Heat exchanger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat exchanger designs face challenges in efficiently connecting a receiver drier to a condenser without occupying excessive space on the condenser's core, leading to packaging issues and reduced refrigerant handling capacity, while also requiring multiple components that increase cost and weight.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a core with strategically positioned connectors and blocks on the receiver drier, allowing for a compact connection that maximizes internal volume and minimizes space usage, using fluidically connected passages and plugs to facilitate efficient refrigerant flow without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the receiver drier is connected to the lateral side of the socket protruding from the condenser core, then the connection is simple and direct, but the receiver drier occupies significant space on the condenser core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidspace occupied by receiver drier
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is integrated into the receiver drier assembly, with the receiver drier nested around the socket structure. The connecting part of the receiver drier receives the protruding socket, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces the overall space occupied on the condenser core while maintaining direct connection simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the internal volume of the receiver drier is reduced to minimize space occupation, then the receiver drier can be easily assembled on the condenser core, but the performance of the receiver drier is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by receiver drierVSAvoidreceiver drier performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver drier is oriented perpendicular to the general axis of protrusion of the socket, utilizing a different spatial dimension for its placement. This dimensional reorientation allows the receiver drier to achieve its full internal volume for optimal performance while occupying minimal projected space on the condenser core outline

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional methods are used to connect the receiver drier without affecting performance, then the receiver drier performance is maintained, but multiple components are required leading to increased cost and weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiver drier performanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket and receiver drier connecting structures are merged into a single integrated assembly. The connecting part of the receiver drier is designed to directly receive the socket protrusion, combining what would traditionally be separate connection components into one unified structure, thereby reducing component count, cost, and weight while maintaining performance

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

This configuration enables optimal coupling of the receiver drier to the condenser, increasing its internal volume and reducing the overall space consumption on the condenser core, while maintaining efficient refrigerant handling and filtration capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchanger, particularly a condenser, is connected in a Heating Ventilation Air-conditioning system (HVAC) to condense the refrigerant flowing in the HVAC system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

The first block includes at least one first channel fluidically connected to the first passage of the first connector to enable fluid circulation between the bottle and the core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3945275B1Heat exchanger
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 VALEO AUTOSYSTY
  • EP3945275B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945275B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945275B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention herein provides a heat exchanger, particularly a condenser. The heat exchanger includes a core having a plurality of heat exchange elements, at least one first connector, and a bottle. The at least one first connector formed on the core and fluidically connected to the heat exchange elements. The first connector includes at least one first passage fluidically connected to the heat exchange elements of the core. The bottle includes a first block formed on a first end of the bottle and fluidically connected to the bottle. Further, the first block includes at least one first channel fluidically connected to the first passage of the first connector to enable fluid circulation between the bottle and the core. Further, the first block is adapted to receive at least a part of the first connector and fluidically connect the bottle to the plurality of heat exchange elements.