Heat Exchanger Stiffening Element for Thermal Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers for internal combustion engines are susceptible to failure due to thermal stresses, which can lead to buckling and stress cracks, compromising the long-term reliability of heat transfer between fluids.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger incorporates at least one stiffening element at the joining region to brace against buckling loads induced by temperature-related length changes, thereby preventing lateral buckling and stress cracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If partitions are connected at joining regions without additional stiffening, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to buckling and stress cracks from thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening element is applied locally only at the joining region where partitions connect, rather than throughout the entire partition structure. This localized reinforcement provides necessary structural support to prevent buckling and stress cracks from thermal expansion, while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other regions of the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening element is formed as an integral part of the partition structure through metal forming processes, creating a composite structural element that combines the base partition material with reinforced geometry. This integrated approach enhances reliability at critical joining regions without requiring separate components or complex assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If stiffening elements are added to prevent buckling, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening elements are formed as integral features of the partitions during the initial metal forming process, before assembly of the heat exchanger. This preliminary formation of reinforcing structures eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps or post-assembly operations, thereby improving reliability while avoiding increases in manufacturing complexity.
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
This design enhances the failure-proofness of heat transfer between fluids by preventing buckling and stress cracks, ensuring a reliable and efficient heat transfer process even under high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
designed to brace the stiffening portion at least against a buckling load induced by a change of length in the even of a temperature-related length change of the joining region
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger for transferring heat between at least two fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a housing wall and interior having a fluid inlet region for the introduction of a first into the interior, and at least two partitions accommodated in the interior and connected to the wall at at least one connection region. The partitions are connected to one another at a joining region. A stiffening element which, in order to stiffen a stiffening portion of the joining region adjoining the connection region, is arranged at the joining region and is configured to brace the stiffening portion at least against a buckling load arising from a change in length in the event of a temperature-induced change in length of the joining region.