure loss, coupled with a design that minimizes pressure loss in refrigerant flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tubular body with holes is installed in the refrigerant flow path to trap foreign substances, then foreign substance accumulation is prevented, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of foreign substance accumulationVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular body is designed with multiple holes that form a porous structure, allowing refrigerant to pass through while trapping foreign substances. The porous configuration enables the system to maintain filtration functionality while minimizing pressure loss compared to solid barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor detects pressure changes in real-time, allowing the system to monitor and respond to pressure loss conditions. By changing operational parameters based on sensor feedback, the system can optimize performance while managing the trade-off between foreign substance trapping and pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the tubular body is replaced frequently to prevent foreign substance accumulation, then component reliability is improved, but maintenance time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent performanceVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback on the condition of the tubular body and refrigerant flow. This feedback mechanism enables predictive maintenance by alerting operators when pressure changes indicate the tubular body needs replacement, optimizing maintenance timing to balance reliability with minimal downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor detects pressure changes before they lead to critical failures or excessive foreign substance accumulation. By taking preliminary action based on sensor alerts, the system can schedule maintenance at optimal intervals rather than using fixed frequent replacement schedules, reducing unnecessary maintenance time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the sensor is positioned closer to the first end of the tubular body, then pressure detection is simpler, but detection accuracy of pressure changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection simplicityVSAvoidpressure change detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is positioned at the second end of the tubular body, perpendicular to the main flow direction, creating a detection point that captures pressure changes from a different spatial dimension. This positioning optimizes the detection of pressure variations caused by foreign substance accumulation while maintaining practical installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reliability and efficiency of refrigerant circulation by preventing foreign substance entry into critical components and reducing pressure loss, thereby extending the lifespan and performance of the refrigerant circulation system.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor that detects pressure in the first tubular body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250334304A1Flow path unit and refrigerant circulation device

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 NIDEC CORP(JP)

AI summary

A flow path assembly includes a main body including a flow path continuous with each of a first opening and a second opening, a first tubular body extending in a first direction intersecting the first opening in the flow path and including a plurality of holes, and a sensor to detect a pressure in the first tubular body. A first end of the first tubular body in the first direction is connected to the first opening. The sensor is closer to a second end of the first tubular body than the first end of the first tubular body.