Heat Exchanger Fin Tray Transfer for Continuous Multi-Fin Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchanger automatic assembly apparatuses have low productivity due to the inability to supply multiple fins and tubes simultaneously, leading to prolonged assembly times and increased manufacturing costs due to frequent assembly stoppages and discarded fins.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger automatic assembly apparatus and method that includes a fin distribution unit, a fin transfer unit with multiple trays, and a fin discharge unit, allowing continuous supply and simultaneous discharge of multiple fins between tubes, reducing transfer and assembly times by supplying multiple tubes and fins at once.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fins are supplied one by one through a single fin supply apparatus, then the assembly structure is simple, but the supply time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The fin supply system is divided into multiple independent fin supply apparatuses (first fin supply apparatus and second fin supply apparatus), each capable of supplying fins independently. This segmentation allows parallel supply of multiple fins simultaneously, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining relatively simple individual apparatus structures
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fin supply apparatuses are combined to work simultaneously in coordination with multiple tube supply apparatuses. The merged system supplies multiple fins and multiple tubes in parallel, enabling batch assembly operations that significantly reduce total supply time while distributing complexity across multiple coordinated components
2Productivity
If one tube is supplied to the feeding screw at a time, then the assembly process is simple, but the waiting time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubes are supplied and positioned in advance before the assembly operation begins. The tube supply apparatuses prepare multiple tubes simultaneously and position them ready for insertion, eliminating sequential waiting time and enabling continuous assembly operations without idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly system maintains continuous useful action by having multiple tube supply apparatuses and multiple fin supply apparatuses operating in parallel. While one assembly position is being filled, other positions are being prepared simultaneously, ensuring that the assembly process never stops and productivity is maximized
3Productivity
If multiple fins and tubes are supplied simultaneously, then productivity increases and assembly time is reduced, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each fin supply apparatus and tube supply apparatus is designed as a universal module that can supply fins or tubes to any assembly position. This multi-functionality allows the same type of apparatus to serve multiple purposes and positions, reducing overall system complexity while enabling parallel operations across multiple assembly stations
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a heat exchanger automatic assembly apparatus including: a fin distribution unit distributing fins; a fin transfer unit including two or more fin trays and a driving means connected to the fin trays, respectively, to selectively transfer the fin trays to a predetermined position; and a fin discharge unit discharging the fins stored in the fin trays of the fin transfer unit to the predetermined position. The fins may be continuously supplied to the fin trays without stopping the supply of the fins to the fin trays and the plurality of fins may be discharged at one time to allow the fins to be interposed between the tubes arranged to be spaced apart from each other, thereby reducing a supply time of the fin to improve productivity, and reducing discarded fins to reduce the manufacturing cost.