Distributor, heat exchanger and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributors used in refrigeration systems become larger in size as the number of laminated plate members increases, making them less compact.
Innovation Solution
The distributor is designed with a specific flow path configuration that includes multiple intersecting and protruding flow paths, allowing for efficient distribution of refrigerant to heat transfer tubes while minimizing the overall size of the distributor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of plate members laminated in the distributor increases, then the refrigerant distribution capability to multiple heat transfer tubes is improved, but the distributor size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are nested within the plate members in a compact arrangement where multiple flow paths (first through fifth flow paths) are integrated into a single distributor structure. The protruding flow paths are nested within the available space, allowing efficient refrigerant distribution to multiple heat transfer tubes without increasing overall distributor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor utilizes three-dimensional space by forming flow paths that protrude from the main body in the second direction. This dimensional approach allows the refrigerant to flow through multiple levels and directions (first direction, second direction, third direction) within a compact footprint, improving distribution capability without proportionally increasing volume.
2Volume of stationary object
If the distributor size is reduced, then the compactness of the heat exchanger and air conditioner is improved, but the refrigerant distribution to multiple heat transfer tubes becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into multiple plate members, each containing specific flow paths (first flow path, second flow paths, third flow paths, fourth flow paths, fifth flow paths). This segmentation allows the refrigerant to be distributed to multiple heat transfer tubes through a compact structure, as each plate member handles specific distribution tasks efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths are designed with dynamic routing where refrigerant flows in different directions (first direction toward heat transfer tubes, second direction opposite to first, third direction intersecting) through protruding sections. This dynamic flow configuration enables efficient distribution to multiple tubes within a reduced distributor volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor includes at least: a first flow path through which refrigerant flowing in from a refrigerant inflow unit flows in a first direction toward a heat transfer tube disposed on the side of a refrigerant outflow unit; two second flow paths branched from the first flow path; two third flow paths, through each of which the refrigerant flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction; two fourth flow paths, each of which is formed to protrude from a main body toward the second direction and through each of which the refrigerant flows in a third direction intersecting the two third flow paths; and two fifth flow paths, through each of which the refrigerant flows in the first direction.