Radial Fins on Pipe Core Enhance Heat Conduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipes are not entirely effective in heat transmission between exhaust gases and the fluid they heat, despite internal elements intended to enhance efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A pipe device with a single-piece assembly of radial, slightly curved longitudinal fins that extend from a central core, providing direct contact with the inner pipe surface and enhancing heat conduction from exhaust gases to the fluid, optionally featuring two-section configurations with expanders and turbulators to disrupt boundary layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional pipes are used for conveying exhaust gases, then the structure is simple, but the heat transmission efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidheat transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding longitudinal fins only to the central core of the pipe, leaving the outer pipe structure simple. The fins are positioned specifically where exhaust gases flow (internal surface) to maximize heat capture, while the rest of the pipe maintains its conventional simple structure for ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional pipe surface to a three-dimensional finned structure by extending radial fins from the central core. This adds vertical dimensionality to the heat transfer surface, increasing the effective heat transmission area without significantly complicating the overall pipe structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If internal elements are added to enhance heat transmission, then heat transmission efficiency improves, but the pipe structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transmission efficiencyVSAvoidpipe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heat transmission enhancement function with the central core structure itself. The longitudinal fins are integrated directly onto the central core, forming a single unified component that serves both as the structural support and the heat transfer element, eliminating the need for separate internal heat exchange devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complexity is localized only to the central core region where fins are attached, while the outer pipe structure remains simple and conventional. This localized approach minimizes overall structural complexity while achieving the heat transmission enhancement goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If fins are added to increase heat conduction, then heat transmission efficiency improves, but the flow of exhaust gases may be obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transmission efficiencyVSAvoidflow obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heat transfer function by using multiple longitudinal fins distributed along the central core rather than a single solid structure. This segmentation allows exhaust gases to flow between the fins, maintaining flow paths while increasing heat capture surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fins have a slight curvature that follows the flow of exhaust gases, reducing turbulence and flow resistance. The curved design allows gases to flow smoothly around the fins rather than encountering sharp edges, minimizing flow obstruction while maximizing heat conduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Significantly improves heat transmission efficiency by ensuring unobstructed heat flow from exhaust gases to the fluid, with the fins and optional turbulators enhancing heat distribution and contact area.

Implementation Method 1

the fins 3 convey, by conduction, to the pipe wall the heat captured at the central portion of the pipe, where the exhaust gases are hotter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a turbulator, which is adapted to disrupt the boundary layer of the stream of exhaust gases in contact with the inner surface of the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBoundary layer disruption: Boundary Layer

Data Source

PatentEP2635868B1Device for optimizing the transmission of heat in a pipe for conveying exhaust gases in a heat exchange apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 UNIVERSITY OF CALABRIA
  • EP2635868B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2635868B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2635868B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device (1) for optimizing the transmission of heat in a pipe (2) for conveying exhaust gases in a heat exchange apparatus, comprising a plurality of longitudinal fins (3; 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e) which extend in a substantially radial direction from a central core (4; 5a, 6a) and come into contact with the internal surface of the pipe.