Device for connecting holding rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger tubes, especially those with small bending radii, are prone to kinking or bending at their apex points, impairing their function due to heat radiation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first connecting section inserted rotationally fixed into a support rail receptacle with a locking body, and a second connecting section that can be connected parallel to the first, ensuring the support rails are secured at apex points to prevent kinking, using locking bodies and anti-rotation devices to maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If heat exchanger tubes with small bending radii are used, then the compactness and space utilization are improved, but the tubes are prone to kinking or bending at apex points under heat radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between support rails, providing a stable reference structure that prevents tube kinking. The adapter with its rotationally fixed connecting sections creates a rigid framework that mediates the mechanical stresses on the tubes, especially at apex points with small bending radii.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rails and adapter are installed and fixed in position before the heat exchanger tubes are laid into them. This preliminary action ensures that the structural framework is already in place to prevent kinking, rather than attempting to correct tube deformation after installation.
2Length of stationary object
If support rails are extended to greater lengths using coupling elements, then the coverage area is improved, but the stability and alignment of the rails may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail system is segmented into modular sections that can be connected using adapters. Each adapter acts as an independent stabilizing unit with rotationally fixed connecting sections, ensuring that even as the overall structure extends in length, each segment maintains its alignment and stability independently.
3Area of stationary object
If heat exchanger tubes are laid in meandering or spiral shapes, then the heat distribution coverage is improved, but the tubes are more susceptible to kinking at apex points
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure serves as a mediator that provides external support at critical locations, allowing the tubes to maintain their meandering or spiral configurations for maximum heat distribution coverage while preventing kinking at apex points through the rigid framework provided by the rotationally fixed connecting sections.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for connecting support rails (1, 1', 1") for heat exchanger tubes (2) is described, comprising a first connecting section (6) which can be inserted in a rotationally fixed manner into a tube receptacle (4) of a first support rail (1), has a connecting section longitudinal axis (5), is assigned to said first connecting section an anti-twist device acting about said connecting section longitudinal axis (5), and comprises a second connecting section (6') which is designed such that it can be connected to a second support rail (1') whose supporting rail longitudinal axis (7') runs parallel to the connecting section longitudinal axis (5) of the first connecting section (6). This prevents the heat exchanger tubes (2) from buckling in the apex region of pipe bends.