Refrigerant flow path module and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerant flow path modules, the melting point of copper coupling pipes can decrease during brazing due to contact with copper-containing brazing material, potentially causing manufacturing failures.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerant flow path module includes storage structures, such as fillets, grooves, and chamfered portions, to contain excess brazing material, preventing it from reaching the copper coupling pipes and maintaining their melting point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper-containing brazing material is used to join stainless steel plates, then brazing performance is improved, but the melting point of copper coupling pipes decreases due to contact with the brazing material
Solution Approach 1:
The brazing material is segmented into two distinct components: copper-containing brazing material for joining stainless steel plates and zinc-containing brazing material for joining copper coupling pipes. This segmentation prevents the harmful interaction between copper-containing brazing material and copper coupling pipes, maintaining the melting point of the copper pipes while achieving reliable brazing of both stainless steel and copper components
Solution Approach 2:
Different brazing materials with specific compositions are applied to different locations and joining requirements: copper-containing brazing material is used where stainless steel plates need to be joined (providing good wetting and bonding), while zinc-containing brazing material is used where copper coupling pipes are joined (providing low melting point and good compatibility). This local quality approach ensures optimal brazing performance at each interface without compromising the copper pipe's melting point
2Strength
If excess brazing material is present during brazing, then complete coverage and joint strength are improved, but the excess material can reach and melt the copper coupling pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The zinc-containing brazing material acts as an intermediary barrier between the copper-containing brazing material and the copper coupling pipe. When excess copper-containing brazing material flows during brazing, it encounters the zinc-containing material first, which has lower melting point and different flow characteristics. This intermediary layer prevents the excess copper-containing material from reaching and damaging the copper coupling pipe, while still allowing complete joint coverage and strength
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 storage structures effectively prevent the excess brazing material from reaching the copper pipes, thereby preventing melting and ensuring successful brazing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a brazing material that contains copper and joins facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant flow path module provided with a refrigerant flow path inside includes a first plate, a second plate that is overlapped on the first plate, a refrigerant pipe that contains copper and is attached to the first plate, a brazing material that contains copper and joins facing surfaces of the first plate and the second plate to each other, and a storage that stores the brazing material in excess.