Side-Connected Compressor Accumulator for Low Vibration Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accumulators for compressors are bulky, prone to vibration, and noisy due to the need for a connection pipe extending from the bottom surface, which increases the overall height and causes additional vibration and noise.
Innovation Solution
An accumulator design with a recessed portion on its side surface allowing the connection pipe to connect directly to the compressor's suction side, reducing the design height and minimizing vibration by aligning the vertical centers of the compressor and accumulator, and using a combination of copper and steel materials for the connection pipes to lower manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection pipe extends from the bottom surface of the accumulator to connect to the compressor, then the accumulator can be installed above the ground, but the overall height of the product increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pipe is redirected from a vertical bottom-surface connection to a horizontal side-surface connection. This dimensional change allows the accumulator to be positioned at the same vertical level as the compressor, reducing the overall height requirement while maintaining installation accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the connection pipe extends from the bottom surface of the accumulator, then the accumulator can be positioned above ground, but additional vibration occurs due to compressor vibration
Solution Approach 1:
By connecting the accumulator to the compressor at the same vertical level through side-surface connections, both components are positioned at equipotential positions relative to vibration sources. This eliminates the vertical offset that would otherwise amplify vibration transmission, reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining easy installation positioning.
3Ease of operation
If the connection pipe extends from the bottom surface of the accumulator, then the accumulator can be installed above ground, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection configuration shifts from a vertical arrangement to a horizontal arrangement at the same elevation level. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the height of the system and minimizes noise generation by eliminating the vertical positioning that contributes to noise, while preserving installation flexibility.
4Length of stationary object
If a recessed portion is added to the case for connection pipe coupling, then the design height is reduced and vibration is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into distinct functional zones: a recessed portion for connection pipe coupling and a main body for refrigerant storage. This segmentation allows the recessed portion to be optimized for connection purposes while the main body maintains its storage function, reducing overall height and vibration without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
5Ease of operation
If the connection pipe is coupled to the recessed portion on the side surface, then easier installation is achieved and vibration is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion is pre-formed as an integral part of the case structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-couple interface that simplifies installation by eliminating the need for additional mounting operations, while the recessed shape is designed to be manufacturable using standard forming processes.
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 design reduces the overall height of the accumulator, minimizes vibration and noise, and allows for easier installation while maintaining effective refrigerant separation and transfer, applicable to both single and twin rotary compressors.
Implementation Method 1
The accumulator is a device for separating liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant introduced from a heat exchanger and discharging only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor
Implementation Method 2
since a vertical center of the compressor is located proximate to a vertical center of the accumulator, vibration of the accumulator due to vibration being transferred from the compressor to the accumulator can be reduced or minimized
Implementation Method 3
The accumulator is a device for separating liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant introduced from a heat exchanger and discharging only gaseous refrigerant to the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator connected to a compressor, the accumulator including a case that forms a space in which liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant are accommodated, a suction pipe which is connected to the case, and at least one connection pipe which connects a side surface of the case and a suction side of the compressor, whereby a space between a side surface of the compressor and a side surface of the accumulator is less than a length of a portion of the connection pipe from the side surface of the compressor to the side surface of the accumulator.