Refrigerant Distribution Unit for Modular Vehicle Air Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The refrigerant circulating apparatus in air conditioning systems of purpose-built vehicles faces challenges in minimizing piping usage and improving mountability due to limited space, leading to complex pipe layouts and reduced internal space for other functions.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant circulating apparatus with a modular design that includes a refrigerant distribution unit with a main plate and path bodies forming flow paths, allowing for the mounting of heat exchangers and valves on a first surface and the flow paths on a second surface, minimizing piping and enhancing mountability and space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional refrigerant circulating apparatus is used in PBV, then cooling and heating function is provided, but piping becomes complicated and mounting space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigerant distribution manifold and collection manifold into a single integrated distribution unit. The main body of this unit contains both distribution channels and collection channels, eliminating the need for separate piping systems. This consolidation directly reduces piping complexity while maintaining the necessary refrigerant circulation functions in the constrained PBV mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes refrigerant to different heat exchangers, collects refrigerant from heat exchangers, and integrates valve mounting surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and piping connections needed, thereby simplifying the overall system while improving mounting adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more components are mounted on rolling chassis, then air conditioning function is improved, but mounting space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components (distribution manifold, collection manifold, and valve mounting surfaces) into a single distribution unit, the patent reduces the total space required for mounting. Instead of requiring separate mounting areas for each component, the integrated design consolidates them into one compact unit that can be mounted in a smaller footprint on the rolling chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by stacking functional surfaces vertically. The first surface mounts heat exchangers and the second surface mounts valves, allowing components to be arranged in different spatial dimensions rather than spreading them out horizontally. This dimensional arrangement maximizes the use of limited mounting space on the rolling chassis.
3Ease of manufacture
If piping is minimized, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but refrigerant flow path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines distribution and collection functions into a single unit with integrated channels. The main body contains both distribution channels and collection channels that work together as one system, eliminating the need for separate piping runs. This integration reduces manufacturing costs by minimizing piping materials and installation while the internal channel design manages flow path complexity within the compact structure.
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 manufacturing costs, minimizes heat loss, simplifies layout in narrow spaces, and maximizes indoor space by promoting modularization, improving assembly and maintenance while allowing the vehicle to serve various purposes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger configured to heat-exchange a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant circulating apparatus for a vehicle, includes at least one heat exchanger configured to heat-exchange a refrigerant; at least one valve provided to selectively flow the refrigerant to the at least one heat exchanger; and a refrigerant distribution unit having a first surface on which the at least one heat exchanger and the at least one valve are provided and a second surface on which at least one flow path through which the refrigerant circulates through the at least one heat exchanger and the at least one valve is provided.