Refrigerant Distributor Layout for Uniform Multi-Branch Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant distributors face challenges in evenly distributing refrigerant among multiple indoor units due to manufacturing variability and centrifugal forces, leading to uneven distribution and quality control issues.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant distributor design featuring a first introduction pipe, a second introduction pipe with closed ends, and an adjusting pipe that connects these pipes to cancel out centrifugal forces and ensure equal distribution by stirring the refrigerant, with the adjusting pipe being smaller in diameter and installed at a specific angle to facilitate even flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If branch pipes are inserted into the introduction pipe with notches to receive flowing refrigerant, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but manufacturing management becomes difficult and quality variations occur due to insertion length and angle variability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the refrigerant distribution function into separate components: the introduction pipe and the branch pipes are disconnected, eliminating the need for precise insertion. The branch pipes are positioned externally to receive refrigerant through openings in the introduction pipe, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly without requiring precise insertion length or angle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism where the introduction pipe has openings that face specific directions, and branch pipes are positioned to receive refrigerant through these openings. This intermediary structure allows refrigerant distribution without requiring direct insertion of branch pipes into the introduction pipe, thereby eliminating manufacturing precision issues related to insertion depth and angle.
2Speed
If the introduction pipe is given a U-shape to redirect refrigerant flow, then flow direction is changed, but centrifugal force shifts liquid-phase refrigerant to a different side, preventing uniform distribution to branch pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing openings at specific locations and orientations on the introduction pipe. Instead of relying on the overall U-shape of the pipe to distribute refrigerant, localized openings are positioned to face specific directions, ensuring that refrigerant flows uniformly to branch pipes regardless of the main pipe's curvature. This localized approach to fluid distribution eliminates the centrifugal force problem.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the adjusting pipe is inclined to stir refrigerant, then mixing is improved, but distribution amounts vary with inclination angle, making manufacturing management difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the mixing function from the distribution function. The introduction pipe with directionally-oriented openings handles both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for a separate adjusting pipe with specific inclination angles. This segmentation of functions allows for simpler manufacturing without requiring precise angular control.
4Productivity
If branch pipes are inserted into the introduction pipe, then refrigerant distribution is achieved, but insertion length and angle variations cause quality variations in manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the refrigerant distribution system into separate components: the introduction pipe and the branch pipes are disconnected. The branch pipes are positioned externally to receive refrigerant through openings in the introduction pipe, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly without requiring precise insertion length or angle control, thereby eliminating quality variations.
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 allows for uniform distribution of refrigerant among multiple indoor units, improving manufacturing consistency and refrigerant distribution efficiency by canceling out centrifugal forces and reducing flow velocity, resulting in a more effective air-conditioning apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
if part of the introduction pipe is given a U-shape, centrifugal force acts on liquid-phase refrigerant in a U-shaped bend, shifting the liquid-phase refrigerant to a side different from a side on which the branch pipes are placed
Implementation Method 2
an other end of the adjusting pipe is closed, which allows refrigerant to be stirred at the closed other end of the adjusting pipe, thereby equalizing the refrigerant flowing through the diversion pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant distributor includes: a first introduction pipe configured to be open at a first end and closed at a second end and to cause refrigerant to flow from the first end toward the second end; a second introduction pipe configured to be closed in ends on both upstream and downstream sides and to cause the refrigerant to flow in a direction opposite to a refrigerant flow direction in the first introduction pipe; a plurality of branch pipes connected in series along a refrigerant flow direction on the second introduction pipe; and an adjusting pipe configured to connect the first introduction pipe and the second introduction pipe.