Stacking Header Flow Paths for Uniform Refrigerant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacking type headers experience insufficient uniformity in refrigerant distribution when the refrigerant flow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, leading to shortages or excesses in branch directions.
Innovation Solution
The stacking type header design includes a first plate shaped body with multiple outlet flow paths and a second plate shaped body with a distribution flow path, featuring a branch flow path with an inflow path non-parallel to the gravity direction and outflow paths inclined upward or downward to reduce the effect of inertia force, ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the refrigerant flow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction in conventional stacking type headers, then the header structure can be compact and easy to manufacture, but the refrigerant distribution uniformity deteriorates due to gravity effects causing shortage or excess in branch directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the branch flow paths with different orientations relative to the gravity direction. Specifically, at least one branch flow path is configured such that its flow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, creating an asymmetric arrangement that compensates for gravity effects and improves refrigerant distribution uniformity across all branches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional consideration by explicitly accounting for the gravity direction as a separate dimension from the flow direction. By designing branch flow paths that extend in multiple spatial dimensions rather than solely along the main flow axis, the patent creates a three-dimensional flow distribution network that better balances gravitational effects
2Device complexity
If outflow flow paths are configured parallel to the gravity direction, then the flow path design is simple, but the inertia force effect causes poor refrigerant distribution uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the branch flow paths with different orientations relative to the gravity direction. Specifically, at least one branch flow path is configured such that its flow direction is not parallel to the gravity direction, creating an asymmetric arrangement that compensates for gravity effects and improves refrigerant distribution uniformity across all branches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow direction parameter of the branch flow paths relative to the gravity direction. By adjusting the orientation angles and spatial arrangement of the flow paths, the patent optimizes the balance between gravitational forces and inertial forces, achieving improved distribution uniformity
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 configuration improves the uniformity of refrigerant distribution by reducing the impact of inertia force, enhancing the distribution ratio and heat exchanger performance, and maintaining efficiency across varying flow rate conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a portion unparallel to a gravity direction to allow the refrigerant to flow into the branch section via the portion
Implementation Method 2
allows the refrigerant to flow out in a second direction upwardly or downwardly inclined at an end communicating with the branch section... the effect of inertia force generated when refrigerant passes through the inflow flow path can be reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking type header according to the present invention includes a first plate shaped body having a plurality of first outlet flow paths and a second plate shaped body stacked on the first plate shaped body and having a distribution flow path so that refrigerant flowing from a first inlet flow path is distributed and flows out to the plurality of first outlet flow paths. A branch flow path of the distribution flow path is formed to allow refrigerant flowing into a branch section to flow out in an upwardly declined or downwardly declined direction.