Heat Exchanger Distribution Pipe Connection Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face reliability issues due to small connection areas between distribution pipes, leading to potential virtual welding and unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design that includes a connecting component between two distribution pipes, increasing the connection area and reliability by using surface-to-surface mating surfaces and a connection channel to communicate with distribution chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two distribution pipes are directly connected through pipe walls in a line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection area is small leading to unreliable connection
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting component is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second distribution pipes. This connecting component includes a first connecting surface that connects to the first distribution pipe and a second connecting surface that connects to the second distribution pipe, thereby increasing the overall connection area and improving connection reliability without requiring direct pipe-to-pipe connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure transitions from a one-dimensional line connection to a two-dimensional surface connection by introducing connecting surfaces on the connecting component. The first connecting surface and second connecting surface provide enlarged connection areas compared to traditional point or line contacts between pipes
2Reliability
If distribution pipes are connected with small connection area, then the manufacturing is simpler, but virtual welding occurs and connection becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct components: the first distribution pipe, the connecting component with its first and second connecting surfaces, and the second distribution pipe. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with optimized connection surfaces, improving overall reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a first collecting pipe and a distributor. The first collecting pipe defines a first collecting cavity in which the distributor is at least partially located. The distributor includes a first distribution pipe, a second distribution pipe and a connecting component. The connecting component is located at least partially between the first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe. The first distribution pipe defines a number of first distribution holes. The second distribution pipe defines a number of second distribution holes. The first distribution holes and the second distribution holes are in communication with the first collecting cavity, respectively. The first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe are connected face to face through the connecting component, thereby increasing a contact area at a connection between the first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe, and ensuring strong connection reliability.