Heat Exchanger Collection Box Partition Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing header boxes in heat exchangers for motor vehicle air conditioning systems lack a reliable method to verify the presence of partition walls without compromising the tightness of the collector box, risking leaks during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A header box design featuring protuberances for holding partition walls and a control orifice that allows fluid leakage when the partition is absent, enabling visual verification of partition presence without altering the box's tightness, with the orifice being offset from the protrusions to prevent leaks when the partition is in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If slots are provided in the header plate and/or cover to position and hold partitions, then it is possible to detect the absence of a partition, but it creates a risk of leaking the collector box
Solution Approach 1:
The function of detecting partition presence is extracted from the structural slots and assigned to a dedicated control orifice. This separate detection element does not compromise the structural integrity or tightness of the collector box, as it is specifically designed for inspection purposes only.
Solution Approach 2:
The control orifice acts as an intermediary element that enables partition verification without creating a leak path. By providing a dedicated inspection opening separate from the structural assembly features, the system allows detection while maintaining the integrity of the collector box.
2Productivity
If partitions are held in position within the header box before brazing, then rapid checking of partition presence is enabled, but it may alter the tightness of the collector box
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented from the detection function. Protuberances provide mechanical positioning and holding of partitions during assembly, while the control orifice provides separate detection capability. This segmentation allows rapid assembly verification without compromising tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control orifice enables self-verification of partition presence during assembly. The system includes its own inspection mechanism that allows workers to quickly check partition installation without additional tools or procedures, maintaining both speed and reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a collection box 3, in particular for a heat exchanger in a motor vehicle, said heat exchanger being designed to allow heat exchange with a first fluid, said collection box 3 being provided with at least one inspection opening 1 and at least one projection 2 for holding in position a separating partition 7 designed to allow an inside space of the collection box 3 to be separated into a plurality of compartments, said inspection opening 1 being capable of allowing said first fluid to leak to the outside of the collection box 3 when said collection box 3 is not provided with said separating partition 7, said inspection opening 1 being designed to be blocked by said separating partition 7. The invention further relates to a heat exchanger including such a collection box 3.