Compression module for vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environmental-friendly vehicles, the separate configuration of compressors and accumulators in heat pump systems complicates mounting, requires additional space, increases manufacturing costs, and hinders efficient cooling of control units.
Innovation Solution
A combined compression module integrating an accumulator and compressor with a separable control unit, featuring heat exchange and fastening mechanisms, reduces components and assembly processes, and optimizes space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the accumulator and compressor are configured as separate components and connected through a tube, then the system can ensure sufficient superheat of refrigerant, but the mounting space becomes insufficient and the layout becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accumulator and compressor into a single integrated component where the accumulator forms part of the compressor housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces and connection tubes while maintaining the accumulator's function of ensuring sufficient refrigerant superheat before compression, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and mounting space requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the accumulator and compressor are configured as separate components, then the system can be assembled with standard connection tubes, but the number of work processes and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the accumulator into the compressor body, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components and eliminates the need for separate connection tube assembly operations. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces work steps while maintaining the functional integrity of both components.
3Temperature
If the control unit is cooled by refrigerant from a separate accumulator, then the system can maintain control unit temperature, but the cooling efficiency is reduced and additional capacity is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is positioned within the accumulator cavity, allowing direct thermal interaction with the refrigerant. This nested arrangement enables the control unit to be cooled efficiently by the refrigerant passing through the accumulator, eliminating the need for additional cooling capacity or external cooling systems.
4Reliability
If the connection tube is made of hose material to accommodate relative vibration, then the system can handle vibration, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the accumulator and compressor into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for flexible hose connections to accommodate vibration. The unified structure inherently handles relative movement and vibration without requiring expensive flexible connection materials, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining vibration resistance.
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 integration enhances layout flexibility, reduces costs, and improves cooling efficiency of control units, minimizing the need for external tubes and separate mounting spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator unit separably mounted on the other surface of the control unit in a direction opposite to the compression unit, the accumulator unit being configured to supply a gaseous refrigerant to the compression unit
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment compression module for a vehicle includes a compression unit configured to compress a refrigerant introduced into the compression unit, a control unit having a first surface separably assembled to the compression unit to control the compression unit, and an accumulator unit separably mounted on a second surface of the control unit in a direction opposite to the compression unit, the accumulator unit being configured to supply the refrigerant to the compression unit in a gaseous state.