Manifold refrigerant module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The trapping of oil and refrigerant within the heat exchanger and refrigerant manifold due to pressure drops, leading to energy consumption increases, reduced heat transfer efficiency, and shortened lifespan due to corrosion and deterioration, is a challenge in modularized cooling systems of eco-friendly vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerant manifold module is designed with the manifold positioned at the upper side and heat exchangers at the lower side, with inlets and outlets disposed to facilitate fluid flow against gravity, minimizing pressure drops and preventing trapping by optimizing the flow path and connection structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger are disposed continuously at an upper side, then the structure is simplified, but pressure drop occurs and oil and refrigerant are trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the outlet below the inlet in the heat exchanger. This inversion allows refrigerant to flow downward under gravity, preventing oil and refrigerant trapping while maintaining structural simplicity. The outlet is specifically disposed at a lower position than the inlet, creating a downward flow path that eliminates the harmful trapping effect.
2Device complexity
If oil and refrigerant are trapped in the heat exchanger, then the structure remains simple, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the vertical arrangement of inlet and outlet ports. The outlet is positioned below the inlet, creating a downward flow path that prevents oil and refrigerant accumulation. This simple structural change eliminates trapping without increasing device complexity, thereby maintaining heat transfer efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the inlet and outlet are positioned to prevent trapping, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by inverting the port arrangement to outlet-below-inlet configuration. This inversion naturally prevents oil and refrigerant trapping through gravity-assisted downward flow, improving heat transfer efficiency. The design maintains installation ease by using a straightforward vertical arrangement that is simple to implement during assembly.
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 design reduces the likelihood of refrigerant and oil trapping, enhances heat exchange efficiency, improves system stability, and lowers manufacturing costs through simplified installation and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger coupled to a lower side of the manifold and configured to communicate with the flow path through an inlet and an outlet so that a fluid flows and is heat-exchanged
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flows and is heat-exchanged
Implementation Method 3
heat exchanger... configured to communicate with the flow path through an inlet and an outlet so that a fluid flows and is heat-exchanged
Implementation Method 4
the manifold is disposed at an upper side in a direction of gravity... at least one heat exchanger coupled to a lower side of the manifold... inlet is disposed above the outlet in the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a manifold refrigerant module, and more specifically, to a manifold refrigerant module which includes a manifold which is disposed at an upper side in a direction of gravity and in which a plurality of fluid flow paths are formed, and at least one heat exchanger coupled to a lower side of the manifold and configured to communicate with the flow path through an inlet and an outlet so that a fluid flows and is heat-exchanged, wherein the inlet is disposed above the outlet in the heat exchanger.