Two-Piece Through Fittings for Heat Exchanger Plate Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger constructions with through-holes lack internal support, leading to potential deformation and require additional components for sealing and assembly, increasing complexity and component count.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design featuring through fittings with segmented structures, including tube and flange portions, that provide internal support and sealing around through-holes, reducing the need for additional support elements and simplifying assembly by using a braze joint with a clad layer for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional support elements are added inside the fluid flow passage to prevent deformation of plates around through-holes, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged with the through-fitting itself. The fitting's body extends into the fluid flow passage to provide structural support to the plates around the through-holes, eliminating the need for separate support elements. This combines the sealing function and support function into a single integrated component.
2Reliability
If rings of brazing filler metal are used between fitting sealing surfaces and heat exchanger plate, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and brazing connection are merged into a single integrated process. The through-fitting is brazed directly to the heat exchanger plate, and the sealing surfaces are formed as integral parts of the fitting structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing rings or filler metal rings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four separate fittings are used for inlet and outlet ports with through-holes, then fluid flow communication is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fittings are merged into a single integrated through-fitting structure. The through-fitting includes multiple ports (inlet and outlet ports) that are integrated into one component, allowing fluid flow communication through the heat exchanger while reducing the number of separate parts from four to one.
4Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece through fitting with segments is used, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through-fitting is divided into multiple segments or pieces that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for specific manufacturing processes and enables easier assembly into the heat exchanger, improving manufacturing flexibility despite the multi-piece 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
The design enhances structural support and sealing efficiency, reducing the number of components required and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining fluid flow communication, thus improving the overall thermal management system's reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface is continuous and is sealingly joined to the inner surface of one of the first and second plates so as to provide a continuous seal between the segment and the first or second plate
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger includes first and second plates between which a fluid flow passage is defined, through-holes defining inlet and outlet ports, and through fittings having first and second segments. Each segment includes a tube portion extending through one of the holes and a flange portion located inside the fluid flow passage. The flange portion of each segment has opposed first and second surfaces, the first surface joined to the inner surface of one of the plates in a fluid-tight manner. The second surfaces of both segments face each other, and at least second surface has one or more channels providing fluid flow from the hollow interior to the fluid flow passage. The second surfaces of the segments are in contact or closely apart from one another, the flange portions of the first and second segments providing support for the first and second plates in the area surrounding the ports.