Varying-Width Finger Attachment for Heat Exchanger Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gasket attachment methods for plate heat exchangers are either time-consuming and costly using adhesives or unreliable due to mechanical issues with projection-based solutions, which can lead to tangling and weak fastening.
Innovation Solution
An attachment means featuring a varying-width finger enclosed by a frame, engaging with the heat exchanger plate's corrugated edge, providing self-locking and preventing sliding, with tapered sections for easier manufacturing and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive means (glue or tape) are used to fix gaskets to heat exchanger plates, then the gaskets can be securely attached, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical interlocking system. The attachment means comprises a body with a finger that engages with a ridge on the heat exchanger plate, creating a mechanical lock that secures the gasket without requiring time-consuming adhesive application and curing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means is designed to be self-fixing through its geometric configuration. The finger of the attachment means automatically engages with the ridge of the heat exchanger plate when positioned correctly, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or adhesive application steps
2Productivity
If projection-based mechanical gasket fixing solutions are used, then attachment speed improves, but the fastening becomes unreliable with risks of projections sliding off plates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means features an asymmetric finger design where the width of the finger varies along its length. The finger is wider at one end and narrower at the other, creating a tapered geometry that engages with the ridge in a specific orientation. This asymmetric design prevents the attachment means from sliding off the ridge while allowing easy installation in the correct orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from simple protruding projections to a three-dimensional engagement system where the finger wraps around or engages with the ridge in multiple dimensions. The varying width of the finger creates engagement in both the horizontal plane (with the ridge) and the vertical plane (through the tapered geometry), providing stable mechanical interlocking
3Ease of operation
If projection-based gaskets are used, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but the gaskets become difficult to handle and prone to tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means is designed as a integrated component that combines the gasket retention function with the fastening function in a single piece. The body and finger form a unified structure that attaches to the gasket and engages with the ridge simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate projection elements that could tangle
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means is designed with a compact, streamlined shape that reduces the likelihood of tangling during handling. The finger extends from the body in a controlled manner, and the overall geometry minimizes entanglement risks while maintaining the mechanical interlocking capability with the ridge
Data Source
AI summary
A connector, a gasket arrangement, a heat exchanger plate and an assembly are provided. The connector is arranged to engage with an edge portion of the heat exchanger plate for fastening a gasket to a first side of the heat exchanger plate. The connector includes a first connection member, a second connection member and a bridge. A first part of the first connection member is arranged to engage with the gasket and a second part of the first connection member engages with the bridge. A first part of the second connection member is arranged to engage with the gasket and a second part of the second connection member engages with the bridge. The connector includes a finger arranged between the first and second connection members, a connection part of the finger engaging which the bridge and the finger being arranged to extend from the bridge towards the gasket. The connector is characterized in that the finger has a width that is varying along a length of the finger, a width extension of the finger being parallel to a length extension of the bridge.