Fluid control assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

In refrigeration systems, the flow direction of refrigerant through fluid heat exchange devices is not constant, particularly when the compressor is turned on or off, leading to reflux issues.

Innovation Solution

A fluid control assembly with a heat exchange core, mounting block, and valve core member, where the valve core member is arranged in a first mounting hole passage and sealable to the wall portion, enabling the fluid flow passage to have a constant direction by operating under pressure differences between sub-passages to enable or disable communication between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional fluid heat exchange device is used with constant system requirements, then the system structure is simple, but the refrigerant flow direction becomes unstable when the compressor is turned on/off causing reflux

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction stabilityVSAvoidfluid control assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid control assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a heat exchange core with first and second heat exchange chambers, a mounting assembly with a valve body containing multiple passages (first flowing passage, second flowing passage, third flowing passage), and a regulating valve with a valve core assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and preventing reflux.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If the compressor is turned on/off frequently, then energy consumption is reduced, but refrigerant reflux occurs due to flow direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor energy consumptionVSAvoidrefrigerant flow direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The one-way valve mechanism is installed in advance in the fluid control assembly to prevent reflux before it can occur. When the compressor turns on/off, the valve core assembly automatically responds to pressure differences and blocks the reverse flow path, preventing refrigerant from flowing backward into the heat exchange core. This preliminary protective action allows frequent compressor cycling without compromising refrigerant flow direction stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a one-way flow passage mechanism is added to ensure constant flow direction, then reflux is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow direction constancyVSAvoidnumber of passages and valve components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve core assembly is integrated into the valve body, and the mounting assembly is fixed to the heat exchange core, merging multiple functions into a compact unified structure. The first flowing passage, second flowing passage, and third flowing passage are combined within the valve body, allowing the one-way flow control mechanism to be embedded within the existing heat exchange device architecture rather than adding separate external components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution ensures a constant flow direction of fluid, preventing reflux and improving the stability and efficiency of refrigeration systems by integrating a one-way flow passage mechanism, reducing production costs and the risk of leakage.

Implementation Method 1

The core body of the valve core member is operated under a pressure difference between the first sub-passage and the second sub-passage, to enable or disable the communication between the first sub-passage and the second sub-passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3683522B1Fluid control assembly
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 ZHEJIANG SANHUA INTELLIGENT CONTROLS CO LTD
  • EP3683522B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683522B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3683522B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fluid control assembly (10), comprising a heat exchange core (1) and a mounting block (2). A valve core member (3) is provided by means of the mounting block (2), and the valve core member (3) comprises a core body (31); the core body (31) acts under the pressure difference between a first sub-channel (211) and a second sub-channel (212); when the valve core member (3) is in a valve-opening state, the first sub-channel (211) is in communication with the second sub-channel (212) by means of a communication hole (314); and when the valve core member (3) is in a valve-closing state, the first sub-channel (211) is not in communication with the second sub-channel (212), so that the fluid control assembly (10) integrates one-way connection and one-way dis-connection functions.