Plate-type refrigerant pipe and refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant pipes in refrigeration apparatuses are often made of copper, which is expensive and prone to price fluctuations, and they face challenges in durability due to the forces exerted by refrigerant pressure.
Innovation Solution
A plate-type refrigerant pipe is developed using stainless steel plates joined to form refrigerant flow paths, with a coupling pipe made of a different material (such as copper) that matches the connecting surface of another refrigerant pipe, facilitating easy connection and reducing the load on the joining surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If copper pipes are used for refrigerant pipes, then ease of connection and traditional reliability are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and price stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant pipe system uses composite construction by joining stainless steel plates (for cost reduction and durability) with a coupling pipe made of copper or copper alloy (for ease of connection). This composite approach combines the advantages of both materials: stainless steel provides cost effectiveness and structural strength, while the copper coupling pipe ensures reliable connections. The joining surface between the coupling pipe and stainless steel plate forms a durable joint that maintains connection reliability while reducing overall manufacturing cost compared to traditional all-copper pipes
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the refrigerant pipe system use different materials optimized for their specific functions. The main pipe body uses stainless steel for cost effectiveness and durability, while the coupling pipe portion uses copper or copper alloy where connection properties are most critical. This local differentiation of material quality allows the system to maintain high connection reliability at the joint while reducing manufacturing costs in the main pipe structure
2Ease of manufacture
If stainless steel plates are joined to form refrigerant flow paths, then manufacturing cost decreases compared to copper pipes, but the joining surface may be subjected to excessive force from refrigerant pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The joining surface between the coupling pipe and stainless steel plate is designed to distribute refrigerant pressure forces effectively. The coupling pipe structure and joining method create a reinforced joint that can withstand the forces exerted by refrigerant pressure, preventing failure at the joining surface while maintaining the cost advantages of stainless steel construction
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pipe acts as an intermediary element between the stainless steel plate and the refrigerant flow. It serves as a mediator that absorbs and distributes the forces from refrigerant pressure, protecting the joining surface from excessive stress while maintaining the integrity of the connection
3Ease of operation
If a coupling pipe made of different material is attached to stainless steel plates, then ease of connection with other refrigerant pipes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pipe made of copper or copper alloy provides universal compatibility for connecting to other refrigerant pipes regardless of their material composition. This multi-functional coupling approach allows the stainless steel plate assembly to connect with various types of refrigerant pipes (copper, aluminum, or other materials) using standard connection methods, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring multiple specialized connection components for different pipe types
Data Source
AI summary
A plate-type refrigerant pipe includes: a first plate made of stainless steel; a second plate made of stainless steel; and a coupling pipe, made of a material that is different from stainless steel, attached to one or both of the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and the second plate are joined to form a refrigerant flow path. The coupling pipe is connected to a refrigerant pipe at a connecting surface of refrigerant pipe. The material of the coupling pipe is identical to a material of the connecting surface of the refrigerant pipe.