Heat Exchanger Core Alignment via Recess-Protrusion Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchanger cores in flat-tube heat exchangers often displace each other during assembly and operation, leading to reduced performance and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of recesses and protrusions in heat exchanger cores, where protrusions from one core fit into recesses of another, ensures proper alignment and prevents displacement, allowing for easier assembly and improved heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heat-exchanger cores are joined to each other in the width direction of fins, then a single heat exchanger is formed, but the heat-exchanger cores are displaced from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetric engagement structures (protrusions and recesses) on the heat-exchanger cores. Each core has protrusions that fit into recesses of adjacent cores, creating a non-symmetric interlocking configuration that prevents displacement in multiple directions while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Ease of operation
If heat-exchanger cores are joined without engagement structures, then assembly is simple, but the cores displace during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The protrusions automatically fit into the recesses during assembly without requiring external positioning devices or complex alignment procedures, providing both simplicity and stability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes: a heat-exchanger core which includes flat fins each having a plurality of cuts arranged on one side of each flat fin and allowing heat transfer tubes to be inserted into the cuts, and which has a recess on the other side of the flat fins; and a heat-exchanger core having protrusions which fits in the recesses. The heat-exchanger core also includes flat fins each of which has a plurality of cuts allowing heat transfer tubes to be inserted into the cuts, and also each of which has protrusions on a side of the fin; and a heat-exchanger core having recesses which allow the protrusions to fit in the recesses.