Segmented Pipe Branching Structure for Low-Pressure-Loss Compressors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe branching devices for fluid machines, such as compressors, require custom design for each compressor specification, making them unsuitable for mass production due to increased design complexity and pressure loss issues.

Innovation Solution

A pipe branching device comprising a main pipe with a first and second pipe fitted axially, a chamber between the pipes communicating with the branch pipe, and a flow channel from the inside of the second pipe, which reduces pressure loss and allows for standardization, facilitating mass production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a valve body is fitted to a diversion hole in a scroll part to reduce pressure loss, then pressure loss is reduced, but the configuration requires custom design for each compressor specification making it unsuitable for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure lossVSAvoidmass production suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The main pipe is segmented into a first pipe and a second pipe that are fitted together axially. This segmentation allows the pipes to be manufactured as separate standardized components that can be assembled through simple fitting operations, enabling mass production while maintaining the pressure loss reduction function through the chamber configuration between the two pipe sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe branching device creates a universal configuration that can be applied across different compressor specifications. The standardized first and second pipes with their fitting connection and the chamber-branch pipe arrangement provide a multi-functional solution that reduces pressure loss while being suitable for mass production, replacing the need for custom-designed valve bodies for each compressor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a valve is provided in the middle of the branch pipe, then flow control is achieved, but pressure loss occurs due to inflow of the main flow into the branch pipe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A chamber is introduced as an intermediary element between the first pipe and the second pipe, with the branch pipe communicating with this chamber. This intermediary chamber allows flow control functionality while reducing direct inflow of main flow into the branch pipe, thereby minimizing pressure loss. The chamber acts as a buffer that mediates between the main flow and the branched flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a one-dimensional linear pipe configuration to a multi-dimensional structure by introducing a chamber that creates additional flow paths and spatial relationships. The chamber provides a three-dimensional space between the first and second pipes, allowing the branch pipe to access flow in a different dimensional configuration, which reduces direct inflow effects and pressure loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12338932B2Pipe branching device and compressor

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER LTD

AI summary

This pipe branching device is provided with a main pipe and a branch pipe branching off from the main pipe. The main pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe fitted into the first pipe in an axial direction of the first pipe. A chamber communicating with the branch pipe is provided between the first pipe and the second pipe. A flow path communicating with the chamber from the inside of the second pipe is provided.