Stacking-Type Header Branching Flow Passage for Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stacking-type headers suffer from low refrigerant distribution uniformity due to misalignment during manufacturing or installation, and gravity affects the distribution when the inflow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, leading to deficiencies or excesses in refrigerant flow.
Innovation Solution
The proposed stacking-type header incorporates a branching flow passage with a straight-line part perpendicular to the gravity direction, allowing refrigerant to flow through both ends of the straight-line part, which reduces the impact of misalignment and gravity, ensuring uniform distribution by branching the refrigerant into multiple flows through strategically positioned end portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a branching flow passage with grooves extending perpendicular to the refrigerant inflow direction is used, then the refrigerant can be branched into multiple flows, but misalignment during manufacturing or lamination causes deficiency or excess of refrigerant in branching directions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an asymmetric structure by extending the straight-line part of the branching flow passage beyond the centerline of the groove in one direction (the direction toward the refrigerant source). This asymmetric design creates a larger flow path area on the upstream side, which compensates for misalignment errors by providing a more generous inlet region that can accommodate positional variations during manufacturing or lamination, thereby maintaining uniform refrigerant distribution despite alignment imperfections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stacking-type header is used under a state in which the inflow direction of the refrigerant is not parallel to the gravity direction, then the header can be installed in various orientations, but the refrigerant is affected by gravity causing deficiency or excess in branching directions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses gravity's influence by extending the straight-line part of the branching flow passage in the direction perpendicular to the gravity direction (or at least partially perpendicular). This dimensional adjustment creates a flow path geometry that is less sensitive to gravitational effects, as the extended upstream portion allows refrigerant to establish a more stable flow pattern before branching, reducing gravity-induced flow imbalances and enabling more uniform distribution across different installation orientations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inflow position of the refrigerant is misaligned from the center of the grooves, then manufacturing is simplified, but the refrigerant flow amount increases or decreases in branching directions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a cushioning effect by designing the straight-line part to extend beyond the groove centerline, creating a larger upstream flow region that acts as a buffer zone. This pre-designed geometric compensation provides tolerance for misalignment by ensuring that even when the refrigerant inlet is positioned imperfectly, there is sufficient flow path area available to maintain balanced flow distribution to all branches, effectively cushioning against the adverse effects of manufacturing variations.
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 design enhances the uniformity of refrigerant distribution by minimizing the effects of misalignment and gravity, improving the overall performance and efficiency of the refrigerant distribution system.
Implementation Method 1
the straight-line part perpendicular to the gravity direction, and the refrigerant flows into the branching flow passage through the part between both the ends of the straight-line part
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A stacking-type header (2) according to the present invention includes: a first plate-shaped unit (11) having a plurality of first outlet flow passages (11 A) formed therein; and a second plate-shaped unit (12) stacked on the first plate-shaped unit (11), the second plate-shaped unit (12) having a distribution flow passage (12A) formed therein, the distribution flow passage (12A) being configured to distribute refrigerant, which passes through a first inlet flow passage (12a) to flow into the second plate-shaped unit (12), to the plurality of first outlet flow passages (11 A) to cause the refrigerant to flow out from the second plate-shaped unit (12), in which the distribution flow passage (12A) includes a branching flow passage (12b) including a straight-line part perpendicular to a gravity direction, and in which the refrigerant flows into the branching flow passage (12b) through a part between both ends of the straight-line part, passes through both the ends, and flows out from the branching flow passage (12b) through a plurality of end portions.