Adjustable Guide Alignment for Variable-Pitch Finned Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing finned tubes result in constant rib pitches, limiting their variability and adaptability in heat exchanger applications, where different pitches are often required for optimal thermal performance.

Innovation Solution

The guide element attached to the pipe base body is made adjustable, allowing the angle of attack of the band to be adapted to changes in the speed of the pipe base body, enabling the production of finned tubes with varying rib pitches by adjusting its orientation and position during the welding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static guide element is used in the manufacturing process, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but the rib pitch remains constant and cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverib pitch variabilityVSAvoidguide element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is made adjustable during the fastening process, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. This allows the angle of attack of the band to be adapted to the speed or speed change of the pipe base body, enabling variable rib pitch production while maintaining process reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element's position and orientation parameters are made variable during the manufacturing process. By adjusting these parameters, the angle of attack changes, which directly controls the rib pitch variation along the tube length, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pipe base body speed is changed to achieve variable pitch, then rib pitch variability is possible, but smooth fastening cannot be achieved with a static guide element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepitch variation capabilityVSAvoidfastening smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable guide element system responds to changes in pipe base body speed by adapting its position and orientation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the angle of attack is continuously optimized during acceleration or deceleration phases, maintaining fastening smoothness while enabling pitch variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element's dynamic adjustability during the fastening process allows it to compensate for speed changes in the pipe base body. This ensures that the band is attached smoothly even when the pitch is varying, maintaining reliability throughout the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach allows for the production of finned tubes with variable rib pitches, enhancing their thermal properties and adaptability in heat exchanger designs, while ensuring smooth attachment and reducing manufacturing limitations.

Implementation Method 1

The band is attached, preferably by laser welding, in the contact area between the band and the tube base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentEP3825021B1Method and device for producing a finned tube
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 KME SCHMOLE
  • EP3825021B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3825021B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3825021B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~8

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a ribbed tube in which a tube base body is ribbed on its outside, in particular helically, with a band, for which purpose the band is brought to the tube base body using a guide element and attached to it, in particular by means of a laser beam, characterized in that the guide element is adjusted during the fastening process, in particular with regard to its alignment to the tube base body.