Heat Exchanger Support Assembly Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger support assemblies can restrict air flow and are prone to damage from vibrational forces, leading to inefficiencies and potential failure due to inadequate support for the structural frame and components.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly for heat exchangers that includes a frame with top, bottom, and side sections, along with additional support members such as brackets and gussets to secure the heat exchanger and tank to the machine frame, and pin-joint assemblies for flexible connections, reducing flexing and vibrational resonance while maintaining air flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a structural frame with center rail and cross bars is used to strengthen the heat exchanger assembly, then the structural strength is improved, but the air flow through the heat exchanger is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple independent components: side supports positioned at opposite sides of the heat exchanger, with each support having a first portion and a second portion. This segmentation allows the supports to be positioned strategically to provide strength without blocking the entire air flow path. The intermediate tank is also segmented and positioned between the side supports, allowing air to flow around rather than through the support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The side supports are positioned laterally at opposite sides of the heat exchanger rather than centrally, utilizing the lateral dimension to provide structural reinforcement. This dimensional repositioning allows the supports to strengthen the assembly without interfering with the primary air flow path through the center of the heat exchanger, thus maintaining productivity while improving strength.
2Reliability
If the heat exchanger is secured rigidly to reduce flexing, then the reliability is improved, but the structural frame experiences damage from vibrational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates cushioning elements and flexible connections that absorb and dampen vibrational forces before they can propagate through the entire structure. The side supports are designed to accommodate vibrations while maintaining positional stability, preventing the transmission of harmful vibrational forces to the heat exchanger and tank components, thus protecting them from fatigue and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly uses flexible mounting mechanisms and resilient connections between the side supports, intermediate tank, and heat exchanger components. These flexible elements allow the structure to absorb vibrational energy through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance, reducing stress concentrations and preventing fatigue damage while maintaining operational stability.
3Strength
If additional support members are added to reduce flexing, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side supports serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural strength to prevent flexing, position the heat exchanger and intermediate tank correctly, allow air flow through the assembly, and accommodate vibrational forces. By designing components that perform multiple functions, the need for additional separate support members is reduced, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving the desired strength and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly is disclosed for use with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger support assembly may include a frame configured to receive a heat exchanger. The frame may include a top section, a bottom section, and first and second side sections. The heat exchanger support assembly may also include at least one support member configured to mount a tank associated with the heat exchanger to the frame.