Corrugated Strap Spring Action for Heat Exchanger Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems face challenges in securing heat exchangers to mounts due to varying dimensions, where straps may become too tight during thermal expansion and too loose during thermal contraction, resulting in inconsistent clamping forces.
Innovation Solution
A power system utilizing a corrugated strap with a separation bend positioned between two sections, which acts like a spring to maintain a constant clamp force on the heat exchanger, effectively securing it to the mount despite dimensional variations and temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard strap is used to secure the heat exchanger, then the heat exchanger can be mounted to the mount, but the clamping force becomes inconsistent during thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is designed with a corrugated configuration that allows it to dynamically adjust its length and shape in response to thermal expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger. The corrugations act as mechanical springs that expand and contract with temperature changes, maintaining consistent clamping force while accommodating dimensional variations of the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap's physical parameters (length, shape, stiffness) are changed through its corrugated geometry. The corrugations provide variable stiffness characteristics that allow the strap to adapt to different thermal states, maintaining reliable clamping force across a range of operating temperatures and dimensional conditions.
2Strength
If the strap is made tight to secure the heat exchanger, then mounting is secure, but the strap becomes too tight during thermal expansion causing excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated structure of the strap provides built-in cushioning capacity before thermal expansion occurs. The unexpanded corrugations act as pre-positioned stress-absorbing elements that gradually expand during thermal growth, cushioning the heat exchanger against excessive strap stress while maintaining secure mounting throughout the expansion cycle.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the strap is made loose to accommodate thermal contraction, then the heat exchanger can contract freely, but the strap becomes too loose during contraction reducing clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated strap dynamically adjusts its clamping force in response to thermal contraction. As the heat exchanger contracts, the corrugations compress and reform, maintaining adequate clamping force to secure the heat exchanger to the mount while still allowing for thermal movement and preventing excessive stress concentration.
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 corrugated strap ensures a consistent and stable clamping force on the heat exchanger, addressing the issues of varying tolerance stack-ups and thermal expansion/contraction, thereby providing reliable securing and maintaining performance across different conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Because the corrugated strap acts similarly to a spring, it effectively secures the heat exchanger, despite challenges discussed above, and maintains a relatively constant clamp force about the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The corrugated strap may comprise a first corrugated section and a second corrugated section. A separation bend may be positioned between the first corrugated section and the second corrugated section
Implementation Method 3
the strap may become too tight, during operation, as the heat exchanger thermally expands, and it may become too loose as the heat exchanger thermally contracts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A power system, comprising: a mount; a heat exchanger; and a corrugated strap positioned about the heat exchanger for securing the heat exchanger to the mount.