Inclined Heat Exchanger Stack Design for Space-Constrained Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicles often have reduced space for mounting heat exchangers, leading to reduced air flow and compromised performance when using smaller dimensions or angled configurations.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring alternately stacked flat tubes and corrugated fins at an inclination angle, allowing air flow in the depth direction while maintaining performance in restricted spaces, with specific dimensions and cross-sectional shapes to optimize airflow and manufacturing simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the heat exchanger is constructed with smaller dimensions to fit reduced space, then the mounting space requirement is reduced, but the air flow through the heat exchanger is significantly reduced and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is oriented at an inclination angle between 5° and 85° relative to the vertical direction, transforming the conventional vertical arrangement into a tilted configuration. This dimensional change allows the heat exchanger to utilize three-dimensional space more effectively, fitting into restricted mounting spaces while preserving the airflow path through the corrugated fins, thereby maintaining heat exchange performance despite reduced available volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the heat exchanger is configured to be mounted at an angle to fit restricted space, then the mounting space requirement is reduced, but the air flow through the heat exchanger is significantly reduced and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is oriented at an inclination angle between 5° and 85° relative to the vertical direction, transforming the conventional vertical arrangement into a tilted configuration. This dimensional change allows the heat exchanger to utilize three-dimensional space more effectively, fitting into restricted mounting spaces while preserving the airflow path through the corrugated fins, thereby maintaining heat exchange performance despite reduced available volume.
3Volume of moving object
If the flat tubes and corrugated fins are stacked alternately to form a compact structure, then the mounting space is reduced, but the air flow path may be obstructed and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The entire stacked structure of flat tubes and corrugated fins is inclined at an angle between 5° and 85° to the vertical direction. This orientation allows the compact alternately stacked configuration to fit into restricted mounting spaces while the inclination maintains unobstructed airflow paths through the corrugated fins, resolving the contradiction between compactness and airflow performance.
4Volume of moving object
If the inclination angle is increased to save more space, then the mounting space requirement is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an inclination angle range of 5° to 85° relative to the vertical direction, providing design flexibility. This parameter change allows optimization between space savings and manufacturing feasibility. The broad range accommodates different mounting scenarios while maintaining structural integrity and alignment capabilities, balancing the trade-off between compactness and manufacturability.
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 inclined heat exchanger design enables efficient airflow and space-saving installation without compromising performance, with adaptable inclination angles and robust manufacturing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least two corrugated fins (3) through which air flows in a depth direction (TR)... The flat tubes and the corrugated fins are stacked one on top of the other alternately in a height direction (HR) to form a stack
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle that includes at least two flat tubes and at least two corrugated fins. The flat tubes and the corrugated fins are stacked alternately one above the other in a height direction (HR) to form a stack. The flat tubes and the corrugated fins are displaced in the stack in such a way that a central height axis (HMA) of the stack is aligned at an inclination angle (NVV) to the height direction (HR).