Reinforcement Plate Isolating Row Planes in Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchangers with multiple rows of tubes face issues with torque and thermal strain due to differential forces between row planes, leading to reduced thermal cycle life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a centered connector on each row plane to create row isolating openings between adjacent connectors, which reduces torque and thermal strain by isolating row planes from differential forces, and using a pair of manifolds with L-shaped retainers and U-shaped reinforcement members to secure and interconnect the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple rows of tubes are used in heat exchanger, then heat exchange capacity is improved, but differential forces between row planes cause increased torque and thermal strain
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member is segmented into multiple connectors, with one connector centered on each row plane. This segmentation isolates each row plane from differential forces of adjacent row planes, allowing each row to expand and contract independently while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmentation directly addresses the thermal strain problem by creating independent zones that accommodate differential thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement member acts as an intermediary component between the manifolds and tubes, providing mechanical support and isolating the row planes from differential forces. By positioning connectors at specific locations (centered on each row plane), the reinforcement member mediates the thermal expansion forces, preventing them from causing excessive torque and strain on the tube connections.
2Strength
If reinforcement members interconnect manifolds, then structural strength is improved, but torque from differential forces reduces thermal cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement member features localized connectors positioned at specific locations along its length, with one connector centered on each row plane. This local quality approach provides targeted support where needed while allowing other areas to accommodate thermal expansion independently. The localized connectors reduce torque transmission while maintaining overall structural strength.
3Strength
If connectors are positioned to interconnect reinforcement members, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal strain in tubes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector positioning creates segmented zones along the reinforcement member, with each connector centered on a specific row plane. This segmentation isolates thermal strain to local areas, preventing cumulative stress buildup across multiple row planes. Each connector maintains structural integrity for its associated row while allowing independent thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potentially harmful differential thermal expansion forces into beneficial localized effects. By positioning connectors to center on each row plane, the structure allows thermal expansion to occur in a controlled manner at each connector location, transforming what would be damaging cumulative stress into manageable localized deformation that actually accommodates thermal cycling better.
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 increases the thermal cycle life of the tubes by reducing thermal strain and torque, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the heat exchanger.
Implementation Method 1
The fins extend between the tubes for transferring heat between the tubes and air passing the fins
Implementation Method 2
The tubes create differential forces between said row planes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes a pair of manifolds 20 each extending between manifold ends 22 and defining a plurality of slits 30 disposed in a plurality of parallel slit rows R and each slit having a center axis C. The center axes C of the slits in each of the slit rows R are aligned in a row plane P. Reinforcement members 38 extend between reinforcement ends 40 each of which have at least one tab 48 for connection thereof to one of the manifold ends 22. Each of the manifolds 20 has at least one retainer 42 for clamping one of the reinforcement members 38 thereto. Each of the tabs 48 include at least one connector 50 extending toward the adjacent manifold end 22. One of the connectors 50 is centered on each of the row planes P to define row isolating openings 52 between adjacent connectors 50 to isolate each of the row planes P from differential forces of adjacent row planes P.