Heat Exchanger Pipe Connection Structure for Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of internal condensers for vehicle HVAC systems faces challenges in optimizing performance, structural stability, and minimizing packaging space, particularly in scenarios with limited space and complex geometries for inlet and outlet pipe connections.
Innovation Solution
An improved inlet and outlet pipe configuration is introduced, featuring a first pipe connection structure with a through-hole for fluid communication and a second coupling element with a fluid barrier wall to prevent fluid communication, optimizing the connection to manifold tanks while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If complex geometries are used to accommodate inlet and outlet pipe connections in limited space, then the packaging space is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection structures are nested within the manifold tanks, with coupling elements integrated into the tank walls. The inlet pipe connection structure is positioned within the inlet end of the manifold tank, and the outlet pipe connection structure is positioned within the outlet end, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes packaging space while avoiding excessive geometric complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning coupling elements at different locations on the manifold tank walls and arranging pipe connections in multiple dimensions. This allows efficient space utilization without requiring overly complex two-dimensional geometries
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipe connection structures are integrated into manifold tanks to improve structural stability, then structural integrity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection structures are merged with the manifold tanks by integrating coupling elements directly into the tank walls. The coupling elements are formed as integral parts of the manifold tank structure, combining the functions of structural support and fluid connection into a single unified component, thereby enhancing structural stability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for pipe connections, act as fluid barriers to prevent leakage, and maintain the structural integrity of the manifold tanks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, balancing structural stability enhancement with controlled device complexity
3Productivity
If coupling elements with through-holes are used to provide fluid communication, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but the risk of fluid leakage between compartments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements exhibit local quality differentiation: they have through-holes in specific locations to enable required fluid communication for refrigerant flow, while maintaining solid barrier properties in other areas to prevent leakage between inlet and outlet compartments. This selective permeability optimizes both fluid flow efficiency and leakage prevention
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a pipe connection structure including a first coupling element and a second coupling element. The first coupling element includes a through-hole formed therethrough and the second coupling element includes a blind hole formed therein. A manifold tank includes a first tank compartment in alignment with the through-hole of the first coupling element and a second tank compartment in alignment with the blind hole of the second coupling element. The through-hole provides fluid communication between an interior of the pipe connection structure and the first tank compartment while the second coupling element forms a fluid barrier wall at an end of the blind hole thereof that prevents fluid communication between the interior of the pipe connection structure and the second tank compartment by way of the second coupling element.