Heat Exchanger Ribs with Form-Fit Tabs for Thermodynamic Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchangers for thermodynamic machines have high structural complexity and production costs due to heat-conducting ribs, which hinders efficiency improvements.
Innovation Solution
Heat-conducting ribs with tabs that protrude from the rear and form a form-fit with the lines, reducing production costs and increasing surface area for improved heat transfer, while maintaining structural simplicity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat-conducting ribs are added to increase surface area and efficiency, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but structural complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat-conducting ribs are merged into a single common rib structure that thermally connects to multiple lines simultaneously. This reduces the total number of separate rib components needed while maintaining the heat transfer surface area, thereby reducing structural complexity and production costs while preserving heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The common heat-conducting rib serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat transfer surface for multiple lines simultaneously, provides structural support, and includes integrated tabs for securing the ribs to the lines. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If heat-conducting ribs with tabs are used to secure ribs to lines, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs for securing the ribs are integrated directly into the heat-conducting rib structure itself, rather than being separate fastening components. This merging of the rib and tab into a single piece reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment to the lines
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to automatically engage with the lines through a snap-fit or interference fit mechanism, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly procedures. The structure secures itself during assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring stable attachment
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
The solution enhances the efficiency and stability of the heat exchanger by securely fastening ribs to lines, allowing direct heat exchange and radiant heat input, with optional intermediate plates and concave surfaces for increased surface area and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
heat-conducting ribs, which protrude from the rear of at least one line as seen from the inflow side
Implementation Method 2
the heat-conducting ribs also have tabs that protrude to the front of the lines and form a form fit with at least one of the lines
Implementation Method 3
which is in indirect heat exchange with the combustion gas
Implementation Method 4
the heat transfer of the combustion gas flowing into the heat exchanger be improved on the working gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2
AI summary
A heat exchanger (2, 12) for a thermodynamic machine (1) is shown, comprising an inlet and outlet side (8, 9) for a combustion gas (11), with lines (10) arranged between the inlet and outlet sides (8, 9) for guiding the working gas (7) of the thermodynamic machine (1) which is in indirect heat exchange with the combustion gas (11), and with at least one heat-conducting fin (15) thermally connected to at least one line (10), which projects from the rear of at least one line (10) as seen from the inlet side (8). In order to create advantageous design conditions, it is proposed that at least one thermally connected heat-conducting fin (15) with several conductors (10) runs along the back of these conductors (10) and has tabs (15a, 15b, 15c) that project towards the front (16) of the conductors (10) and form a positive connection (27) with at least one of the conductors (10).