Connecting Pipe Assembly for Heat Exchanger Flow Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchanger designs face challenges in improving fluid flow and reducing resistance, particularly in connecting pipe assemblies where flanges and tubular members do not efficiently align, leading to suboptimal fluid communication and soldering strength.

Innovation Solution

A connecting pipe assembly featuring flanges that extend radially from the pipe, with insertion pipe sections matching the shape and dimensions of tubular member openings, ensuring fluid communication and increased soldering strength through a specific annular overlapping band width, allowing for improved alignment and reduced flow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If flanges and tubular members are connected with traditional connection methods, then structural strength is maintained, but fluid flow area is reduced and resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow resistanceVSAvoidsoldering strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion pipe section is nested within the tubular member, with the insertion pipe section inserted into the tubular member to form an integrated flow path. This nesting arrangement eliminates traditional connection interfaces that would create flow resistance, while the overlapping band provides structural strength through soldering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange and insertion pipe section are merged into a single integrated structure formed by extruding a pipe. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection components and reduces flow resistance by creating a smooth, continuous flow path from the flange through the insertion pipe section and into the tubular member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for connecting pipes and flanges, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange and insertion pipe section are merged into a single integrated component formed by extruding a pipe. This single-pipe extrusion method combines multiple traditional components (flange, connection pipe, insertion section) into one piece, reducing device complexity and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extruded pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the flange for connection, forms the insertion pipe section for fluid communication, and creates the structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230341196A1Connecting pipe assembly and heat exchanger

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 DANFOSS AS

AI summary

A connecting pipe assembly and a heat exchanger is disclosed. The connecting pipe assembly includes: a pipe; and a first flange extending towards a radial outside from an outer peripheral surface of the pipe. The pipe includes a first insertion pipe section located on one side of the first flange in an axial direction of the pipe. Thereby the quality of the heat exchanger is improved.