Segmented Collecting Pipe Structure for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger technologies face high costs due to high frequency welded tubes and increased manufacturing complexity, with issues in controlling product quality and tube blockages.
Innovation Solution
A collecting pipe formed by connecting multiple axially extending individual components to create separated refrigerant inlet and distribution chambers, reducing manufacturing complexity and avoiding high frequency welding, with a circular cross-section for improved assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high frequency welded tubes are used, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting pipe is divided into multiple axially extending individual components that can be separately manufactured and then connected together, replacing the need for expensive high frequency welding while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conventional welding or connecting methods instead of expensive high frequency welding, accepting slightly lower connection strength in exchange for dramatically reduced manufacturing costs
2Manufacturing precision
If a distribution plate is inserted into the inlet collecting pipe, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate is removed from the system entirely. Instead of inserting a separate distribution plate into the collecting pipe, the patent achieves refrigerant distribution through the inherent structure of the individual components and their arrangement, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining distribution effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution function is merged into the collecting pipe structure itself through the arrangement of individual components, eliminating the need for a separate distribution plate and reducing overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If flat tubes contact the distribution plate, then refrigerant distribution is improved, but tube blockage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the distribution plate from the system, the source of tube blockage is eliminated. The patent achieves refrigerant distribution through alternative means that do not involve tube contact with a distribution plate, thereby preventing blockage while maintaining distribution uniformity
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual components are assembled, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collecting pipe is segmented into multiple axially extending individual components that can be manufactured independently using conventional methods, providing manufacturing flexibility while enabling simplified assembly through standardized connection interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a collecting pipe (1), comprising: an axially extending inner chamber (20), the inner chamber (20) comprising a refrigerant inlet chamber (18) and a refrigerant distribution chamber (19), the refrigerant inlet chamber (18) and refrigerant distribution chamber (19) being separated from each other and in fluid communication with each other, a refrigerant entering the refrigerant inlet chamber (18) and being distributed to heat exchange tubes (2) at the refrigerant distribution chamber (19); and a plurality of axially extending individual components (11, 12), wherein the refrigerant inlet chamber (18) and the refrigerant distribution chamber (19) are formed by successively placing and connecting the plurality of axially extending individual components (11, 12) in an assembling direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The collecting pipe (1) is composed of the plurality of individual components (11, 12). The plurality of individual components (11, 12) are connected together, such that the problem of two-phase flow distribution in a heat exchanger is mitigated, the heat exchange performance is improved, the problem of unstable product quality is mitigated, and the currently existing problem of the high cost of high frequency welded tubes is solved.