Refrigerant flow path unit and refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant flow path units face challenges in securely joining refrigerant pipes to the unit body, particularly when components like compressors generate vibrations, leading to potential leaks and reduced joint strength.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant flow path unit is designed with a laminated unit body and refrigerant pipes joined using brazing filler metals, where the pipes are inserted through openings in multiple plates, increasing the joint length and strength, and using different melting point brazing filler metals for efficient brazing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the refrigerant pipe is connected to only one plate, then the connection process is simple, but the joint strength is insufficient and vibration resistance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented by having the refrigerant pipe pass through multiple plates (first plate and second plate) instead of connecting to a single plate. This segmentation distributes the connection across multiple structural elements, increasing joint strength and vibration resistance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Reliability
If the refrigerant pipe is inserted through multiple plates, then the joint strength and vibration resistance improve, but the brazing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The brazing process parameters are optimized by controlling the heating temperature to be above the melting point of the brazing filler metal (200-400°C for aluminum-based filler metals) to ensure proper flow and bonding. This parameter control simplifies the multi-plate brazing process while achieving reliable joints through the laminated structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single brazing filler metal is used for all plates, then the brazing process is uniform, but temperature control becomes difficult and joint quality varies
Solution Approach 1:
Different brazing filler metals are used for different plates based on their material composition. The first brazing filler metal is selected for the first plate (e.g., aluminum alloy plate) while the second brazing filler metal is selected for the second plate (e.g., stainless steel plate). This local customization of filler metal properties ensures optimal bonding quality for each plate type while maintaining a controlled, uniform brazing temperature process.
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 solution enhances joint strength, reduces vibration transmission from components like compressors, allows for easier temperature management during brazing, and potentially reduces the weight and processing complexity of the unit while maintaining strong connections.
Implementation Method 1
the first brazing filler metal joins an inner peripheral surface of the first opening and an inner peripheral surface of the second opening to an outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant flow path unit includes: a unit body that includes plates that are laminated together, and has an interior in which a refrigerant flow path is formed; a refrigerant pipe; and a first brazing filler metal that joins the unit body to the refrigerant pipe. The plates of the unit body include: a first plate that has a first opening and is disposed at an end of the unit body in a first direction in which the plates are laminated; and a second plate that has a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is disposed second from the end of the unit body in the first direction. The refrigerant pipe is inserted into the first opening and the second opening.