Refrigerant Header Pipe Layout for Low-Height Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant flow path switching devices for air conditioning systems are bulky due to their vertical length, making them difficult to install in spaces with limited vertical height.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerant flow path switching device includes a casing that accommodates a first header pipe, a second header pipe, a third header pipe, and a switching unit with valves. The header pipes have end parts projecting outward and aligned linearly, while the valves are disposed apart from the header pipes' ends, reducing the vertical length of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the header pipes and valves are arranged in a conventional configuration, then the device can perform refrigerant flow path switching, but the vertical length becomes large making installation difficult in spaces with limited vertical height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging the first, second, and third header pipes to extend in different directions (first direction, second direction perpendicular to first, and third direction perpendicular to both) rather than stacking them vertically. This spatial redistribution across multiple dimensions reduces the vertical length while maintaining all necessary connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by positioning the switching unit within the casing such that the valves are disposed apart from the end parts of the header pipes, with the header pipes extending outward from the casing. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and reduces the overall vertical footprint of the device.
2Ease of manufacture
If the header pipes extend outward from the casing for connection, then pipe connections are facilitated, but the device occupies more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by having only the end parts of the header pipes extend outward from the casing while the main body and valves remain compact within the casing. This asymmetric design provides necessary connection access points without requiring the entire device to occupy excessive installation space.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant flow path switching device includes: a first header pipe that is connected to a high-and-low-pressure gas connection pipe of a heat source unit in an air conditioner; a second header pipe that is connected to a sucked-gas connection pipe of the heat source unit; a third header pipe that is connected to a liquid connection pipe of the heat source unit; switching units that each correspond respectively to utilization units in the air conditioner and include valves that control refrigerant flows; and a casing accommodating the first header pipe, the second header pipe, the third header pipe, and switching units. The refrigerant flow path switching device switches among refrigerant flow paths, each of which is between the heat source unit and one of the utilization units.