Monobloc Air Conditioning Support Integrating Compressor and Heat Exchangers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air conditioning systems for motor vehicles are prone to refrigerant leakage and are difficult to install, lacking effective measures to limit pressure drops and ensure secure refrigerant fluid circulation.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a one-piece support with integrated components such as a compressor, heat exchangers, and pumps, forming a monobloc assembly that includes a primary air conditioning loop and two secondary loops, with internal pipes for fluid communication, and attachment means to the vehicle chassis, reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple air conditioning components are distributed and installed separately in the vehicle, then the system allows flexibility in component placement and individual component access, but the risk of refrigerant leakage increases and installation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant leakage riskVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple air conditioning components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, distribution block) into a single integrated monobloc assembly. This merging of previously separate components into one unified structure eliminates the need for multiple connection points and refrigerant lines between components, thereby reducing refrigerant leakage risk while simplifying installation to a single unit mounting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple air conditioning components are connected through external pipes and connections, then the system allows modular assembly and component replacement, but pressure drops increase due to multiple connection points and pipe lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure drop reductionVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all air conditioning components into a single monobloc assembly with internal fluid passages, the invention eliminates external pipes and multiple connection points. This internal integration of refrigerant flow paths within the unified structure minimizes pressure drops by reducing flow path length and eliminating connection losses, while the components are manufactured as an integrated unit rather than assembled from separate parts.

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 effectively limits refrigerant fluid leaks and pressure drops within the air conditioning loop, enhancing system reliability and ease of installation by integrating key components into a unified, easily mountable unit.

Implementation Method 1

refrigerant fluid/interior air heat exchangers to allow successive heat transfers between the refrigerant fluid and the interior air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

heat transfer between the refrigerant fluid and the interior air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an expansion member interposed between the refrigerant fluid/interior air heat exchangers, the expansion member being provided to lower the pressure of the refrigerant fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure reduction through expansion: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 4

a compressor to bring the refrigerant fluid to high pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 5

a coolant fluid/ambient air heat exchanger to allow heat transfer between the coolant fluid and an ambient air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer to ambient air: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2335953B1Air conditioning system comprising a support carrying constituting elements of the system
Publication Date: 2012.09.19 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP2335953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2335953B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2335953B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The system (1) has an air-conditioning, heating and/or ventilation installation unit (3) that is constituted by a plastic material case (7). Coolant/heat transfer fluid heat exchangers (13, 14), an internal heat exchanger (19), a distribution block (22), a hybrid or electrical compressor (15) and an accumulator (16) are connected on a support (100). The support is provided with a fixation unit (103) at a chassis of a motor vehicle, and a gripping unit (102).