Improved fluid distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger distributor devices are constructively complex and costly, leading to inefficient refrigerant fluid distribution in tube bundles, which decreases the performance of heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distributor assembly with a lamination unit in the head unit creates a mixing chamber that directs refrigerant fluid orthogonally into the tube bundle, ensuring uniform distribution through a 'self-regulation' mechanism, eliminating the need for complex conduits and enhancing exchanger efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical conduits are used to feed each tube individually, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is segmented into a head unit with a lamination unit that creates multiple fed conduits, each engaging a respective tubular element. This segmentation allows simple individual connections rather than a complex integrated conduit system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor structure is designed to self-align and self-regulate fluid distribution through its geometric configuration. The lamination unit and fed conduits automatically distribute refrigerant fluid uniformly without requiring complex control mechanisms or precision machining beyond basic manufacturing capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical conduits are used to feed each tube individually, then fluid distribution can be controlled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributor is divided into separate modular components (head unit, lamination unit, fed conduits) that can be manufactured independently using simple processes and then assembled. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive sophisticated machining of integrated conduit structures while maintaining uniform fluid distribution through precise geometric design of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the lamination unit and fed conduits to achieve uniform fluid distribution. By optimizing the arrangement and dimensions of these simple components, the system achieves controlled fluid distribution without requiring complex machining operations or expensive manufacturing processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple distributor structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but fluid distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The simple yet effective distributor structure segments the fluid distribution function into a head unit with a lamination unit that creates multiple fed conduits. This segmentation achieves uniform fluid distribution through its geometric configuration rather than complex machining, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring precision in fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves uniform fluid distribution by carefully selecting and optimizing geometric parameters of the lamination unit and fed conduits. The arrangement, dimensions, and orientation of these simple components are designed to create automatic self-regulation of fluid flow, ensuring uniform distribution without requiring complex structure or expensive manufacturing.
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
The distributor assembly achieves a uniform refrigerant flow distribution, improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger by simplifying the distribution process and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the presence of said direction means allows to create fluid agitation conditions in the mixing chamber prior to its entry into the tube bundle
Implementation Method 2
said orthogonal flow to the fluid inlet direction into the tube plate is generated so as to sequentially lick the tube plate apertures and to allow each tube to suck the required amount of refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fluid distributor assembly, in particular for a refrigerant fluid, for use in a heat exchanger comprising: - a head unit coupled to a tube plate and comprising an inlet configured to receive the fluid fed into the exchanger; - a plate-shaped lamination unit comprising one or more openings to allow the inlet fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the head unit is provided with a seat adapted to receive said lamination unit in such a way that the fluid sequentially crosses a first collecting chamber and a second mixing chamber, and wherein direction means provided with an impact surface is configured so as to direct the fluid outflowing from the lamination unit along a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to a fluid inlet direction into apertures of the tube plate.