Plate Heat Exchanger Isolation Structure for Easier Plate Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate heat exchangers with U-shaped inter-plate passages require high matching accuracy between plates, complicating installation and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The heat exchanger incorporates first and second isolation portions with welding surfaces on alternating plates to separate inter-plate passages into sub-passage, reducing the need for precise alignment and facilitating easier assembly and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inter-plate passage is made long in a U-shaped configuration, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the matching accuracy requirement between plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous inter-plate passage into multiple separate sub-passages by introducing isolation portions on alternating plates. Each sub-passage is independent and shorter in length, which reduces the cumulative matching accuracy requirements while maintaining the overall heat exchange surface area and efficiency through the stacked configuration of multiple plates.
2Ease of manufacture
If the isolation portions are designed with welding surfaces on alternating plates, then the matching requirements are lowered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the isolation portion structure with welding surfaces that integrate directly into the plate design. The isolation portions are formed as part of the plate structure itself, and the welding surfaces are positioned to connect alternating plates in a stacked configuration, merging multiple functions (isolation, connection, and structural support) into a unified design that reduces assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the first and second welding surfaces are positioned on alternating plates, then the isolation portions are easier to install, but the number of welding operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the welding surfaces and isolation portions during the plate manufacturing stage, so that the plates are pre-configured with the necessary features. This preliminary preparation allows for easier final assembly while the alternating plate configuration enables welding operations to be performed in a systematic sequence that maintains manufacturing efficiency.
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
This design lowers the matching requirements of isolation portions, simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first welding surface is fixed to the second isolation portion of the adjacent second plate located at the one side of the first plate by welding
Implementation Method 2
the second welding surface is fixed to the second isolation portion of the another adjacent second plate located at the another side of the first plate by welding
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger including a core is provided. The core includes a first plate and a second plate; the core is provided with a first fluid channel including a first inter-plate channel and a second fluid channel including a second inter-plate channel; the core has a first separation portion located on the first plate and a second separation portion; the first separation portion is provided with a first welding portion, a second welding portion, and a first main body portion; the first welding portion has a first welding surface, and the first welding surface is welded and fixed to an adjacent second plate on one side of the first plate; and the second welding portion has a second welding surface, and the second welding surface is welded and fixed to an adjacent second plate on the other side of the first plate.