Abstract: A modular accumulator dehydrator assembly for a vehicle air conditioning system uses an array of common components to provide configurations adapted to fit several possible orientations and locations of lines in the system. A cylindrical canister is closed by an end cap, to which a block is attached by a single bolt. Either a bottom or top feed set of inlet pipes is inserted in the end cap, depending on the chosen orientation for the canister. Then, a pair of tubes is added to the outside of the block, which are turned and bent to the proper position for joining to the compressor and evaporator line before brazing in place in the block. A single bolt is tightened to join the block to the end cap, which tightens a pair of O-ring seals to seal the block to end cap connection.

Abstract: A receiver-dehydrator assembly for use in an automobile air conditioning system is provided which incorporates a seamless, aluminum canister with universal-style inlet-to-outlet connector construction. The universal orientation feature consists of an octagonal perimeter at the top of the canister, which accommodates location of the outlet connector in relation to the inlet connector in any 45 degree radial increment. Mechanical joining processes are employed during the manufacturing of this assembly, so as to maximize the cleanliness and dimensional integrity of the assembly. The versatile, one piece canister design provides a clean, seamless, leak free integral assembly.