Flattened Heat Exchange Module for Compact Component Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems with cylindrical pipe units face challenges in efficiently arranging other components due to their spatial requirements, leading to larger-than-necessary occupancy.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange module featuring a flattened tubular base member with branched heat exchangers and support posts, allowing for compact installation and efficient use of space by arranging components along the side surfaces and facilitating heat medium flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cylindrical pipe units are used in temperature control systems, then heat exchange function is achieved, but the space occupied by the system becomes larger than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional cylindrical pipe unit into a flattened tubular shape, changing the spatial dimension from circular cross-section to rectangular cross-section. This dimensional change allows components to be arranged around the flattened tube in ways that reduce overall system volume while maintaining heat exchange functionality. The flattened shape creates better space utilization by allowing surrounding components to be positioned more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single large cylindrical pipe into multiple smaller flattened tubular pipes arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows for more flexible spatial arrangement and reduces the overall volume occupied by the temperature control system. Multiple smaller tubes can be positioned to optimize space usage while maintaining the required heat exchange capacity through distributed thermal contact.
2Strength
If support posts are placed close to ends of the base member, then structural support is improved, but heat medium flow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different positioning strategies for support posts at different locations within the flow passage. By positioning support posts at specific distances from the ends (e.g., 10-50mm from each end rather than at the very ends), the design optimizes both structural support and flow uniformity locally. This localized quality adjustment ensures adequate structural reinforcement while preventing flow disruption and temperature non-uniformity that would occur with end-mounted support posts.
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 solution reduces the space occupied by the heat exchange module, enables efficient arrangement of components, and maintains uniform heat medium flow and temperature distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heat exchangers arranged between the pipe units. The heat exchangers are each plate-shaped and extend along a plane that is defined by the extension direction and a widthwise direction orthogonal to the extension direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A heat exchange module includes a base member having a flattened tubular shape, and a heat exchanger branched from the base member. The base member includes a flow passage that connects a first end of the base member and a second end opposite to the first end, and support posts arranged in the flow passage. The flow passage extends in a flow direction, and a direction orthogonal to the flow direction is a longitudinal direction. The support posts include a first support post and a second support post. The first support post and the second support post are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. The first support post is separated from the second end. The second support post is separated from the first end.