Rotating Heat Exchanger Coupling for Misaligned Cores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting arrangements for heat exchangers are limited in their ability to accommodate varying dimensions and types, making it difficult to reuse components and unify technology across different heat exchanger designs, particularly when the condenser core is larger than the radiator core, preventing parallel alignment and efficient coupling.
Innovation Solution
A connecting arrangement featuring a first connecting element with a hollow portion that rotates and engages with a manifold, and a second connecting element with a block and latch mechanism, allowing for adjustable coupling and rotation around the axis of elongation, enabling the condenser to be securely attached to a support structure or another heat exchanger with minimal part replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the condenser core dimension is made greater than the radiator core dimension, then the heat exchanger performance is improved, but the mounting holes of the flange cannot be aligned with the bracket, requiring new connecting arrangement designs
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arrangement allows for rotational movement to accommodate dimensional differences. The bracket is designed with a rotation capability that enables it to adjust its orientation relative to the flange, allowing proper alignment even when the condenser core is larger than the radiator core. This dynamic adjustment resolves the alignment issue without requiring new designs for different heat exchanger sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting arrangement is designed to be universal and reusable across different heat exchanger types and dimensions. The bracket and flange configuration allows the same connecting arrangement to be used for both condensers and radiators, and for different sizes within each type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs and enabling technology unification.
2Reliability
If traditional flange and bracket connecting arrangements are used, then the heat exchanger can be securely attached, but the design cannot be reused across different heat exchanger types and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting arrangement is designed with universal applicability, allowing the same bracket and flange configuration to be used across different heat exchanger types (condensers and radiators) and dimensions. The rotational capability and standardized interface enable a single design to serve multiple functions, achieving both secure attachment and design reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational degree of freedom in the connecting arrangement allows it to adapt to different geometric configurations while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic characteristic enables the same connecting arrangement to accommodate various heat exchanger sizes and types without compromising the reliability of the connection.
3Volume of moving object
If the condenser core dimension is greater than the radiator core dimension, then the heat exchanger performance is improved, but multiple different connecting arrangement designs are required
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connecting arrangement design is provided that can accommodate both condensers and radiators of different sizes. The bracket and flange configuration with rotational capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized designs, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle varying heat exchanger dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational capability in the connecting arrangement provides the flexibility needed to handle different heat exchanger configurations with a single design. This dynamic feature allows the same connecting arrangement to be used across all applications, eliminating the need for multiple static designs and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a heat exchanger provided with a connecting arrangement. The heat exchanger comprises a pair of manifolds, and a plurality of tubes stacked between the manifolds to provide a fluidal communication between the manifolds. Each manifold comprises an axis of elongation. The connecting arrangement is fixed to at least one manifold. The arrangement comprises a first connecting element having a hollow portion and at least one latch element. The hollow portion extends parallelly with respect to the axis of elongation of the manifold. The hollow portion enables rotation around the axis of elongation of the manifold so as to engage the first connecting element thereof. The latch element extends from a side of the hollow potion adapted to engage with the manifold to immobilize the first connecting element with respect to the manifold at least in an axis perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the manifold.