Dual Plate Heat Exchanger Layout With Shared Separation Plate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual heat exchanger systems require a large amount of installation space and numerous individual parts due to the connection of two heat exchangers via lines and connections.

Innovation Solution

A dual heat exchanger design featuring two plate heat exchangers separated only by a separation plate, eliminating the need for intermediate connections and significantly reducing the required installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two heat exchangers are connected by means of suitable lines and connections, then fluid flow between heat exchangers is ensured, but installation space and number of individual parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flowVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate heat exchanger units into a single integrated assembly by removing intermediate connection lines and connections. The heat exchangers are positioned adjacent to each other and connected directly through shared plate structures, eliminating the need for external piping and reducing installation space while maintaining fluid flow paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a holder structure as an intermediary component that supports and positions multiple heat exchangers in a compact arrangement. The holder integrates the mounting functions and enables direct connection between heat exchangers without requiring traditional external connections, thus reducing space while ensuring proper fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If two heat exchangers are connected by means of suitable lines and connections, then fluid flow between heat exchangers is ensured, but number of individual parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flowVSAvoidnumber of individual parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple heat exchanger units into a single integrated assembly where shared plates and structures serve multiple functions. By eliminating separate connection lines, connectors, and mounting hardware, the total number of individual parts is reduced while fluid flow paths are maintained through the integrated plate design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs plates and structural components to serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, plates serve as both heat transfer surfaces and connection elements between adjacent heat exchangers, eliminating the need for separate connection parts and reducing overall component count while ensuring proper fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If plates of heat exchangers are positioned close to each other, then installation space is reduced, but fluid flow paths may be blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidfluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the plate structures to create integrated flow channels that are formed by the arrangement of adjacent plates. The plates are designed with specific geometries and positioning that create continuous fluid passages between heat exchangers, ensuring unobstructed flow paths while maintaining compact spacing for reduced installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 compact design of the dual heat exchanger reduces installation space and part count while maintaining effective fluid flow and heat transfer between fluids in different states, such as refrigerant in high and low-pressure states.

Implementation Method 1

a first plate heat exchanger in which heat is transferred between a first fluid and a second fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat is transferred between a first fluid and a second fluid, for example a refrigerant on the one hand and a water-glycol mixture on the other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The separation plate is configured with substantially the same distance to the respectively adjacent, so to speak the closest, plates of the two heat exchangers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250135844A1Dual heat exchanger

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 HANON SYST CO LTD

AI summary

A dual heat exchanger includes a first plate heat exchanger in which heat is transferred between a first fluid and a second fluid, and a second plate heat exchanger in which heat is transferred between the first fluid in a first state and the first fluid in a second state, and is characterized in that the two heat exchangers are separated from one another only by means of a separation plate.