Refrigerant Collector Gas Filter Layout for Higher Fill Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerant collectors in refrigeration systems face limitations in capacity due to the axial expansion of gas filters, which restrict the maximum fill level of liquid refrigerant, leading to increased discharge of liquid refrigerant when the filter becomes saturated.
Innovation Solution
The gas filter is arranged eccentrically around the inlet end of the intake manifold, allowing for a larger peripheral surface area and reducing its axial extent, enabling a higher fill level without additional installation space, and featuring a cylindrical shape with recesses and struts for enhanced filtration and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gas filter is arranged symmetrically around the inlet end of the suction pipe, then the filter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the axial extent of the gas filter increases, reducing the maximum fill level of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant collector
Solution Approach 1:
The gas filter is arranged eccentrically around the inlet end of the suction pipe instead of symmetrically. This asymmetric arrangement allows the gas filter to be positioned closer to the outer wall of the housing on one side, reducing its axial extent while maintaining sufficient filtration surface area. The eccentric positioning optimizes the use of available space within the refrigerant collector, enabling a higher maximum fill level for liquid refrigerant.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the gas filter is arranged symmetrically around the inlet end of the suction pipe, then the filter structure is stable, but the peripheral surface area available for filtration is limited, requiring greater axial expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The gas filter is designed with an annular configuration that extends radially around the suction pipe inlet end. By utilizing the radial dimension rather than relying solely on axial expansion, the filter achieves a larger peripheral surface area for filtration. The annular shape allows the filter to wrap around the suction pipe, effectively using the circumferential space within the refrigerant collector.
3Quantity of substance
If the maximum fill level of liquid refrigerant is increased, then the refrigerant collection capacity is improved, but the risk of liquid refrigerant wetting the filter surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas filter is positioned as an intermediary element between the liquid refrigerant and the suction pipe inlet. By arranging the filter eccentrically and extending it radially, it creates a protective barrier that filters gaseous refrigerant while maintaining adequate clearance from the liquid refrigerant surface. This positioning allows the filter to intercept vapor-phase refrigerant before it enters the suction pipe, preventing liquid carryover while still enabling high fill levels.
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 maximum fill level of liquid refrigerant within the refrigerant collector, reduces the axial extent of the gas filter, and maintains efficient filtration, thereby enhancing the refrigerant collection capacity while minimizing the reduction in fill level.
Implementation Method 1
a gas filter located in the coolant collector, which filters gaseous refrigerant before it escapes from the refrigerant collector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerant collector for collecting refrigerant (12), having a housing (32) which encloses an interior (42) and which has an inlet (38) into the interior (42) and an outlet (40) from the interior ( 42), with a suction pipe (56) which extends from the interior (42) of the housing (32) to the outlet (40) of the housing (32), which has an inlet end (58) and an inlet end (58) connected to the having an inlet section (60) connected to the inlet end (58), and having an outlet end (62) and an outlet section (64) connected to the outlet end (62), with a liquid separator (44) disposed adjacent to the inlet (38). and deflecting refrigerant (12) flowing into the refrigerant receiver (14), and having a gas filter (72) enclosing the inlet end (58) of the suction tube (56). In order to increase a maximum fill level of liquid refrigerant, it is proposed that the gas filter (72) be arranged eccentrically to the inlet end (58) of the suction pipe (56).