Heat Exchanger Fin With Segmented Arc Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corrugated fins with a sinusoidal shape in heat exchangers face challenges in uniform deformation and arrangement density during assembly, leading to irregular shapes and reduced heat transfer coefficients.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a straight segment, a substantially-circular arc segment with a larger radius (R), and a transition segment with a smaller radius (r), where R>r, allowing for controlled deformation and uniform fin arrangement, maintaining the shape stability and enhancing heat transfer performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional corrugated fins with circular arc shaped root segment directly connected to straight segment are used, then the fin structure is simple, but the deformation during assembly is irregular and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is divided into three distinct segments: a straight segment, a substantially circular arc transition segment with smaller radius r, and a substantially circular arc segment with larger radius R. This segmentation allows each part to have different deformation characteristics, with the transition segment specifically designed to control and regularize the deformation pattern during assembly while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional corrugated fins are pressed during assembly, then the fins can be deformed to fit, but the arranging density of fins becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the fin are designed with different local properties: the straight segment maintains its shape for structural stability, the transition segment with smaller radius r is designed to deform regularly, and the outer arc segment with larger radius R provides the necessary flexibility. This local differentiation ensures uniform arranging density across all fins while maintaining ease of deformation during assembly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional fins are deformed at circular arc shaped root segment, then the fin can be assembled, but the heat transfer coefficient decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is pre-designed with the three-segment configuration before assembly, where the transition segment and outer arc segment are already positioned to enable regular deformation. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when deformation occurs during assembly, it follows a predictable pattern that preserves the straight segment's integrity and maintains optimal heat transfer surfaces, preventing the shape irregularities that would reduce heat transfer efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a fin of heat exchanger comprising a straight segment; a substantially-circular arc segment having a radius of R; and a substantially-circular arc transition segment connected between the straight segment and the substantially-circular arc segment and having a radius of r, wherein R>r. According to the present invention, after being assembled and welded to the heat exchanger, the substantially-circular arc segment is relatively easy to deform, and the shapes of the straight segment and substantially-circular arc transition segment are substantially unchanged. Therefore, the deformation of the fin is regular and easy to control. The arranging density of the fin in the heat exchanger is uniform, and the shape of the fin can meet the design requirements. In addition, the shape stability and the heat transfer coefficient of the fin are high.