Heat Exchanger Fin Collar Curvature Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining mechanical strength while minimizing the transmission of expansion forces from tubes to fins and louvers, leading to deformation issues during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fin design with collars having a progressive radius of curvature, varying from a low minimum radius of 0.05mm to a higher maximum radius of 0.15-0.22mm, providing rigidity at the ends and flexibility in the central region to absorb tube expansion forces, reducing deformation transmission to louvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the collar has a constant small radius of curvature (0-0.05mm) to ensure rigidity, then mechanical strength of the fin is improved, but expansion forces from tubes are transmitted to louvers causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with non-uniform radius of curvature where different segments have different radii: the first collar segment (near tube ends) has smaller radius for rigidity and mechanical strength, while the second collar segment (central region) has larger radius for flexibility to absorb expansion forces. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both strength and deformation absorption in appropriate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The radius of curvature parameter of the collar is changed from constant to variable along its length. Specifically, the radius increases from the first collar segment to the second collar segment, transforming the mechanical properties from uniformly rigid to having a gradient of flexibility. This parameter change allows the collar to provide both structural strength and expansion force absorption.
2Reliability
If the collar radius of curvature is increased to reduce transmission of expansion forces, then louver deformation is reduced, but the collar itself may deform and mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar structure is divided into segments with different radius values: the first collar segment maintains smaller radius (0.05-0.10mm) to preserve mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the second collar segment uses larger radius (0.15-0.22mm) to absorb expansion forces. This segmented approach with local quality differentiation prevents both louver deformation and collar failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is segmented into at least two distinct collar segments along its length, each with different radius of curvature characteristics. The first segment provides structural support while the second segment provides flexibility for force absorption. This segmentation allows the collar to simultaneously satisfy both strength requirements and deformation absorption requirements.
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 design enhances mechanical strength and assembly stability by distributing expansion forces effectively, preventing deformation of louvers and ensuring a secure, flexible fit of tubes within the fins, thereby improving heat exchanger performance.
Implementation Method 1
the radius of curvature of the collar is larger, making the collar more elastic and contributing less to the mechanical strength of the fin
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a fin of a heat exchanger notably for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one orifice (22) of substantially longitudinal shape, intended to have passing through it a tube of the heat exchanger, said at least one orifice (22) being bordered by a flange (32) formed as an integral part of the fin. According to the invention, the flange (32) is made with a shape that is substantially curved with respect to the overall plane defined by the fin, so as to have a radius of curvature (RI, R2) between the overall plane defined by the fin (20) and the top of the flange (32) which top of the flange (32) projects with respect to the overall plane defined by the fin (20), the radius of curvature of the flange being at a minimum (R1) at the ends of the associated orifice (22) and at a maximum (R2) in a region that is substantially central along the longitudinal axis of the associated orifice (22).