Plate Assembly Reinforcement Element for Heat Exchanger Fracture Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plate heat exchangers in motor vehicle air-conditioning and heat source cooling systems experience fractures near distribution channels due to pressure changes, leading to leaks between refrigerant and coolant circuits, as the unsupported end plates move under varying fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A plate assembly with a reinforcement element featuring a raised portion and integral wall, brazed to both the first and second plates, creating a flow channel that stabilizes the fluid flow and reduces pressure-induced movement, thereby preventing fractures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the end plate is made thinner to reduce material usage and cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the end plate becomes susceptible to pressure-induced movement and fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is strategically positioned only in the region where the end plate is most vulnerable to pressure-induced movement and fractures. This localized reinforcement maintains thin plate design elsewhere, reducing overall material usage and cost while providing targeted structural support where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines the thin end plate material with a reinforcement element made of different material properties. This composite structure allows the end plate to maintain its thin, cost-effective design while the reinforcement element provides the necessary mechanical strength and resistance to pressure-induced movement.
2Device complexity
If the unsupported area of the end plate is increased to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure changes cause the end plate to move and fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element is applied locally to the end plate in the specific region where structural support is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire plate. This maintains design simplicity while providing targeted strength enhancement to prevent fractures in the vulnerable area.
3Ease of manufacture
If plates are connected only at selected connection points to reduce manufacturing complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the structure becomes vulnerable to fractures under pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement element acts as an intermediary component between the end plate and the pressure load. It distributes and absorbs the pressure-induced forces, protecting the brazed connection points from excessive stress while maintaining the simple connection-point-only assembly approach.
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 solution enhances the structural integrity of the plate assembly, delaying or preventing fractures and maintaining fluid separation between circuits, thus improving the durability and reliability of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
the reinforcement element is configured to enable flow of a heat exchange fluid through the opening and between the first plate and the second plate
Implementation Method 2
A plate assembly for a heat exchanger, comprising a first plate connected by brazing to an end plate on one side and to a second plate on the other side
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5a~6
AI summary
A plate assembly for a heat exchanger, comprising a first plate connected by brazing to an end plate on one side and to a second plate on the other side, thereby providing a conduit between the first plate and the second plate for a heat exchange fluid, wherein the second plate comprises an opening, wherein the first plate comprises a reinforcement element comprising a raised portion in contact with a part of edge area of the opening, wherein the reinforcement element is configured to enable flow of a heat exchange fluid through the opening and between the first plate and the second plate.