RFID Tag Embedded in Gasket Projection for Plate Heat Exchanger
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gasket arrangements in plate heat exchangers lack traceability features, as dynamic information such as batch numbers and manufacturing dates are not embedded, making it difficult to track gaskets during assembly and throughout their life cycle.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an RFID tag within the gasket projection that extends outside the heat transfer plates, allowing for the storage and reading of dynamic information without compromising the sealing function, enabling full traceability and identification of genuine parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an RFID tag is embedded in the gasket base, then traceability information is preserved, but the sealing function may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is extracted from the gasket base and relocated to the projection, which extends beyond the heat transfer plates. This separation allows the tag to be embedded in a non-critical area that does not interfere with the sealing surfaces, thus preserving both traceability information and sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection acts as an intermediary structure that carries the RFID tag. By using this intermediate element, the tag is positioned in a location that serves as a buffer between the information storage requirement and the sealing function requirement, allowing both to coexist without conflict.
2Reliability
If the gasket is pressed between heat transfer plates, then sealing is achieved, but the RFID tag may be damaged or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is extracted from the compressed gasket area and placed in the projection that extends beyond the heat transfer plates. During assembly, the projection remains outside the compression zone, protecting the tag from damage while the gasket is pressed between the plates to achieve sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket arrangement is segmented into two functional zones: the compressed gasket area between the heat transfer plates for sealing, and the extending projection area for housing the RFID tag. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its function without interfering with the other.
3Loss of information
If a label is fastened to the gasket, then dynamic information can be provided, but the label is lost during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is merged with the projection structure through embedding, creating a unified component. This combination ensures that the tag cannot be separated or lost during assembly, unlike a fastened label. The tag becomes an integral part of the gasket arrangement, maintaining both information retention and structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A gasket arrangement (2) for a plate heat exchanger, a method of manufacturing such a gasket arrangement (2), and an assembly (5) comprising such a gasket arrangement (2) are provided. The gasket arrangement (2) comprises a gasket (6). The gasket (6) is arranged to be positioned between first and second aligned heat transfer plates (4, 8) of the plate heat exchanger with a lower side (28) of the gasket (6) abutting the first heat transfer plate (4) and an opposing upper side (30) of the gasket (6) abutting the second heat transfer plate (8). The gasket arrangement (2) further comprises a projection (34, 36a) projecting from an outside (40) of the gasket (6). The projection (34, 36a) comprises an outer part (44, 46) having a length extension and being arranged to extend outside the first and second heat transfer plates (4, 8), and a first connection part (48, 50), connecting the gasket (6) and the outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a). The gasket arrangement (2) is characterized in that it further comprises an RFID tag (60) which at least partly is embedded in at least said outer part (44, 46) of the projection (34, 36a).