Integrated Coolant Guide Structure for Simplified Heat Exchangers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers have complex structures and require numerous parts, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain, particularly in applications where a simplified design and reduced part count are desirable.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring a plurality of coolant tubes connected through a coolant guide with facing plates that form coolant flow paths, where the joining parts are larger than the flow path units, allowing for a minimized part count and simplified structure, and utilizing a furnace brazing process for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional heat exchanger designs are used, then heat exchange functionality is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and requires numerous parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated coolant guide structure. The coolant guide combines flow path formation, tube support, and distribution functions into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate manifolds, supports, and distribution elements. This integration directly reduces device complexity while maintaining complete heat exchange functionality through the unified structure's ability to perform all necessary functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant guide is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a flow path carrier, tube support structure, and coolant distribution system. The facing plates with integrated flow path units provide multiple functions within a single component, reducing the overall part count while ensuring reliable heat exchange through its versatile functional capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional heat exchanger designs are used, then heat exchange functionality is achieved, but manufacturing and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into the coolant guide, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced. Instead of manufacturing and assembling separate manifolds, supports, and distribution elements, the unified coolant guide can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functional reliability through its integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant guide is segmented into facing plates with modular flow path units, allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual plate components that can be precisely fabricated and then assembled. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing of complex flow paths while maintaining overall functionality through the modular assembly of reliable functional units.
3Ease of manufacture
If the number of parts is reduced, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functions into the coolant guide, the number of assembly operations is reduced. The integrated design eliminates the need to assemble multiple separate components (manifolds, supports, distribution elements), thereby reducing cumulative assembly errors and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The facing plates with integrated flow path units serve as intermediary structures that provide precise alignment features and mounting interfaces. These intermediary elements facilitate accurate positioning and assembly of the coolant tubes and other components, reducing assembly precision requirements despite the reduced part count by providing built-in alignment and positioning mechanisms.
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
The design achieves a reduced number of parts and a simplified structure, facilitating easier manufacturing and operation while maintaining effective heat exchange functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the pair of plates, respectively, further include joining parts that come in surface contact with each other
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger comprises a plurality of coolant tubes through which a coolant passes to exchange heat with ambient air
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a heat exchanger comprises a plurality of coolant tubes and a coolant guide having a coolant flow path through which the plurality of coolant tubes communicate with each other, wherein the coolant guide includes a plurality of plates facing each other, wherein the pair of plates, respectively, include coolant flow path units formed facing each other, the coolant flow path unit forming the coolant flow path, and wherein the pair of plates, respectively, further include joining parts that come in surface contact with each other. Accordingly, the number of parts of the coolant guide may be minimized, and the structure of the heat exchanger may be simplified.