Flat Heat Exchanger Tube Seam Structure for Pressure Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger tubes, particularly those formed by bending a metal strip, lack flexibility and robustness under high pressure and temperature conditions, leading to potential leaks and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for additional components and precise tooling.
Innovation Solution
A flat tube design with a seam comprising a first section fixed to the second wall and a second section spaced apart, enhanced by a deflection or groove/bump configuration, allowing increased flexibility and structural integrity without additional components or complex tooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the tube wall is increased to withstand internal stresses and high pressure, then the strength and reliability improve, but the flexibility and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seam is divided into two distinct sections: a first section that is fixed to the second wall to provide structural strength, and a second section that remains spaced apart to provide flexibility. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the seam have different structural characteristics - the first section has fixed attachment for strength where needed, while the second section has spaced configuration for flexibility where required. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall strength and flexibility.
2Strength
If inserts are added to increase material thickness at terminal ends, then the strength improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strength-enhancing feature is merged into the tube structure itself through the seam configuration, eliminating the need for separate inserts. The seam's dual-section design provides both strength and flexibility without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube structure serves its own reinforcement function through the strategically designed seam, eliminating the need for external inserts or additional components to provide structural strength at terminal ends.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical separation of tube legs from bottom portion is performed, then the flexibility improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements and tooling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seam transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic configuration where the second section can move or flex relative to the second wall, providing flexibility without requiring precise mechanical separation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat tube includes a metal strip having a length. The metal strip includes longitudinal edges. The flat tube includes a first wall, a second wall parallel to the first wall, two complementary side wall portions joining said first and second walls together. The first wall includes a seam extending along the longitudinal axis of the flat tube so that juxtaposed longitudinal edges of the metal strip join together in parallel manner towards the second wall to form a closed profile of the tube. The seam includes a first section and a second section arranged in series. The sections being spaced apart from the second wall and extending along the seam. The second wall includes at least one deflection protruding towards the seam, so that the first section is in contact with the second wall whereas the second section remains spaced apart from the second wall.