Laminated Header Flow Paths for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacking type headers experience insufficient uniformity in refrigerant distribution when the refrigerant flow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, leading to shortages or excesses in branch directions.
Innovation Solution
A stacking type header design featuring a first plate shaped body with multiple outlet flow paths and a second plate shaped body with a distribution flow path, including a branch flow path with an inflow path non-parallel to the gravity direction, and outflow paths that incline upwardly or downwardly to reduce the effect of inertia force, ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inflow flow path is parallel to the gravity direction, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates due to gravity effect causing shortage or excess in branch directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the outflow flow paths with different inclination angles relative to the horizontal direction. Specifically, when the inflow flow path has an inclination angle α relative to the horizontal, the outflow flow paths are designed with inclination angles β that differ from each other, creating an asymmetric configuration that compensates for gravity's uneven effect on refrigerant distribution across different branch directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inclination angle parameter of the outflow flow paths to optimize refrigerant distribution. By adjusting the inclination angles β of the outflow flow paths based on the inflow inclination angle α and the number of branches, the system compensates for gravity's influence and achieves uniform refrigerant distribution across all branch directions
2Device complexity
If the outflow flow paths are horizontal (parallel to gravity direction), then the structure is simple, but the inertia force effect causes non-uniform refrigerant distribution in branch directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the outflow flow path configuration by setting different inclination angles β for different outflow paths. This asymmetric design counteracts the symmetric inertia force distribution that would otherwise cause non-uniform refrigerant flow, allowing each branch to receive appropriate refrigerant amounts despite varying inertia effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the outflow flow paths with specific inclination angles that counteract the expected inertia force effects before refrigerant flow occurs. This pre-designed geometric compensation ensures uniform distribution by opposing the detrimental inertia effects in advance
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 design improves refrigerant distribution uniformity by reducing the impact of inertia force, enhancing the efficiency of refrigerant flow and heat exchange capacity in the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
The inflow flow path includes a portion unparallel to a gravity direction to allow the refrigerant to flow into the branch section via the portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one outflow flow path of the plurality of outflow flow paths allows the refrigerant to flow out in a second direction upwardly or downwardly inclined at an end communicating with the branch section
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A stacking type header 2 according to the present invention includes a first plate shaped body 11 having a plurality of first outlet flow paths 11 A and a second plate shaped body 12 stacked on the first plate shaped body 11 and having a distribution flow path 12A so that refrigerant flowing from a first inlet flow path 12a is distributed and flows out to the plurality of first outlet flow paths 11 A. A branch flow path 12b_2 of the distribution flow path 12A is formed to allow refrigerant flowing into a branch section to flow out in an upwardly declined or downwardly declined direction.