Radiator Convector Plate Stiffening for Weight and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiators have limited flexibility in configuring convector channels, leading to unnecessary weight and production costs due to a fixed number of convector channels determined by the shape of the convector sheet, which does not allow for optimal heating power adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The radiator design features convector sheets with a Z-shape, including a single level base and stiffening sections that extend from the base to the thigh, allowing for adjustable positioning and varying densities of convector sheets along the heating channels, enabling optimal heat exchange and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If convector sheets are used with a fixed shape to form convector channels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the number of convector channels is fixed and cannot be adjusted, leading to unnecessary weight and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The convector sheet is divided into multiple individual convector plates that can be independently arranged and connected to heating channels. Each convector plate is a separate component that can be selectively positioned along the heating channel, allowing flexible configuration of the number and density of convector channels without requiring a completely different sheet design for each configuration.
2Power
If the number of convector channels is increased to provide optimal heating power, then the heating performance is improved, but the weight and production costs increase due to more material usage
Solution Approach 1:
Individual convector plates can be selectively positioned and distributed at varying densities along the heating channel based on local heating requirements. Areas requiring higher heating power can have more closely spaced convector plates, while areas needing less heating can have more sparse spacing, optimizing the distribution of material and weight according to actual thermal demands.
3Weight of stationary object
If convector plates are made thin to reduce weight, then the material usage is minimized, but the stability and structural integrity of the convector plates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The convector plate consists of a base made from sheet material and legs made from profiled material (such as U-shaped or C-shaped profiles). This composite structure combines the thin, lightweight base with the structurally stronger profiled legs, creating a component that achieves both reduced weight and improved stability. The profiled legs provide enhanced rigidity and mechanical strength while adding minimal weight compared to a fully thick construction.
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 provides improved stability, reduced weight, and flexibility in configuring convector sheets, allowing for customized heat exchange based on specific heating needs, optimizing energy transfer and minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
the primary function of which is to transfer the thermal energy stored in the heating medium to the ambient air of the radiator... convective heat exchange with the ambient air can take place
Implementation Method 2
each of the convector plates has a Z-shape... the at least one leg has a stiffening section at one end away from the base... wherein a free end of the stiffening section is arranged on a side of the leg away from the base
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a radiator (1) comprising: - at least two connection cross-sections (2), - at least two manifolds (3, 4), and - a plurality of heating channels (5), wherein the radiator (1) can be connected to a flow (6) and a return (7) of a heating system providing a heating medium by means of the connection cross-sections (2), wherein the heating channels (5) extend between the manifolds (3) and are fluidically connected to them, so that the heating medium can flow from one of the manifolds (3) through the heating channels (5) into the other manifold (3), wherein at least one heating channel (5) interacts at least indirectly in a heat-transferring manner with at least one convector plate (8), wherein at least one heating channel (5) has a plurality of individual convector plates (8).the convector plates (8) are arranged distributed along a longitudinal axis (22) of the heating channel (5) and connected to a wall of the heating channel (5) in a force-transmitting manner, each convector plate comprising a base (9) in contact with the heating channel (5) and at least one leg (10) extending from the base (9) in a direction away from the heating channel (5). To provide a radiator whose stability is improved compared to the prior art, the invention proposes that the at least one leg (10) has a stiffening section (40) at one end facing away from the base (9), with a free end (17) of the stiffening section (40) being arranged on a side of the leg (10) facing away from the base (9). Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for manufacturing such a radiator (1).