Single-Core Condenser Layout With Integrated Side Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive condensers require two cores of stacked plates to integrate a receiver, limiting size and increasing complexity, while existing solutions for integrating a receiver in condensers are not optimized for space and ease of integration.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design that uses a single core of stacked plates with the receiver located on one side, allowing all ports to be on the same side, enabling a compact and easily integratable configuration with a socket and bottle system for fluid flow management, and featuring a reinforcing plate and bracket for structural support and fluid passage optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two cores of stacked plates are used to integrate a receiver, then the receiver can be accommodated, but the size increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the receiver with one of the cores, allowing the receiver to be integrated into a single core structure rather than requiring two separate cores. This combining approach accommodates the receiver while maintaining a simpler single-core configuration, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is nested within or attached to the core structure, specifically integrated into one of the cores. This nesting approach allows the receiver to be accommodated within the existing core geometry without requiring an additional separate core, thereby reducing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two cores of stacked plates are used to integrate a receiver, then the receiver can be accommodated, but the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the receiver with a single core, the patent eliminates the need for a second core, thereby reducing the overall volume of the heat exchanger while still accommodating the receiver functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is integrated in a way that utilizes the existing three-dimensional space of the core structure efficiently, rather than adding volume in a new dimension. This allows accommodation of the receiver without proportionally increasing overall size.
3Ease of operation
If ports are located on opposite sides of the core, then fluid flow is simplified, but integration in the environment is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric port configuration where all ports are located on the same side of the core rather than symmetrically on opposite sides. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes integration with the surrounding environment while maintaining adequate fluid flow paths through the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of distributing ports across different sides (spatial distribution), the patent concentrates all ports on a single side, changing the spatial arrangement to improve integration while compensating with internal flow path design to maintain fluid flow efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a single core is used instead of two, then size and complexity are reduced, but receiver integration becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is merged with the single core structure, creating an integrated assembly that simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components. The socket-bottle configuration allows the receiver to be attached to the core in a straightforward manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is segmented into a socket portion and a bottle portion, with the socket being fixedly attached to the core and the bottle attached in a removable way. This segmentation facilitates manufacturing and assembly while maintaining a compact single-core configuration.
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
This design allows for efficient heat exchange between refrigerant and coolant fluids, optimizing integration and manufacturing ease while reducing size and complexity, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and ease of access to ports.
Implementation Method 1
They provide a heat exchange between a refrigerant fluid flowing in the tubes and an air flow flowing through the fins
Implementation Method 2
The core is generally provided with a condensing portion and a sub cooling portion in which the refrigerant fluid flows coming from a receiver attached to the core
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2~9
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger between a first fluid and a second fluid, said heat exchanger comprising a core (1) made of stacked plates (3) defining flow passages for said first fluid and said second fluid to have both fluids exchanging heat, said heat exchanger further comprising a receiver (11) for said first fluid, said heat exchanger being configured so that said first fluid flows successively through a first zone (13) of the core, said receiver (11) and a second zone (15) of the core, said receiver (11) being located on a same side (17) of the core than ports through which said first and/or second fluids enter and/or exit said core.