Refrigerant Flow Path Module Vertical Placement to Reduce Pipe Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerant pipe units in heat source units are limited by their placement at the lower position, leading to increased length and number of refrigerant pipes due to the positioning of large components like accumulators and oil separators, resulting in inefficient pipe connections and increased material usage.
Innovation Solution
A heat source unit design where the refrigerant flow path module is positioned above the casing, supported by refrigerant pipes, allowing for reduced pipe length and improved flexibility, with the module body having a vertical length less than its horizontal length and being connected by multiple pipes for stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the refrigerant flow path module is disposed at the lower position in the casing, then the structure is simple, but the length of refrigerant pipes increases and the number of pipes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from horizontal placement to vertical placement of the refrigerant flow path module. The module is disposed vertically above the bottom part of the casing, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce horizontal pipe runs. This vertical orientation allows refrigerant pipes to connect more directly between components, reducing overall pipe length and quantity while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the refrigerant flow path module is disposed at the lower position, then installation is straightforward, but the amount of refrigerant pipes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical dimensionality to reduce refrigerant pipe quantity. By positioning the module vertically above the bottom part of the casing rather than horizontally at the lower position, the design reduces the number of pipes needed to connect various components. The vertical arrangement allows for more efficient piping routes, decreasing the total quantity of refrigerant pipes required while maintaining ease of installation through standardized mounting structures.
3Length of stationary object
If the refrigerant flow path module is disposed above the bottom part of the casing, then the refrigerant pipe length is reduced, but the support structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing refrigerant pipes that serve dual purposes: both as fluid conduits and as support structures for the refrigerant flow path module. The pipes are configured to physically support the module while simultaneously transporting refrigerant, thereby reducing the need for separate support structures and minimizing overall system complexity despite the elevated vertical position of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the refrigerant pipes as intermediary elements that perform multiple functions. These pipes act as mediators between the refrigerant flow and the structural support requirements, connecting the module to the bottom part of the casing while providing both fluid passage and mechanical support. This intermediary role of the pipes eliminates the need for additional dedicated support structures.
4Loss of substance
If the refrigerant flow path module is disposed above the bottom part of the casing, then material usage is reduced, but the module requires stable support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by configuring refrigerant pipes to simultaneously serve as both fluid conduits and support structures. These pipes are designed with sufficient structural integrity to bear the weight of the refrigerant flow path module while transporting refrigerant. This dual-function design reduces material usage by eliminating separate support components while ensuring module stability through the inherently stable configuration of the piping system.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat source unit includes: a compressor; refrigerant pipes for a flow of a gas refrigerant having been discharged from the compressor and a flow of a gas refrigerant to be sucked into the compressor; a refrigerant flow path module connected to the refrigerant pipes; and a casing accommodating the compressor, the refrigerant pipes, and the refrigerant flow path module; in which the refrigerant flow path module includes a module body having an upper surface and a lower surface, having a vertical length less than a horizontal length, and provided therein with a flow path for a refrigerant, the refrigerant flow path module is disposed above and apart from a bottom part of the casing, and the refrigerant pipes include a first pipe and a second pipe each communicating with the flow path in the module body and supporting the refrigerant flow path module.