Laminated Heat Exchanger Pipe Layout for Lower Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face challenges with large pressure drops due to fluid flow direction changes and layout constraints in the height direction, particularly in vehicles with reduced pump work and restricted placement positions.
Innovation Solution
A laminated heat exchanger design with angled pipe connections and dome-shaped junctions that minimize fluid flow direction changes, allowing for reduced pressure loss and accommodating layout constraints by angling pipe members relative to the lamination direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pipe is connected orthogonally to the base plate, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fluid flow direction changes by 90° causing large pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dome-shaped junction that protrudes from the base plate surface, creating a three-dimensional flow path transition zone. This allows the pipe to be connected at an angle (e.g., 45°) rather than orthogonally, reducing the flow direction change from 90° to a smaller angle while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the modular dome component.
2Length of stationary object
If the heat exchanger is flattened to accommodate restricted placement positions, then the height dimension is reduced for better layout adaptability, but the pipe connection space becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dome-shaped junction is nested within or integrated with the base plate structure, protruding only to the extent necessary for pipe connection. This nested design allows the overall heat exchanger height to remain compact while providing sufficient internal space within the dome for angled pipe connections and flow transition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe length is increased to ensure proper connection, then the connection flexibility is improved, but the heat exchanger height increases making layout more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dome-shaped junction creates a localized expansion or protrusion at the specific pipe connection location, rather than increasing the overall heat exchanger height uniformly. This local quality change allows for longer effective pipe connection length within the dome structure while maintaining a compact overall height dimension for layout compliance.
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 design minimizes pressure drops and accommodates layout constraints by reducing fluid flow direction changes and optimizing pipe placement, ensuring efficient fluid flow and compact heat exchanger dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
as fluid flows between the pipe member and the base plate, the direction of the flow of the fluid changes by the amount of the angle of inclination of the pipe member relative to the in-plane direction
Implementation Method 2
a flow path may be formed through the lamination of a plurality of plates, and a base plate that may be attached to one side of said laminated body
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger may include a laminated body in which a flow path is formed, a base plate attachable to one side of the laminated body in a lamination direction, and a lid member. The laminated body may include a plurality of plates. A groove may be disposed in a surface of the base plate facing the laminated body. The groove may be connected to the flow path of the laminated body and may extend in an in-plane direction. The lid member may block the groove and may be connectable with a pipe member in a direction that is angled in relation to the lamination direction and the in-plane direction. From a surface of the lid member facing the laminated body, a dome-shaped junction may swell to a side of the laminated body.