Header-Tank Assembly Integral Sealing for Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing evaporator header-tank assemblies require additional operations and tools for forming a fluid-tight connection between the distribution device and manifold, leading to potential pressure loss and increased production costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A tubular distribution device with a sealing portion that surrounds the open end and is integral with a baffle, featuring orifices and a beveled end for efficient fluid distribution, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing the fluid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a distribution device is provided to provide homogenous distribution of refrigerant fluid through the heat exchanger, then fluid distribution is improved, but the device complexity and number of operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is merged with the first baffle by making the sealing portion integral with the baffle structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components and reduces the number of assembly operations while maintaining homogeneous fluid distribution through the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The first baffle is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component for closing the header and as a mounting support for the distribution device. The integral sealing portion provides both structural sealing and fluid distribution functionality, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If additional sealing components and brazing operations are used to form fluid-tight connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing portion is made integral with the first baffle, combining the sealing function with the existing baffle structure. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and reduces the number of brazing operations required, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while reducing manufacturing time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing portion is designed to be formed as part of the baffle manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as a separate component afterward. This preliminary integration of the sealing function into the base manufacturing process reduces subsequent assembly steps and brazing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled to form the header-tank assembly, then functional requirements are met, but the number of operations and tools required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is merged with the first baffle into a single integral component. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be handled, positioned, and secured during assembly, thereby improving ease of manufacture while still meeting all functional requirements for fluid distribution and sealing.
4Reliability
If conventional distribution devices are used with separate sealing components, then fluid distribution is achieved, but pressure loss due to leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the sealing portion integral with the first baffle, the invention eliminates potential leakage points that would exist at interfaces between separate sealing components and the distribution device. This integrated design maintains homogeneous fluid distribution while preventing pressure loss due to leakage.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The object of the invention is, among others, a header- tank assembly (30) for a fluid, comprising: a header (30) comprising a plurality of openings to receive tubes, a cover (10) configured to be assembled with the header (30) to form a channel for a fluid, a first baffle (20) forming an end wall for the fluid channel at an end of the header (30), a second baffle (40) comprising at least one opening (41) configured to provide a fluidal communication between the header-tank assembly (30) and a fluid loop, a distribution device (70) located between the first baffle (20) and the second baffle (40), the distribution device (70) further comprising open ends, wherein at least one open end of the distribution device (70) is in a contact with the first baffle (20) and the other is fluidly connected with the first opening (41), characterised in that the first baffle (20) comprises a sealing portion (21) configured to be fixed to the open end of the distribution device (70) to form a fluid- tight connection blocking the exit of the fluid from the open end of the distribution device (70).