Gas-liquid separation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-liquid separation devices in electric vehicle heat pump systems are heavy and costly due to metal welding processes, posing a challenge for reducing weight while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A gas-liquid separation device design featuring a first and second cylinder with a heat exchange assembly and gas-liquid separation assembly, where a pipe portion allows for the communication between the second cavity and the outer space of the first cylinder, enabling efficient liquid return and heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal welding processes are used to manufacture gas-liquid separation devices, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, and changes the connection parameter from welding to ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. This allows the device to maintain structural reliability while significantly reducing weight and manufacturing cost, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and weight.
2Reliability
If metal welding processes are used to manufacture gas-liquid separation devices, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic and the connection method from welding to ultrasonic welding or adhesive bonding. Plastic materials are generally less expensive than metals, and these alternative connection methods reduce manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining adequate structural reliability for the application.
3Device complexity
If the gas-liquid separation device is designed with integrated heat exchange and separation functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchange assembly and gas-liquid separation assembly into a single integrated device structure. The heat exchange assembly is positioned within the same housing as the separation assembly, allowing thermal management and phase separation to occur in close proximity. This integration reduces the number of separate components and connections, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective heat exchange through the designed thermal pathways.
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 reduces the weight and cost of the gas-liquid separation device while maintaining its functionality, enhancing the gas-liquid separation and heat exchange efficiency, and facilitating the liquid return function in thermal management systems.
Implementation Method 1
A gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation by the gas-liquid separation assembly enters the interlayer cavity, and then performs heat exchange with the heat exchange assembly
Implementation Method 2
A gaseous refrigerant after gas-liquid separation by the gas-liquid separation assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas-liquid separation device includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a heat exchange assembly and a gas-liquid separation assembly. The gas-liquid separation device defines a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity includes a space between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The second cavity includes an inner cavity of the second cylinder. The gas-liquid separation assembly is at least partially located in the second cavity. An inner cavity of the gas-liquid separation assembly is in communication with the first cavity and the second cavity. At least part of the heat exchange assembly is located in the first cavity. The gas-liquid separation device includes a first pipe portion. A pipe cavity of the first pipe portion communicates with the second cavity and an outer space of the first cylinder.