Heat Exchanger Collector Box Rib Design for Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers in motor vehicles face deformation and breakage due to operating pressure, with existing reinforcement solutions, such as adding ribs, being unsatisfactory in terms of size and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A collector box design featuring ribs with specific angles, pitches, and shapes, integrated into the collector plate, which enhances resistance to operating pressure while minimizing the size of the heat exchanger, and a seal configuration that accommodates these ribs without increasing the exchanger's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ribs are added to reinforce the collector plate, then resistance to operating pressure is improved, but the size of the heat exchanger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning ribs specifically in high-stress zones of the collector plate rather than uniformly across the entire structure. The ribs are strategically located to provide reinforcement where operating pressure creates maximum stress, allowing the collector plate to maintain strength while minimizing the overall volume added to the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by creating raised ribs that protrude from the collector plate surface. This vertical dimension allows the ribs to provide structural reinforcement without increasing the horizontal footprint of the heat exchanger, effectively adding strength while minimizing volume increase.
2Strength
If ribs are added to reinforce the collector plate, then resistance to operating pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function with the existing collector plate structure by integrating ribs directly into the plate during manufacturing. This combination eliminates the need for separate reinforcement components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the strength benefits of ribbed reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes rib parameters such as height, spacing, and cross-sectional shape to achieve the required strength with minimal structural complexity. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design provides adequate reinforcement without creating an overly complex structure that would be difficult to manufacture or maintain.
3Volume of moving object
If the seal is positioned close to the ribs, then the exchanger size is reduced, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the seal at an optimal distance from the ribs that provides sufficient sealing action without requiring excessive clearance. This partial action approach ensures the seal remains effective while minimizing the space required, thereby reducing the overall exchanger size without compromising sealing reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a collector plate (18) including a bottom (40), provided with openings (17) for receiving the tubes (10) of a heat exchanger tube bundle (8), and a peripheral edge (21), raised from said bottom (40), said plate also having a plurality of reinforcing ribs (30). According to the invention, said ribs extend from the raised peripheral edge (21) to said bottom (40) and have a rectilinear and/or convex profile along a plane that is oriented in an orthogonal manner to said raised edge (21) and said bottom (40).