Roll-Bond Heat Exchanger with Flexible Central Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plate-type heat exchangers, particularly those using the Roll-bond method, face limitations in connection element stability and flexibility due to their design, which restricts the flow of heat-carrying fluid and hinders installation versatility.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves drilling through only one plate after coupling to create passage channels and using angled tubular connection elements, allowing for increased connection efficiency and positioning flexibility, while maintaining structural stability and enhancing heat exchange performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection elements are positioned on peripheral edges for fluid entry and exit, then the heat exchanger can operate, but the connection element stability is limited due to restricted welding area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves connection elements from the peripheral edges (2D boundary) to the central region of the plate (2D interior), effectively changing the spatial dimension of connection element positioning. This allows connection elements to be located where there is sufficient welding area available, improving connection stability while maintaining compact heat exchanger geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection elements are positioned on peripheral edges, then the heat exchanger structure is simplified, but the installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plate surface into multiple viable positioning zones for connection elements, rather than restricting them to a single peripheral location. This segmentation allows flexible positioning of connection elements at different locations (central region, side regions) depending on installation requirements, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If detaching material is deposited on plates before rolling to define passage channels, then the Roll-bond process can be implemented, but the connection elements must be positioned at peripheral edges which limits fluid flow capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning connection elements in the central region rather than at peripheral edges. This inversion allows larger diameter connection elements to be used, which increases fluid flow capacity while the Roll-bond manufacturing process remains intact through modified detaching material deposition patterns that accommodate central positioning.
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 approach increases the efficiency of connection elements, enhances heat exchange performance, and reduces fluid load losses, offering a more versatile and stable heat exchanger design compared to traditional Roll-bond heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling action allows to weld the two plates together on the entire surface of reciprocal contact, except for the surface portions affected by the detaching material
Implementation Method 2
the two plates are made to overlap each other and to pass through at least one pair of rolling rolls/cylinders. Before and/or during rolling, the two plates are also heated to a temperature lower than their melting temperature
Implementation Method 3
These known heat exchangers, an example of which is shown in the attached FIG. 1, comprise two or more plates 101 overlapping and joined to each other by means of heating and/or rolling methods, that is, by means of the technique also known as 'Roll Bond'
Data Source
AI summary
Heat exchanger comprising at least a first plate (11) and at least a second plate (12) overlapping and reciprocally joined to each other in correspondence with respective coupling surfaces (13).Between the coupling surfaces (13), at least one passage channel (14) for a heat-carrying fluid is made, by deforming at least one of the two plates (11, 12).