Grooved Flat-Pipe Heat Exchanger for Bending Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing heat exchangers with heat transfer pipe units are prone to bending due to forces in the thickness direction of the heat transfer fins, leading to reduced lifespan and inadequate strength.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring flat pipes with integrated heat transfer plates, where the flat pipes have bent portions forming grooves along their longitudinal direction, and the heat transfer plates have extending portions that enhance the structural integrity by providing additional support against forces, thereby reducing the likelihood of bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If heat transfer pipe units are formed by affixing two plates with grooves, then heat transfer area is increased, but the heat transfer pipe units become liable to bending due to forces in the thickness direction of the heat transfer fins
Solution Approach 1:
The flat pipe is designed with bent portions that form grooves along its longitudinal direction, creating a curved/corrugated structure instead of a straight pipe. This curvature provides structural reinforcement against bending forces while maintaining the flat plate configuration for heat transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between increasing heat transfer area and maintaining structural strength
2Productivity
If heat transfer fins are made thinner to increase heat transfer efficiency, then heat transfer performance is improved, but the structure becomes more susceptible to bending forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bent portions of the flat pipe create grooves that extend along the longitudinal direction, adding a dimensional feature that reinforces the structure against bending forces in the thickness direction of the heat transfer fins, thereby improving reliability without compromising heat transfer efficiency
3Productivity
If the heat transfer pipe units are arranged side by side, then heat exchange capacity is increased, but the cumulative effect of bending forces increases the likelihood of deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Each heat transfer pipe unit incorporates bent portions forming grooves that provide individual structural reinforcement, allowing multiple units to be arranged side by side for increased heat exchange capacity while each unit independently resists bending forces, maintaining overall structural stability
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 design increases the strength of the heat exchange members, preventing deformation and improving heat transfer performance while facilitating efficient drainage and manufacturing simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer plate integrated with the flat pipe along a longitudinal direction of the flat pipe
Implementation Method 2
each of the flat pipes has one or more flat pipe bent portions, each forming a groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the flat pipes
Data Source
AI summary
In a heat exchanger, each of a plurality of heat exchange members includes: a flat pipe; and a heat transfer plate integrated with the flat pipe along a longitudinal direction of the flat pipe. A width direction of each of the flat pipes intersects with a direction in which the plurality of heat exchange members are arranged side by side. Each of the heat transfer plates includes an extending portion extending outward in the width direction of each of the flat pipes from at least one of one end of a corresponding one of the flat pipes in the width direction and another end of the corresponding one of the flat pipes in the width direction. Each of the flat pipes has one or more flat pipe bent portions, each forming a groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the flat pipes.