Plate Heat Exchanger Assembly With Integrated Fluid Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plate heat exchangers have a complex structure with numerous parts, which complicates assembly and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A plate heat exchanger design that reduces the number of parts by incorporating an end plate with an outer recess forming a chamber as a fluid communication device, and a sealing plate with annular protrusions to create seals between fluid channels, eliminating the need for separate sealing rings and liquid collection boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional plate heat exchanger structure is used, then fluid communication and sealing functions are achieved, but device complexity increases due to numerous separate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (end plate, sealing plate, liquid collection box, and fluid communication device) into an integrated structure. The end plate incorporates an outer recess that forms a chamber serving as the fluid communication device, while sealing plates with annular protrusions provide both sealing and structural support. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining reliable fluid communication and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate with the outer recess serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, forms the fluid communication chamber, and works with sealing plates to create sealed fluid channels. The sealing plates with annular protrusions simultaneously provide sealing, structural reinforcement, and positioning functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for fluid communication and sealing, then reliable fluid isolation is achieved, but assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fluid communication device into the end plate structure through the outer recess, and combining sealing functions into the sealing plates with annular protrusions, the assembly process is simplified. The integrated design reduces the number of assembly steps while the careful design of interfaces ensures reliable fluid isolation is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heat exchanger into modular components (end plates with integrated chambers, sealing plates with protrusions, and heat transfer plates) that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while the precise interface designs ensure reliable fluid isolation between channels.
3Productivity
If traditional separate components are used, then fluid sealing is achieved, but production cycle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functions into the end plate and sealing plates reduces the total number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The outer recess in the end plate and annular protrusions on sealing plates are designed to work together as a unified system, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate fluid communication devices and sealing components, thereby shortening the production cycle while maintaining sealing performance.
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
Simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing complexity, and shortens the production cycle while maintaining effective fluid communication and sealing.
Implementation Method 1
an annular edge surface portion of the sealing plate on a side of the sealing plate facing the end plate is in contact with an annular surface portion of the end plate surrounding the end plate outer recess so as to form a seal between the annular edge surface portion of the sealing plate and the annular surface portion of the end plate
Implementation Method 2
Fluid channels used for two or more fluids are formed between adjacent heat transfer plates so as to conduct heat exchange among the two or more fluids
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a plate heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of heat transfer plates; a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel formed between adjacent heat transfer plates and fluidly isolated from each other; an upstream outlet port and a downstream inlet port formed in each of the heat transfer plates; and a fluid communication device. The first fluid channel comprises a fluid channel upstream portion and a fluid channel downstream portion that are separated from each other. The upstream outlet port is communicated to the fluid channel upstream portion of the first fluid channel, while the downstream inlet port is communicated to the fluid channel downstream portion of the first fluid channel. The upstream outlet port and downstream inlet port are fluidly communicated with each other through the fluid communication device. By adopting the plate heat exchanger according to the present disclosure, a number of parts may be reduced.