Receiver Drier Filter and Guide Structure for Refrigerant Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of separating liquid and gas refrigerants in existing receiver driers for vehicle air conditioners is inadequate, which affects the efficiency of the condenser and the receiver drier itself.
Innovation Solution
A receiver drier design featuring a tubular body with a desiccant bag, a filter, and a cap with a guide member that directs refrigerant flow, allowing for effective separation of liquid and gas refrigerants through a baffle and coupling portion, ensuring smooth flow and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional receiver drier design is used, then the structure is simple, but the separation performance of liquid and gas refrigerants is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver drier is divided into distinct functional segments: an upper separation chamber with a baffle for liquid-gas separation, a middle filtering section with a filter, and a lower storage chamber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall separation performance while maintaining a manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A baffle is introduced as a vertical partition within the separation chamber, adding a spatial dimension to the separation process. The baffle creates distinct flow paths for liquid and gas refrigerants, enabling effective separation based on density differences and flow direction rather than relying solely on horizontal settling.
2Productivity
If the receiver drier structure is modified to improve separation performance, then separation efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated receiver drier unit: refrigerant storage, liquid-gas separation, moisture absorption (via desiccant), and filtration. By combining these functions in one component rather than separate units, the system achieves high separation efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver drier is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs separation, filtration, and storage. The separation chamber serves both as a settling area and a flow distribution zone, while the filter integrates into the existing structure rather than requiring a separate housing, thus improving productivity without excessive complexity increase.
3Reliability
If a filter is added to improve refrigerant flow quality, then separation performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is nested within the receiver drier housing, with the filter element positioned inside the separation chamber. This nesting approach allows the filter to be integrated into the existing structure without requiring a separate external housing or complex assembly procedures, thereby improving refrigerant flow quality while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
Enhances the separation efficiency of liquid and gas refrigerants, improving the performance and durability of both the condenser and the receiver drier, while allowing for easy desiccant bag replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a desiccant bag (30) inserted into the tubular body (100)
Implementation Method 2
a filter (300) installed in the tubular body (100)
Implementation Method 3
a guide member (500) protruding from a top surface of a cap body (230) toward an inner side of the filter (300) and guiding a flow of the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant inlet (110) to smoothly flow out through the refrigerant outlet (120)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a receiver drier for a vehicle air conditioner including: a tubular body into which a desiccant bag is inserted, and on the outer side of which a refrigerant inlet, through which a refrigerant is introduced from a condenser, and a refrigerant outlet, through which a liquid refrigerant flows out into a sub-cooling zone, are formed, the body having an opening at the lower portion thereof; a filter installed in the body; and a cap having a cap body inserted in and coupled to the opening of the body, wherein a lower part of the filter is inserted into the upper peripheral surface of the cap body, and a guide member protrudes from the top surface of the cap body toward the inner side of the filter and guides the refrigerant supplied through the refrigerant inlet to smoothly flow out through the refrigerant outlet.