Heat Exchanger Header Partition Layout for Dense Flat Tube Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face challenges in highly integrating flat tubes in the longitudinal direction of the header and downsizing the header, due to limitations in partitioning designs that affect refrigerant flow and tube arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a heat exchanger design featuring a first and second partitioning member that partitions the header's inner space, with a common opening that includes both an insertion opening and a refrigerant opening, allowing for higher integration and downsizing by positioning the second partitioning member across the header's longitudinal direction, and incorporating nozzles and separate members to manage refrigerant flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate openings (insertion slot and refrigerant opening) are formed in the partition plate, then the partitioning function is achieved, but the header cannot be highly integrated and cannot be downsized in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insertion slot and refrigerant opening into a single integrated opening in the partition plate. This allows the second partitioning member to be inserted while simultaneously providing a pathway for refrigerant flow, thereby achieving both the partitioning function and header integration/downsizing without requiring separate openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the partition plate serves multiple functions: it acts as an insertion slot for the second partitioning member, a refrigerant opening for fluid flow, and a positioning feature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated openings, enabling header compactness while maintaining operational requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple separate openings are provided in the partition plate, then refrigerant flow paths are established, but the longitudinal space of the header increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple refrigerant flow paths are integrated into a single opening structure. The opening is designed to accommodate the second partitioning member while incorporating internal features that create multiple refrigerant channels, thus providing adequate refrigerant flow paths without increasing the header's longitudinal dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the header in the longitudinal direction with multiple separate openings, the patent creates refrigerant flow paths in transverse dimensions within the single opening. This allows multiple flow paths to coexist without increasing the header length, achieving compact longitudinal design while maintaining sufficient refrigerant circulation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the partition plate has separate insertion slot and refrigerant opening, then assembly is simplified, but flat tube integration in longitudinal direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion slot and refrigerant opening are merged into a single integrated opening structure. This allows the partition plate to maintain simple assembly characteristics while simultaneously enabling higher flat tube integration, as the unified opening design facilitates closer spacing and more efficient arrangement of flat tubes in the longitudinal direction.
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 enables higher integration of flat tubes and downsizing of the header, reducing refrigerant drift and improving air conditioning performance by optimizing refrigerant flow and distribution across the header.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger has a plurality of flat tubes, a fin joined to the plurality of flat tubes... designed to enable heat exchange between a refrigerant that flows through the flat tubes and air that flows outside the flat tubes
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange between a refrigerant that flows through the flat tubes and air that flows outside the flat tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger including: a header; flat tubes connected to the header and disposed in line along a longitudinal direction of the header; a first partition that partitions an inner space of the header into a first space on a side where the flat tubes are connected and a second space on a side opposite to the first space; and a second partition that partitions the inner space of the header into a first side and a second side. The first side is one side of the header in the longitudinal direction and the second side is opposite to the first side. The first partition has a common opening. The common opening includes an insertion opening and a refrigerant opening. A refrigerant moves between the first space and the second space via the refrigerant opening. The second partition is inserted into the insertion opening.