Heat Exchanger Port Structure for Stress and Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers face mechanical weaknesses due to convoluted port shapes leading to stress concentration and leakage, as channels either match port shapes causing convoluted edges or are simpler, leaving gaps that lack mechanical support.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design with edge bars extending to rectilinear portions of ports, providing mechanical support and guiding fluid flow, using corrugated plates for channels and edge bars to enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If channels match the shape of ports, then fluid flow guidance is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to convoluted edges
Solution Approach 1:
The port structure is segmented into two functional parts: a rectilinear portion that provides mechanical strength and supports the channel, and a non-rectilinear portion that guides fluid flow. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the port are given different geometric qualities - the rectilinear portion has straight edges for structural integrity, while the non-rectilinear portion has curved or angled edges for optimal fluid flow guidance. Each local region is optimized for its specific purpose.
2Strength
If channels are made simpler than ports, then mechanical strength is improved, but gaps are created that lack mechanical support leading to stress concentration and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The rectilinear portion of the port acts as an intermediary element between the simple channel and the complex external port. It provides the necessary mechanical support and stress distribution while the channel maintains its simple geometry, preventing both stress concentration and leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectilinear portion is designed in advance to provide mechanical support before the fluid flow occurs. This preliminary structural preparation prevents stress concentration and potential leakage at the channel-port interface.
3Strength
If edge bars are extended to support non-rectilinear portions, then mechanical support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge bar is merged with the rectilinear portion of the port to form an integrated structural element. This combination provides mechanical support for both the rectilinear and non-rectilinear portions without requiring separate support structures, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectilinear portion serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical strength, supports the channel, and acts as a structural element for the edge bar. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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
Enhances mechanical support and reduces stress concentration, preventing leakage by aligning channels with port shapes and ensuring robust fluid flow guidance.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers have been known for transferring heat from one fluid to another
Data Source
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AI summary
A heat exchanger comprising: - a parting plate comprising a frame and a main body arranged within the frame and connected to the frame so as to define, between the frame and the main body, two first ports and two second ports; - at least one first channel (37) extending from one of the first ports (12) to another one of the first ports (14) on a first face of the main body; - first edge bars (35) extending on either sides of the at least one first channel (37) to prevent communication between the at least one first channel (37) and the second ports (16, 18); wherein the at least one first channel (37) opens out onto a first rectilinear portion (42) of one of the first ports (12), and at least one of the first edge bars (35) extends up to the first rectilinear portion (42).