Vapor-liquid separator and clothes treating apparatus having the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vapor-liquid separators are not compatible with horizontal compressors due to increased overall height and fail to effectively separate gas and liquid phases when inlet and outlet are positioned on the same side, leading to interference with other components in compact spaces, such as those found in clothes treating apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A horizontally disposed vapor-liquid separator with an inlet and outlet on the same side, featuring a casing with a suction pipe, first and second partitions, and a filter unit, which separates and filters refrigerant mixtures without mixing, allowing for compact installation and efficient separation even in narrow spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vertical vapor-liquid separator is connected to a horizontal compressor, then the separator can be installed, but the overall height of the compressor and separator is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with horizontal compressorVSAvoidoverall height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical orientation of the vapor-liquid separator to a horizontal orientation. The separator body is disposed horizontally rather than vertically, allowing it to connect to the horizontal compressor without increasing overall height. The inlet and outlet are positioned on the same side of the separator body, enabling compact integration with the horizontal compressor while maintaining separation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the inlet and outlet of the vapor-liquid separator are positioned on opposing sides, then separation can be achieved, but the separator interferes with other components in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions both the inlet and outlet on the same side of the separator body, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric layout allows the separator to be installed in narrow spaces without interfering with other components, while internal partitions and flow channels are designed to ensure effective gas-liquid separation despite the compact external footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Area of stationary object

If a horizontal accumulator is disposed in a narrow space with inlet and outlet on the same side, then space is saved, but gas phase refrigerant cannot be returned effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidrefrigerant return efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separator body is divided into multiple chambers by internal partitions. The first chamber receives the refrigerant mixture from the inlet, while the second chamber receives the returned gas phase refrigerant. This segmentation allows effective gas-liquid separation and return flow within a compact horizontal configuration, solving the problem of insufficient return flow path in narrow spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical dimension within the horizontal separator body by positioning the inlet above the outlet and creating vertical flow paths through partitions. This three-dimensional arrangement enables effective separation and return flow within a compact footprint, maximizing space utilization while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables compact installation of the vapor-liquid separator with the compressor without increasing overall height, effectively separates gas and liquid phases, and optimizes space usage in clothes treating apparatuses by preventing interference with adjacent components.

Implementation Method 1

separate the liquid phase refrigerant and the gas phase refrigerant based on a difference in density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a filter unit (1154) surrounding a circumference of the return hole (1156a) to filter out and remove all the foreign objects included in a returned gas phase refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10280545B2Vapor-liquid separator and clothes treating apparatus having the same

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A vapor-liquid separator includes a casing having an accommodation space, an inlet at the casing to allow a refrigerant mixture fluid to be intaken to the accommodation space therethrough, and an outlet at the side of the inlet to allow a gas phase refrigerant separated from the refrigerant mixture fluid to be discharged therethrough.