Heat Exchanger Manifold End Cover for Protected Discharge Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The gas and liquid discharging valves at the upmost and lowermost parts of a heat exchanger, such as a micro-channel heat exchanger, cannot be directly subjected to force, limiting the mounting manner of the heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A manifold for a heat exchanger is designed with a discharge passage having a first end opening into an inner cavity of a pipe and a second end located at or adjacent to the outer peripheral surface, featuring a sealable L-shaped shape, and incorporating an end cover with tubular portions and step portions to protect the discharge passage from deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gas and liquid discharging valves are disposed at the upmost and lowermost parts of the heat exchanger, then the discharge function is improved, but the mounting flexibility is limited because the valves cannot be directly subjected to force
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into distinct functional zones: the pipe body for fluid flow, the end cover for structural support and sealing, and the discharge passage for gas/liquid separation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the end cover to bear mounting forces while the valves remain protected at their optimal positions for discharge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cover acts as an intermediary between the mounting structure and the discharge valves. It transmits and distributes external mounting forces away from the vulnerable valve components, allowing the valves to maintain their optimal positions at the upmost and lowermost parts for effective gas and liquid discharge while the manifold can be securely mounted.
2Ease of operation
If the discharge passage is made accessible at the outer peripheral surface for mounting purposes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the discharge passage may be deformed under external force
Solution Approach 1:
The end cover is designed with sufficient thickness and structural strength to provide beforehand cushioning protection to the discharge passage. This pre-engineered protective structure absorbs and distributes external mounting forces before they can reach the discharge passage, preventing deformation while allowing the discharge passage to remain accessible at the outer peripheral surface for ease of connection and maintenance.
3Strength
If the end cover is designed with tubular portions and step portions to protect the discharge passage, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end cover is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as: (1) a protective shield for the discharge passage through its tubular portions and step portions, (2) a sealing element against the pipe end face, (3) a mounting interface for the manifold, and (4) a structural support for the discharge passage openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger wherein the manifold includes: a pipe having an end portion; an end cover disposed at the end portion of the pipe and closing the end portion of the pipe to define an inner cavity in the pipe; and a discharge passage including: a first end opening into the inner cavity of the pipe, and a second end located at or adjacent to an end of the manifold and positioned at an outer peripheral surface of the manifold. The first end of the discharge passage is located on a side of the end cover facing the inner cavity of the pipe. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the stacking mounting of the heat exchangers in the axial direction of the manifold and the mounting of the heat exchanger with the end cover of the manifold contacting the ground can be achieved.