Heat Exchanger Fin Stacking with Slit-Aligned Horizontal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stacking fins in heat exchangers face instability issues when the stack height increases, leading to difficulties in achieving higher stacks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves arranging each fin with its fin slit facing upward or downward during stacking, utilizing position-changing mechanisms such as moving members, inclined surfaces, or rotary platforms to ensure the fin slits align with supports, allowing stable horizontal stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fins are stacked vertically in traditional manner, then stacking process is simple, but stack height is limited due to instability at upper portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking to horizontal stacking by changing the orientation dimension. Fins are arranged horizontally with fin slits facing upward or downward, allowing supports to extend through the slits and provide stability. This dimensional change enables stacking many more fins (e.g., 500 or more) without the instability issues that limit vertical stacks to much lower heights.
2Ease of manufacture
If fins are stacked vertically, then initial stacking is easy, but upper portion fins become unstable when stack height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces supports as intermediary elements that extend through the fin slits to connect and stabilize multiple fins. These supports act as mediators between individual fins, distributing loads and preventing instability. The supports can be positioned at multiple locations along the fin length, providing comprehensive stabilization throughout the stack.
3Device complexity
If traditional vertical stacking is used, then process is straightforward, but frequent conveying is needed due to height limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By switching from vertical to horizontal stacking orientation, the patent dramatically increases the achievable stack height (from limited vertical height to potentially 500+ fins horizontally arranged). This eliminates the need for frequent conveying operations that were required when vertical stack height was limited, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency without adding process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a plurality of fins has a fin slit for receiving a flat tube. A method for stacking the fins includes arranging each of the fins at a stacking spot for the fins with an opening of the fin slit facing upward or downward.