Spiral Capillary Suction Pipe Structure for Easier Refrigerator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs require complex processing to fix a spiral capillary tube inside a suction pipe, and there is a need for a lightweight and cost-effective structure that can easily join with evaporator and compressor pipes.
Innovation Solution
A suction pipe design featuring a first pipe made of aluminum and second pipes made of copper, with a spiral capillary tube inserted through openings at both ends, allowing for easy fixation by opposing forces and welding, while a contraction tube prevents corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spiral groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the suction pipe to fix the capillary tube, then the capillary tube can be securely fixed, but the processing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the spiral groove from the inner circumferential surface of the suction pipe and replaces it with external fixing structures (protrusions and recesses) on the outer surface, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining secure fixation of the capillary tube
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming the fixing structure on the inner surface of the suction pipe as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by creating fixing protrusions and recesses on the outer surface of the suction pipe, allowing the capillary tube to be fixed externally rather than through internal groove formation
2Strength
If the suction pipe is made of heavy material to ensure strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight increases and material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite structure where the suction pipe is made of aluminum (lightweight material) and the capillary tube is made of copper (strong material), combining the advantages of both materials to achieve both weight reduction and sufficient structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different materials to different components based on their specific functional requirements: aluminum for the suction pipe where weight is critical, and copper for the capillary tube where thermal conductivity and strength are critical, thereby optimizing the overall system performance
3Device complexity
If the capillary tube is inserted straight into the suction pipe, then the structure is simple, but the heat exchanging area is not expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the straight capillary tube into a spiral-shaped capillary tube that winds around the refrigerant flow path inside the suction pipe, significantly increasing the heat exchanging area between the capillary tube and the refrigerant while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 simplifies the fixation of a spiral capillary tube inside the suction pipe, reduces material costs, and enhances heat transfer efficiency while minimizing noise and corrosion, facilitating easy assembly with other pipes.
Implementation Method 1
the room-temperature or high-temperature refrigerant entered into the capillary tube exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant at an inside the suction pipe
Implementation Method 2
preventing the phenomenon of having dew formed on an outer surface of the suction pipe
Implementation Method 3
The spiral portion may be fixed by forces of the first wall and the second wall, which oppose each other
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of second pipes, the evaporator pipe, and the compressor pipe may be formed of same material. The first pipe may be formed of aluminum. The plurality of second pipes, the evaporator pipe, and the compressor pipe may be formed of copper
Data Source
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AI summary
A structure of a suction pipe provided with a capillary tube having a spiral shape being inserted into an inside thereof, capable of easily fixing the capillary tube to the suction pipe, and a refrigerator having the same, the refrigerator including a suction pipe, and a capillary tube having a spiral portion being inserted into the inside the suction pipe, the suction pipe including a first wall making contact with the spiral portion, a second wall making contact with the spiral portion while facing the first wall, and a connecting wall configured to connect the first wall to the second wall while being spaced apart from the spiral portion.