Insulated pressure vessel holder

An insulating mounting bracket for a pressure vessel in an engine compartment of an automobile, the pressure vessel having an elongated cylindrical sleeve having an outwardly projecting flange for attaching the pressure vessel within an engine compartment. The elongated cylindrical sleeve has a corrugated surface creating air pockets in the space between the insulating bracket and the pressure vessel contained therein. In one embodiment, the sleeve is open at both ends, in an alternate embodiment the lower end of the sleeve is narrowed and used as a connecting point. In both embodiments, the sleeve accommodates condensate run off and prevents moisture from accumulating in the air pockets. The flange has fasteners molded integral with the insulating bracket to facilitate mounting within the engine compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention generally relates to components for use in automotive 
air-conditioning systems. More particularly the present invention relates 
to an insulated holder for use in an engine compartment of an automobile, 
wherein the insulated holder is designed to hold and insulate a pressure 
vessel of the air-conditioning system, such as an accumulator dehydrator 
or a receiver dryer. The overall efficiency of the vehicle 
air-conditioning system is significantly improved resulting in a lowering 
of the air temperature being blown from the ducts of the air-conditioning 
system within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
One type of vehicle air-conditioning system includes a compressor, a 
condenser, an evaporator and an accumulator dehydrator commonly referred 
to as a clutch cycling orifice tube (CCOT) system. A second type of 
air-conditioning system has a compressor, a condenser, a receiver dryer, 
an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve (CCTXV). 
In the CCOT system, the accumulator dehydrators (or accumulators) function 
to change liquid refrigerant fluid (which is sent to the accumulator from 
the evaporator) to a gaseous or vapor-laden refrigerant fluid (which is 
then sent to the compressor) by separating the liquid refrigerant from the 
gaseous refrigerant and preventing the liquid refrigerant fluid from being 
sent to the compressor. 
In the CCTXV system, the system is designed to operate at an efficiency 
wherein there is only vaporous or gaseous refrigerant fluid exiting the 
thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) and being sent to the compressor. The 
receiver dryer, located after the condenser, receives a high pressure, 
moderate temperature liquid refrigerant fluid and functions to ensure that 
only liquid refrigerant is sent to the TXV. 
Traditionally, the accumulator and the receiver dryer are made of a metal 
material having a sufficiently high strength to withstand the relatively 
very high pressure within the air-conditioning system. Today's 
accumulators and receiver dryers are more often being manufactured from 
aluminum and other lightweight inexpensive metal or alloy materials. 
However, in almost all instances the metal material has very poor 
insulating properties, i.e. the material is too efficient at transferring 
heat (in the present instance from the engine compartment to the 
relatively cooler refrigerant fluid located within the accumulator or 
receiver dryer). 
In both of the above described systems, the air-conditioning system is 
commonly located in the engine compartment of the vehicle. Under the hood 
of the automobile, the engine generates a significant amount of heat. 
While in cold weather this is not a problem, in relatively hot weather 
(i.e. above approximately 80.degree. F.), temperatures under the hood of 
an operating vehicle, standing still, can become extremely high, as high 
as 250.degree. F. This heat buildup within the engine compartment can 
quickly affect the components of the air-conditioning system such that the 
temperature of the conditioned air felt at the duct outlet within the 
passenger compartment can begin to quickly rise. This results in the 
occupants of the vehicle becoming warm and uncomfortable. Thus, there is a 
significant problem with air-conditioning system performance during 
vehicle standstill conditions. The longer the vehicle stands still, the 
worse the problem becomes. 
The prior art has addressed the problem of condensation forming on the 
exterior of a suction accumulator structure. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 
3,212,289 and 5,479,790, to Bottum, Sr. and Bottum, Jr. et al. 
respectively, each disclose a combined receiver suction accumulator 
construction comprised of a pair of closed vessels arranged in spaced 
relation one within the other to define an air or vacuum space 
therebetween to prevent sweating of the inner vessel during its normal 
suction accumulator function. The '790 reference also discloses the use of 
air spaces provided around the ends of the accumulator's inlet and outlet 
tubes to preclude sweating or frosting. Both the '289 reference and the 
'790 reference disclose it is possible to circulate a relatively warm high 
pressure refrigerant fluid in the space between the vessels to function as 
a receiver and to exchange heat with the relatively cold low pressure 
refrigerant fluid in the accumulator. Thus, the '289 and '790 references 
teach the addition of heat into the accumulator. 
Additionally, there is a continued problem with locating and securing the 
air-conditioning components, in particular the accumulator or the receiver 
dryer, within the engine compartment of the automobile. Due to significant 
space constraints and strength requirements, any mounting system must 
function to adequately secure the component in position. Several prior art 
alternatives have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,962 
discloses the use of a band clamp connected to a bracket for retaining an 
accumulator in position. The '962 patent discloses that the bracket can be 
connected within the engine compartment. The band clamp wraps around the 
outer periphery of the accumulator or receiver dryer and is tightened to 
retain the component. 
One factor in determining the overall air-conditioning system performance 
is the efficiency of the accumulator (i.e. the ability of the accumulator 
to change liquid refrigerant fluid into vaporous and gaseous refrigerant 
fluid). Since the evaporator sends a low pressure liquid refrigerant to 
the accumulator, and the accumulator must send only a vaporous refrigerant 
fluid to the compressor, there is necessarily a pressure drop associated 
with the accumulator. Accordingly, the temperature at the vent outlet 
within the passenger compartment can be stated as a function of the 
temperature of the refrigerant fluid within the accumulator. 
In view of the above, there have been several attempts in the prior art to 
provide an extremely efficient accumulator or receiver dryer that can be 
packaged in minimum space inside the engine compartment. It is desirable 
that the accumulator or receiver dryer efficiency remain unaffected by the 
extreme temperatures that build up inside the engine compartment, 
particularly during standstill traffic conditions. 
The prior art has been unable to accomplish efficient operation and 
mounting in a minimum of space without significant structure that adds 
complexity and cost to air-conditioning systems. One solution has been to 
use the band clamp design of the '962 patent and wrap a flexible 
insulating material around the exposed surfaces of the accumulator, such 
as neoprene rubber. However, neoprene rubber degrades easily in the harsh 
engine compartment. Thus, there is still a need for an apparatus for 
mounting and insulating an accumulator or receiver dryer that increases 
the efficiency of the unit and, simultaneously, utilizes minimal packaging 
space. The apparatus should keep the accumulator or receiver dryer 
isolated from the effects of the engine environment, particularly during 
hot weather and standstill traffic conditions. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides an improved apparatus for insulating and 
mounting an accumulator or receiver dryer that overcomes the disadvantages 
associated with prior art assemblies. The present invention is an 
insulating sleeve and integral mounting bracket for mounting a pressure 
vessel such as an accumulator or receiver dryer in the engine compartment 
of a vehicle isolating it from engine compartment heat and vehicle 
vibration. 
The insulating structure is a generally cylindrical sleeve having inner and 
outer surfaces. At least the inner surface of the insulating structure is 
corrugated. The corrugations can take a variety of shapes such as sinuous, 
crenelated or scalloped. It should be pointed out that one of ordinary 
skill in the art may determine any other appropriate shape without 
departing from the scope of the present invention. 
The inner surface contacts localized areas of the accumulator or receiver 
dryer housing creating localized air pockets running at least part of the 
length of the accumulator or receiver dryer. The air pockets are formed 
from corrugations in an inner surface of the sleeve. 
The integral mounting flange is an outwardly extending projection on the 
outer surface of the insulating structure. The structure of the flange can 
vary extensively depending on the engine compartment and the accumulator 
or receiver dryer's packaging arrangement within the compartment. 
The sleeve is open at both ends. One end is radiused and necked down to 
form a drain. The condensate that forms on the accumulator or receiver 
dryer will flow downward through the necked opening and out of the sleeve 
by force of gravity. 
In one embodiment, the flange extends horizontally from the outer surface 
of the insulating structure. The horizontal flange may be cantilevered by 
one or more projecting structures that provide added stability for 
mounting and isolating the accumulator or receiver dryer from vibration. 
The flange is also provided with bosses and various openings to receive 
fasteners for mounting the bracket in the engine compartment. The 
fasteners can be a bolt and nut arrangement, screws, or separate "X-mas 
Tree" push pins or any other known fastener appropriate for connection 
within the engine compartment. 
The sleeve with integral mounting bracket is preferably nonmetallic and 
should have good insulating properties. It may be rubber, plastic or any 
other suitable material having suitable insulating properties. 
It is an object of the present invention to insulate an accumulator or 
receiver dryer using air pockets resulting in lower air temperature at the 
registers in the passenger compartment and particularly during stand-still 
conditions. 
It is another object of the present invention to insulate and mount a 
vessel such as an accumulator or receiver dryer within an engine 
compartment. 
It is yet another object of the present invention to insulate and mount an 
accumulator or receiver dryer within an engine compartment using a minimum 
of space. 
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an 
insulating sleeve that incorporates a mounting flange. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide fasteners 
integral with the insulating mounting flange for fastening the insulating 
bracket inside the engine compartment. 
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an 
insulating sleeve capable of draining condensation from the outer surface 
of an accumulator or receiver dryer. 
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a corrugated 
insulating sleeve having an integral mounting bracket for insulating and 
mounting an accumulator or receiver dryer within an engine compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7 and first to FIG. 1, an assembly of the 
present invention 100 is shown including an accumulator 10 and an 
insulating bracket 20. The insulating bracket 20 is designed to mount the 
accumulator 10 in a vehicle's engine compartment and isolate the 
accumulator 10 from the harsh vibrations and heat generated by the engine. 
The invention is suitable for mounting and insulating any pressure vessel, 
and is shown holding an accumulator 10. 
The insulating bracket 20 has a top 21a and a bottom 21b, both of which are 
preferably open. The inner diameter of the insulating bracket 20 is 
designed to be only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the 
accumulator 10, whereby the accumulator 10 is press fit into the 
insulating bracket 20. The insulating bracket 20 is then mounted within 
the engine compartment. 
The geometry of the insulating bracket 20 is designed so the accumulator 10 
is insulated from the excessive heat generated within the engine 
compartment during standstill conditions such as stop lights and congested 
traffic. Specifically, the insulating bracket 20 includes an elongated 
cylindrical sleeve 22 that nearly completely surrounds the accumulator 10. 
The elongated cylindrical sleeve 22 of the preferred embodiment has 
alternating scalloped-shaped corrugations 23. The crests 23a of the 
corrugations 23 contact the outer surface of the accumulator 10. The 
valleys 23b of the corrugations 23 are spaced from the outer surface of 
the accumulator 10 creating an air pocket 24 in the space between the 
valley 23b of the corrugation 23 and the outer surface of the accumulator 
10. 
Air is a known insulator. The air pockets 24 block the convective flow of 
heat and conduction of heat through exposure to the high temperatures 
emitted from the engine, muffler, etc. of a automotive vehicle. The air 
pockets 24 of the insulating bracket 20 isolate the accumulator 10 from 
the heat inside the engine compartment. 
The corrugations 23 on the surface of the insulating bracket 20 that form 
the air pockets 24 can have various configurations. In the embodiment 
shown in FIG. 1, the entire elongated cylindrical sleeve 22 has 
corrugations 23. The elongated cylindrical sleeve 22 has corrugations 23 
on its inner and outer surfaces. 
Another embodiment of the present invention including an alternative 
insulating bracket 50 and the accumulator 10 is shown in FIG. 4. In this 
embodiment, only the inner surface of the elongated cylindrical sleeve 52 
of the insulating bracket 50 has corrugations 53. The outer surface of the 
insulating bracket 50 remains generally smooth. The inner surface has 
corrugations 53 spaced around the entire circumference. 
Each of the corrugations 53 has a crest 53a in contact with the outer 
surface of the accumulator 10 and a valley 53b located between each 
corrugation 53 and spaced from the outer surface of the accumulator to 
form an air pocket 54. 
The corrugations 23 and 53 can take various shapes. For example, FIG. 3 
shows a cross section of the elongated cylindrical sleeve 22 wherein the 
outer periphery of the cylindrical sleeve 22 is a sinuous profile. FIG. 4 
shows a cross section of the embodiment of the cylindrical sleeve 52 
having a crenelated profile for the corrugations 53. 
In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the insulating bracket 60 has a 
cross-sectional profile that is scalloped, as shown at 63. The scalloped 
profile of FIG. 7 shows adjacent scallops 63 having a distinct shape and 
radius. The varying radii of the scallops 63 create adjacent air pockets 
64 that have shapes distinct from one another. 
The present invention makes clear it is advantageous to insulate the 
accumulator from the heat generated within the engine compartment to 
improve the performance of a vehicle's air-conditioning system. The 
refrigerant fluid inside the accumulator is protected from the heat of the 
engine and remains cooler than it would have without insulation. When the 
refrigerant fluid subsequently leaves the insulated accumulator 10, it is 
capable of providing greater cooling effect to air passing over the heat 
exchanger into the passenger compartment than a non-insulated accumulator 
would provide during stand-still conditions. However, when the warm air 
cools down, the water vapor condenses into liquid. The air pockets of the 
insulating bracket 20, 50, 60 will help buffer the temperature difference 
but will not completely eliminate condensation from forming on the 
accumulator. 
The opening at the bottom end 21b of the insulating bracket 20 allows 
moisture to run off the accumulator 10 and exit the opening in the end 21b 
to prevent condensation from building up and settling around the 
accumulator 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bottom end 21b has 
an opening 28 the same size as the diameter of the insulating bracket 20, 
and the condensation runs directly down the inner sides of the insulating 
bracket 20 and the outer surface of the accumulator 10. 
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the opening 58 at the bottom end 51b of 
the insulating bracket 50 is necked down or narrowed. The necked bottom 
end 51b is radiused and directs the moisture out of the narrowed opening 
58. The necked bottom end 51b is also useful for mounting purposes as will 
be discussed supra. 
The insulating brackets 20, 50, 60 also mount the accumulator within the 
engine compartment. An integral flange 30 outwardly projects from the 
elongated cylindrical sleeve 22, 52, 62 respectively in each embodiment. 
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the flange 30 has an outwardly 
projecting member cantilevered from the elongated cylindrical sleeve by 
upwardly-aligned projections 32 located on top of the flange 30. The 
flange 30 has openings 31 for receiving fasteners (not shown). The flange 
30 can be bolted or screwed to a surface 90 inside the engine compartment 
as shown in FIG. 2. 
In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the flange 40 has outwardly 
projecting members on either side of the elongated cylindrical sleeve 62. 
Each of the outwardly projecting members 40 are cantilevered from the 
elongated cylindrical sleeve 62 by upward standing projections 32 located 
underneath the flange 40. The flange 40 has fasteners 78 molded integral 
with the insulating sleeve 62 and flange 40. In the embodiment shown in 
FIG. 6, the flange 40 has integrally molded "X-mas tree" style push pins 
78. However, any suitable fastener will accomplish the same objective. 
The "X-mas tree" style push pin fasteners 78 have a tapered end 79. Annular 
notches 80 on the tapered end 79 allow the push pin fastener 78 to be 
inserted into a mounting hole (not shown) on the surface of the engine 
compartment. The tapered end 79 collapses slightly under pressure during 
insertion. The annular notches 80 expand when pressure is relieved and 
engage the surface of the engine compartment. The outer diameter of the 
annular notches 80 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the 
mounting hole (not shown). Therefore, the push pin fastener 78 can be 
inserted in only one direction, and the notches 80 prevent the removal of 
the push pin fastener 78. 
The flange 30, 40 is generally supported by upwardly-aligned projections 
32. The projections 32 can be located above the flange 30 as shown in FIG. 
1, or below the flange 40 as shown in FIG. 6, depending on the molding 
requirements. In either arrangement, the upward standing projections 32 
provide support and rigidity to the flange 30, 40 and the insulating 
bracket 20, 50, 60 overall. 
Additional mounting structure can be accommodated by the necked bottom end 
51b of the elongated cylindrical sleeve 52. FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 show an 
embodiment of the present invention in which a gasket 82 surrounds the 
outer diameter of the necked bottom end 51b. The gasket 82 further engages 
a surface 92 of the engine compartment. The gasket 82 supports and secures 
the necked bottom end 51b of the elongated cylindrical sleeve 52, 
isolating the accumulator 10 from the harsh vibrations of the engine. 
The insulating bracket 20 is preferably made from a material having good 
insulating properties. The sleeve 22, 52, 62, flange 30, 40, and fasteners 
78 can be unitarily molded as one piece, or separate integral components 
as the specific application may necessitate. Any material having good 
insulating properties and sufficient strength is appropriate such as 
rubber or plastic. 
The insulating and stabilizing properties of the insulating bracket 20, 50, 
60 will improve the efficiency and performance of the accumulator 10. 
Because the accumulator is in a much cooler environment, durability will 
also improve. The accumulator 10 will be isolated from high heat 
conditions, harsh vibrations, and excessive moisture because it is 
shielded and protected by the insulating mounting bracket 20, 50, 60 of 
the present invention. 
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown 
and described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that 
modifications may be made without departing from the claims appended 
hereto.