Heat Exchanger Header Divider Fixing via V-Groove Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat exchangers with headers arranged in an up-down direction, the width of the header needs to be reduced to lower ventilation resistance, but the temporary fixing of a divider using existing methods increases the header width due to the thickness of the caulking nail.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger design incorporates a divider with side plate portions that are inserted into through holes in the header's body section, where the plate distal end portions are deformed to form V-shaped grooves, engaging with the inner walls of the insertion portions to secure the divider without protruding from the header's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a divider is temporarily fixed to a header using a caulking nail, then the divider can be securely fixed in place, but the width of the header increases due to the thickness of the caulking nail
Solution Approach 1:
The side plate portions are inserted into through-holes formed in the header, nesting the fixing structure within the header's existing geometry. This eliminates the need for external caulking nails that would increase the header width, while still providing secure temporary fixation of the divider during the brazing process
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism transitions from a protruding external fixation (caulking nail extending outward) to an internal fixation where the side plate portions are inserted into the header's thickness dimension. The distal end portions are then deformed to engage with inner walls, providing stable fixation without increasing the header's external dimensions
2Productivity
If the width of the header is reduced to lower ventilation resistance, then the heat exchanger performance improves, but the divider cannot be properly fixed using conventional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The divider is segmented into a wall portion and separate side plate portions. The side plate portions are inserted into through-holes in the header and then deformed to engage with inner walls. This segmentation allows the divider to be securely fixed within the reduced-width header without requiring external fixation elements that would increase the overall width
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
This configuration allows for a smaller header width even with a divider, eliminating the need for the divider to protrude, thus reducing the overall width of the heat exchanger and minimizing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
The plate distal end portions are deformed in such a state that walls of the plate distal end portions are spread out in a direction parallel with the direction of the tube axis such that end faces of the plate distal end portions each form a V-shaped groove, and are in engagement with inner walls of the pair of respective insertion portions inside the through holes
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger is provided with a header that has a body section formed in a cylindrical shape and a divider that divides an internal space in the body section. In a state in which the body section and the divider are combined with each other, plate distal end portions of a pair of side plate portions of the divider do not protrude from a pair of respective insertion portions of the body section toward an outside of the body section. The plate distal end portions are deformed in such a state that walls of the plate distal end portions are spread out such that end faces of the plate distal end portions each form a V-shaped groove, and are in engagement with inner walls of the pair of respective insertion portions inside through holes defined by the pair of respective insertion portions.