Heat Transfer Plate Gasket Attachment With Self-Locking Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening gaskets to heat transfer plates in plate heat exchangers are either time-consuming and costly, or provide unreliable fixation, with adhesive methods affecting sealing capacity and mechanical solutions risking gasket displacement.
Innovation Solution
An attachment means comprising a bridge, first and second connection members, and a finger, designed to interlock with the heat transfer plate, featuring varying widths and shapes to ensure secure mechanical 'self-locking' and prevent displacement, paired with a heat transfer plate having corrugated edges for optimized gasket support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive means are used to fix gaskets to heat transfer plates, then gasket fixation is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive, and adhesive may negatively affect gasket sealing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive bonding (chemical method) with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of connection members with retaining means that engage with corresponding features on the heat transfer plate, eliminating the need for adhesive while providing reliable gasket fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection members are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through their geometric features (retaining means engaging with plate features), allowing automatic proper positioning and secure attachment without requiring external adhesive application or additional fastening operations
2Ease of manufacture
If simple projection fastening is used to secure gaskets to heat transfer plates, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but the engagement is relatively weak with risk of projections sliding off the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection members feature asymmetric geometric profiles with retaining means that have specific shapes (such as L-shaped or U-shaped configurations) that correspond to asymmetric features on the heat transfer plate, creating a directional interlocking mechanism that prevents sliding in all directions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple one-dimensional projection contact to a multi-dimensional interlocking system where retaining means on the connection members engage with corresponding features on the plate in multiple directions, creating a three-dimensional mechanical lock that significantly enhances attachment reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment member for fastening a gasket to a heat transfer plate comprises a bridge, a first connection member, a second connection member and a finger. The first and second connection members engage the bridge and are arranged to engage the gasket. The finger engages the bridge and extends between the first and second connection members. The first connection member comprises first and second portions, the second portion being arranged between the bridge and the first portion. The second portion of the first connection member comprises a second body, and the first portion of the first connection member comprises a first body and a first retainer projecting from a longitudinal outer side of the first body in a direction away from the finger to give the first portion of the first connection member a first width larger than a second width of the second portion of the first connection member.