Multi-Plate Heat Exchanger Core Plate Tapered Recess Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-plate-stack-type heat exchangers face issues with undesirable stacking and reduced mechanical strength due to inconsistent expansion characteristics of core plates with flared outer peripheral tapered portions, leading to quality and press-formability problems.
Innovation Solution
The core plates feature an outer peripheral tapered portion with a recessed inner surface and straight outer surface, allowing for improved stacking and press-forming, reducing individual differences and enhancing assembly quality and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the outer peripheral tapered portion is shaped to extend straightly in cross section, then the stacking of core plates is improved, but the press-formability of the leading portion is deteriorated due to spring back
Solution Approach 1:
The outer peripheral tapered portion is designed with different geometric characteristics at different locations: the leading end has a larger outer diameter than the base portion, creating a localized expansion zone. This local quality differentiation allows the leading portion to be pressed and bent more easily while the overall straight extension maintains stacking precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer peripheral tapered portion is of a flared type expanding gradually outward, then the press-formability is improved, but the mutually contacted portion of adjacent core plates is reduced, causing lowering of mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portion is designed to expand gradually only at the leading end, while maintaining a straight extension in the middle and base portions. This localized flaring provides press-formability where needed while preserving sufficient contact area between adjacent core plates for mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer peripheral tapered portion is segmented into different functional zones: a leading end zone with gradual expansion for press-formability, and a base portion zone with straight extension for stacking precision and mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outer peripheral tapered portion is of a flared type, then the press-formability is improved, but individual differences in expansion characteristic due to spring back occur, lowering product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The gradual expansion is localized to the leading end portion only, while the base portion maintains a straight configuration. This localization reduces the overall spring back effect and minimizes individual differences in expansion characteristics, improving product quality consistency while retaining sufficient press-formability at the leading end.
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 design enhances assemblability, quality, and mechanical strength by ensuring precise stacking and consistent expansion, while facilitating easier machining and brazing, resulting in a more robust and efficient heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
the outer peripheral tapered portions of adjacent core plates are joined to each other by brazing
Data Source
AI summary
By stacking a plurality of core plates (15) each of which has, around a peripheral edge of a base portion (30), an outer peripheral tapered portion (31) that expands outward, and joining the outer peripheral tapered portions (31) of adjacent core plates by brazing, a heat exchanging fluid passage (17, 18) is defined between the base portions (30) of the adjacent core plates. Outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the outer peripheral tapered portion are shaped to extend straightly in cross section. A leading end part of the outer peripheral tapered portion (31) is formed at the inner peripheral surface thereof with a recess (33) that is depressed toward the outer peripheral surface.