Compressor and refrigeration cycle device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to create a compact compressor and refrigeration cycle device that efficiently manages refrigerant flow while minimizing space and interference between components.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates three suction pipes with specific geometric arrangements and inclinations, allowing them to be positioned closely without interference, and includes a compressor main body with multiple compression mechanism units and an accumulator for gas-liquid separation, optimizing the layout to reduce size and enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of suction pipes is increased to serve multiple compression mechanism units, then the refrigerant supply capability is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant supply capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple suction pipes are merged into a single accumulator that serves all compression mechanism units. The accumulator consolidates the refrigerant collection function, allowing multiple suction ports to connect to a common chamber rather than requiring separate piping for each compression unit, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining refrigerant supply capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The accumulator is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a refrigerant collection chamber, a separation vessel for gas-liquid refrigerant, and a common supply point for multiple suction pipes. This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the total number of parts and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the suction pipes are arranged in a compact triangular configuration, then the device compactness is improved, but the risk of interference between pipes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidinterference between pipes
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction pipes are arranged in a three-dimensional triangular configuration where the pipes extend in different spatial dimensions rather than being confined to a single plane. This dimensional arrangement allows compact positioning while maintaining sufficient clearance between pipes, preventing interference while achieving device compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The triangular arrangement of suction pipes employs asymmetric positioning relative to the accumulator center, with each pipe connected to a different suction port at varying distances from the center. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the spatial distribution of pipes, preventing interference while maintaining compact overall dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Loss of energy

If the accumulator is positioned closer to the compression mechanism units, then the suction loss is reduced, but the space for gas-liquid separation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction lossVSAvoidgas-liquid separation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal structure of the accumulator is optimized by changing geometric parameters such as the shape and distribution of internal partitions, the configuration of suction pipes, and the positioning of the refrigerant introduction port. These parameter changes enhance the gas-liquid separation efficiency within a compact volume, allowing sufficient separation space while maintaining close proximity to compression units to minimize suction loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 results in a compact compressor and refrigeration cycle device with reduced vibrations, improved pressure resistance, and minimized suction loss, achieving efficient refrigerant handling and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

The accumulator performs gas-liquid separation of a refrigerant and supplies a gaseous refrigerant to the compressor main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas-liquid separation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP3919745B1Compressor and refrigeration cycle device
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 TOSHIBA CARRIER CORP
  • EP3919745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919745B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919745B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compressor of an embodiment includes three suction pipes. A first center of a first suction pipe, a second center of a second suction pipe, and a third center of a third suction pipe are positioned at vertices of a triangle. A first distance between the first center and a center of a compressor main body is smaller than a second distance between the second center and the center of the compressor main body and a third distance between the third center and the center of the compressor main body. The first suction pipe is connected to a first suction port on an uppermost side. A second virtual plane on which a central axis of a main curved pipe part of the second suction pipe is disposed and a third virtual plane on which a central axis of a main curved pipe part of the third suction pipe is disposed are inclined to opposite sides from each other with respect to a first virtual plane on which a central axis of a main curved pipe part of the first suction pipe is disposed.