Plate Heat Exchanger End-Plate Bolt Retention Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bolts in heat exchangers tend to drop out during handling due to loose recesses, leading to instability and potential disassembly during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating recesses with locking features and a locking device on end plates that accommodate bolts, featuring a main section with an opening and a locking section projecting at an angle to engage with the bolt, preventing rotation and ensuring secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts are inserted into recesses formed in edge portions of end plates, then the end plates can be fastened together to hold the stack of heat transfer plates, but the bolts tend to drop out of the recesses during handling of the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is formed in the recess before the bolt is inserted, creating a pre-prepared engagement structure that automatically captures the bolt in the correct position, preventing it from dropping out during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The locking feature acts as an intermediary element between the recess and the bolt, providing a positive engagement mechanism that secures the bolt in place while allowing the recess to maintain its simple structural form
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4C
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention introduces a heat exchanger comprising a stack of heat transfer plates positioned between two end plates in which recesses formed in edge regions are adapted to accommodate bolts reaching from a first to a second of said two end plates, said at least one of said recesses formed with locking features adapted to engage with a locking device comprising an opening, where the locking device is to be positioned on the respective end plate with the opening aligned with the recess in such a manner that a bolt positioned in the recess also can project through said opening. This prevents the bold from falling out of the recesses.