Microchannel Heat Exchanger Fin Press-Fit Assembly Without Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of transversely inserted finned microchannel heat exchangers is prone to deformation due to excessive pressure from a large number of fins being assembled simultaneously, affecting the manufacturing process and the quality of the heat exchanger.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for assembling microchannel flat tubes and fins in a heat exchanger, where the microchannel flat tubes are first positioned and then sequentially inserted into slot holes of the fins, using a clamping and press-fitting mechanism to avoid excessive pressure and prevent deformation, allowing for efficient and precise assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of fins are assembled simultaneously onto the flat tube, then the assembly productivity is improved, but the fins are prone to deformation due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly process into multiple stages, assembling fins in groups rather than all at once. The first fin group is assembled initially, then subsequent fin groups are added sequentially, which distributes the pressure load and prevents deformation while maintaining overall assembly efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and support setup before assembling each fin group. Limit blocks and support structures are installed in advance to provide proper support points, ensuring that when fins are assembled, the pressure is evenly distributed and deformation is prevented.
2Loss of time
If all fins are assembled at one time, then the assembly time is reduced, but the assembly quality deteriorates due to excessive pressure causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into multiple batches, with each batch containing a manageable number of fins. This segmentation allows the assembly to be completed relatively quickly within each batch while preventing the excessive pressure that would occur if all fins were assembled simultaneously, thus maintaining both speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic assembly approach where the number of fins assembled in each batch can be adjusted based on the specific requirements and progress of the manufacturing process. This flexibility allows optimization of both assembly time and quality for different production scenarios.
3Productivity
If multiple fins are assembled simultaneously, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the fin structure stability deteriorates due to lack of proper support
Solution Approach 1:
Limit blocks and support structures are installed in advance before fin assembly begins. These preliminary support elements ensure that when fins are assembled, they have proper support points from the start, maintaining structural stability throughout the assembly process while allowing efficient multi-fin assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces limit blocks and support structures as intermediary elements between the flat tube and the fins. These intermediaries provide the necessary support and positioning, enabling multiple fins to be assembled simultaneously without compromising structural stability, thus maintaining both productivity and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for processing a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger processing device comprises: a first assembly for placing a flat tube group, wherein the first assembly comprises a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is used for limiting the flat tube group in the first direction; and a second assembly, wherein a height direction of the first assembly is defined as a second direction, at least part of the second assembly is located above the first assembly in the second direction, and the second assembly comprises a clamping member, the clamping member for clamping a fin group; and a press-fitting member connected to the clamping member, and the press-fitting member being movable in the second direction so as to press-fit the fin group onto the flat tube group in the second direction.