Heat transfer element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat transfer elements require long lines to connect distributors and collectors, leading to inefficient connection technology and increased installation and maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
The heat transfer element design features distributors and collectors arranged on the same end face of a flexible mat, with axial or parallel alignment, and partial integration of components, allowing for reduced line lengths and enhanced flexibility, and uses a plastic material for improved heat transfer and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If distributors and collectors are arranged separately in traditional heat transfer elements, then each component can be independently designed, but long connection lines are required between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distributor and collector into a single integrated component assembly. The distributor is positioned inside the collector with flow channels connecting them directly, eliminating the need for separate external connection lines. This merging of components directly reduces the connection line length and simplifies the overall connection technology while maintaining functional independence of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor is nested inside the collector, with the distributor positioned axially within the collector structure. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy the same spatial region, dramatically reducing the distance between them and eliminating long connection lines while preserving their respective functions of distributing and collecting heat transfer medium.
2Ease of operation
If distributors and collectors are positioned far apart, then each can be optimally positioned for its function, but installation effort and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the distributor and collector into a single integrated assembly with reduced spatial separation, the patent simplifies installation procedures. The integrated design means fewer separate components to position and connect, reducing installation effort while the internal spatial arrangement maintains functional optimization for both distribution and collection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a distributed spatial arrangement to a concentrated three-dimensional integration. By positioning the distributor inside the collector along the axial dimension, the design achieves functional optimization in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational ease.
3Use of energy by moving object
If long connection lines are used between distributor and collector, then component placement flexibility is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the distributor inside the collector creates minimal distance between the two components. This close proximity eliminates long connection lines that would otherwise conduct heat away from the system, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency by ensuring heat is transferred directly between components rather than being lost through extended connection pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of distributor and collector into a single assembly with direct internal flow channels eliminates the thermal losses associated with long external connection lines. The merged design ensures that heat transfer occurs through direct contact and minimal medium travel distance, maximizing heat transfer efficiency.
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 optimizes connection technology by reducing line lengths, simplifying installation, and enhancing heat transfer efficiency while minimizing material tension and damage, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of the heat transfer element.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible mat has a plurality of parallel flow channels... optimized heat transfer surface caused by such an arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A heat transfer element (1) with at least one flexible mat (5) on which at least one distributor (2) and at least one collector (3) are arranged, the flexible mat (5) having at least one flow channel (12), at least one end face, at least one longitudinal side (7) and at least one width (6), at least one distributor (2) and at least one collector (3) being arranged on the same end face (4) of the flexible mat (5), so that the connections for the distributor (2) and collector (3) can be arranged spatially in the immediate vicinity, which reduces long lines to the connections of the distributor (2) and collector (3) and thus optimizes the connection technology.