Refrigerant distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerant distributor configurations face challenges in controlling the flow direction of refrigerant due to short reducing portions, making it difficult to ensure proper refrigerant distribution irrespective of the upstream pipe shape.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerant distributor features a longer reducing portion with a tapered surface that extends straight, followed by a refrigerant stirring chamber and a strike surface, allowing for enhanced control of refrigerant flow direction and distribution to branch channels, ensuring effective distribution regardless of the upstream pipe shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the reducing portion is made short with only a tapered shape, then the structure is simple, but the flow direction control of refrigerant becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing portion is divided into two functional segments: a tapered portion for gradual diameter reduction and a straight portion for flow direction control. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a longitudinal dimension (extending the reducing portion length) to the existing tapered cross-sectional geometry. This dimensional extension provides sufficient space for flow direction control without increasing cross-sectional complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a straight pipe portion is added along a predetermined length to control refrigerant flow direction, then flow direction control improves, but pipe layout around the refrigerant distributor becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces diameter, controls flow direction, and adapts to various upstream pipe configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated flow control components that would restrict pipe layout flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducing portion's geometry parameters (length, taper angle, straight portion length) can be adjusted to match different upstream pipe configurations and downstream requirements, providing adaptability without compromising flow direction control.
3Ease of operation
If the reducing portion is extended to increase flow direction control, then refrigerant distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow direction control function is merged into the reducing portion itself rather than being a separate component. The straight portion of the reducing portion naturally guides refrigerant flow direction through its geometry, combining structure and function in a single element.
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 increases the controllability of refrigerant flow direction, effectively stirring and distributing liquid-phase and gas-phase refrigerants to the intended branch channels, improving distribution performance and reducing pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
the downstream end portion of the supply path is formed by a tapered surface whose diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction; a reducing portion extending straight from a downstream end of the supply path and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the supply path
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant stirring chamber communicating with a downstream end of the reducing portion and configured to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant strike surface facing the downstream end of the reducing portion with a predetermined interval and configured such that refrigerant from the reducing portion strikes the refrigerant strike surface; refrigerant that has flowed from the reducing portion into the refrigerant stirring chamber strikes the refrigerant strike surface violently
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerant distributor 1 includes: a reducing portion 12a extending straight from a downstream end of a supply path 11b to which a refrigerant supply pipe 100b is connected and having a diameter smaller than that of the supply path 11b; a refrigerant stirring chamber 22 configured to stir refrigerant from the reducing portion 12a; a refrigerant strike surface 24 to be struck by refrigerant, and first and second branch channels 25 and 26 communicating with the refrigerant stirring chamber 22.