Tube and chamber type heat exchange apparatus having an enhanced medium directing assembly
11391522 · 2022-07-19
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
F28F13/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F1/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28D7/1684
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F1/40
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F2009/222
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F28F1/40
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F28F9/22
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
A heat exchanger having a chamber assembly defining a hollow space within, the chamber assembly having an input and a discharge means of a heat exchange medium. Disposed within the chamber assembly is a medium directing assembly. The medium directing assembly defined by a plurality of panel members arranged in a longitudinally extended manner positioned at an acute angle relative to the chamber assembly longitudinal axial characteristics, having an angled lateral edges whereby a first and a second longitudinal ends are provided with wider lateral width, while the medial section of the medium directing assembly is substantially narrower. The medium directed assembly providing a plurality of serially interconnected chambers within the chamber assembly to maximize chamber assembly and heat exchange medium interface, a structured flow path arrangement for the heat exchange medium, as well as means to energize the flow of the heat exchange medium for the desired results.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger comprising: a longitudinally extended chamber body defining a hollow chamber within, the chamber body provided with an inlet and an outlet for the purpose of introducing and discharging a heat exchange medium, respectively, to the chamber body, the chamber body further establishing an initial flow to the heat exchange medium; and disposed within the chamber body is a medium directing assembly, the medium directing assembly comprises a plurality of planar panel members arranged at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the chamber body, wherein a first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly comprises a plurality of panel members arranged on a divergent plane from each other, having a first longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage the chamber body, while a second longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage each other, a second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly comprises a plurality of panel members arranged on a divergent plane from each other, having a first longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage each other, while a second longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage the chamber body, the plurality of panel members comprising the medium directing assembly are each laterally terminated with a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the plurality of panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are provided with an angled first lateral edge and second lateral edge, thereby locating the second longitudinal end at a further distance away from the chamber body in a vertical and a lateral direction than on the first longitudinal end, the plurality of panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are provided with an angled first lateral edge and second lateral edge, thereby locating the first longitudinal end at a further distance away from the chamber body in a vertical and a lateral direction than on the second longitudinal end, the medium directing assembly define a plurality of flow paths extending the longitudinal span of the chamber body, further locating the plurality of flow paths between the chamber body and the medium directing assembly, the medium directing assembly define a plurality of serially interconnected partitioned chambers within the chamber body, locating at least a chamber between the inlet and the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly, a chamber in between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly, and a chamber located between the outlet and the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly, and a planar surface of the plurality of panel members defining the medium directing assembly divert the flow of the heat exchange medium in a laterally divergent arcuate flow, directing the flow of the heat exchange medium towards a corresponding adjacent flow path as well as towards a corresponding adjacent surface of the chamber body.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are provided with the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge on an intersecting plane.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are provided with the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge on an intersecting plane.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members are provided with the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge set at an acute angle relative to the plane established by the each respectively adjacent surface of the chamber body.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members are provided with the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge set at an angle between 3 to 42 degrees relative to the plane established by each respectively adjacent surface of the chamber body.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members are provided with the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge set at an angle relative to at least two separate planes established by each respectively adjacent surface of the chamber body.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members are provided with the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge set at an angle between 3 to 42 degrees relative to at least two separate planes established by each respectively adjacent surface of the chamber body.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the chamber body comprises a plurality of longitudinally extended planar panel members.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow paths are free of physical obstruction for the longitudinal span of the chamber assembly.
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are symmetrical along the plane on the center axis of the chamber assembly.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of planar panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are symmetrical along the plane on the center axis of the chamber assembly.
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the lateral span of the first longitudinal end of the plurality of planar panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly is at least 80% of the lateral span of the hollow chamber within the chamber assembly.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the lateral span of the second longitudinal end of the plurality of planar panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly is at least 80% of the lateral span of the hollow chamber within the chamber assembly.
14. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal end of the plurality of planar panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly is aligned on a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber assembly.
15. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal end of the plurality of planar panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly is aligned on a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber assembly.
16. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein at least a pair of the planar panel members defining the medium directing assembly is longitudinally aligned to each other.
17. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein at least a pair of the planar panel members defining the medium directing assembly is vertically aligned to each other.
18. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a pair of the planar panel members defining the medium directing assembly is vertically aligned to each other while further longitudinally aligned to another pair of the planar panel members that are vertically aligned to each other.
19. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the chamber body is coupled to a tank assembly.
20. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and the outlet of the chamber assembly are each respectively engaged to a heat exchanger medium supply source.
21. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly is coupled on opposite ends of the chamber assembly.
22. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly is coupled on opposite ends of the chamber assembly.
23. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the heat exchangers are coupled together to form a heat exchanger assembly.
24. The heat exchanger according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of the heat exchangers are each coupled with a sleeve on a first longitudinal end and a sleeve on a second longitudinal end.
25. The heat exchanger according to claim 23, wherein a plurality of tank assemblies are engagingly coupled to the heat exchanger assembly.
26. The heat exchanger according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of chamber assemblies are adjacently positioned in an in-line fashion.
27. The heat exchanger according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of chamber assemblies are adjacently positioned in a staggered fashion.
28. A heat exchanger assembly comprising: a plurality of chamber assemblies adjacently coupled together; a first longitudinal end of the plurality of chamber assemblies arranged to receive a first heat exchange medium in an initial flow; the plurality of chamber assemblies each defining a hollow chamber within, the chamber assemblies each provided with an inlet and an outlet for the purpose of introducing and discharging the first heat exchange medium, respectively, to the chamber assemblies, the plurality of chamber assemblies further coupled with a sleeve on a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, defining a flow path for a second heat exchange medium therebetween; the plurality of chamber assemblies coupled with a first reservoir in fluid communication with the flow path provided for the second heat exchange medium; the plurality of chamber assemblies coupled with a second reservoir in fluid communication with the flow path provided for the second heat exchange medium; and disposed within each of the plurality of chamber assemblies is a medium directing assembly, the medium directing assembly comprises a plurality of planar panel members arranged at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the corresponding chamber assembly, wherein a first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly comprises a plurality of panel members arranged on a divergent plane from each other, having a first longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage the chamber assembly, while a second longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage each other, a second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly comprises a plurality of panel members arranged on a divergent plane from each other, having a first longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage each other, while a second longitudinal end of the plurality of panel members engage the chamber assembly, the plurality of panel members comprising the medium directing assembly are each laterally terminated with a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the plurality of panel members defining the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are provided with an angled first lateral edge and second lateral edge, thereby locating the second longitudinal end at a further distance away from the chamber assembly in a vertical and a lateral direction than on the first longitudinal end, the plurality of panel members defining the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly are provided with an angled first lateral edge and second lateral edge, thereby locating the first longitudinal end at a further distance away from the chamber assembly in a vertical and a lateral direction than on the second longitudinal end, the medium directing assembly define a plurality of flow paths for the first heat exchange medium extending the longitudinal span of the chamber assembly, further locating the plurality of flow paths between the chamber assembly and the medium directing assembly, the medium directing assembly define a plurality of serially interconnected partitioned chambers within the chamber assembly, locating at least a chamber between the inlet and the first longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly, a chamber in between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly, and a chamber located between the outlet and the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly, and a planar surface of the plurality of panel members defining the medium directing assembly divert the flow of the first heat exchange medium in a laterally divergent arcuate flow, directing the flow of the first heat exchange medium towards the corresponding adjacent flow path as well as towards the corresponding adjacent surface of the chamber assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(30) Referring to the drawings and in particular
(31) In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber assembly 105 may be shown generally rectangular parallelepiped shaped, comprising a plurality of planar panel members. A top vertical section of the chamber assembly 105 may be provided by a first vertical chamber panel member 110, while a bottom vertical section of the chamber assembly 105 may be provided by a second vertical chamber panel member 115, positioned vertically spaced apart from the first vertical chamber panel member 110 at a predetermined distance. A first lateral side of the chamber assembly 105 may be provided by a first lateral chamber panel member 120, while a second lateral side of the chamber assembly 105 may be provided by a second lateral chamber panel member 125, positioned laterally spaced apart from the first lateral chamber panel member 120 at a predetermined distance. The first vertical chamber panel member 110, the second vertical chamber panel member 115, the first lateral chamber panel member 120, and the second lateral chamber panel member 125 are coupled together to form a hollow chambered body. In other embodiments of the present invention, however, the chamber assembly 105 may be of other geometric shapes, such as a cylinder-like, an ovoid-like, or a polygonal prism, for example. The number of planar panels comprising the chamber assembly 105 may vary dependent on the geometric shape of the chamber assembly 105 taken in an embodiment of the present invention.
(32) In an embodiment of the present invention, the second heat exchange medium is directed to flow outside the chamber assembly 105, to contact the exterior surface of the chamber assembly 105. The material comprising the chamber assembly 105 generally acts as a primary surface to facilitate the flow of heat between the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium. As such, it is generally desirable to select material for the chamber assembly 105 that is generally known in the art to be highly heat conductive, for example. Heat may transfer from the first heat exchange medium to the second heat exchange medium, or vice versa, dependent upon the nature of the application of the heat exchanger 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the exterior of the chamber assembly 105 may be enclosed in a tank assembly, provided with an inlet means and an outlet means, to facilitate containment means as well as to obtain desired flow of the second heat exchange medium, for example (Not shown).
(33) Now referring again to
(34) Referring now to
(35) The larger surfaces afforded by the placement of longitudinally extended medium directing panel members comprising the medium directing assembly 130 is desirable, as larger surfaces enhance heat absorption efficiency or heat dissipation efficiency of the heat exchanger 100, dependent on the direction of heat travel, for example, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, the placement of extended length medium directing panel members at a moderate acute angle minimize pressure drop effect to the first heat exchange medium relative to protrusions or extension members that may be used in the art, typically arranged at a steep angle of more than 45 degrees relative to the plane established by a base member to which such protrusion or extension member may be attached.
(36) Yet furthermore, placement at a moderate acute angle permits the planar panel members to extend at length, in a longitudinal fashion within the chamber assembly 105, thereby extending the reach of the medium directing panel members to manipulate the flow of the first heat exchange medium, to generally extend for the majority of the chamber assembly 105 longitudinal span with minimal components, minimizing cost as well as simplifying assembly. Now referencing
(37) Referring specifically now to
(38) In an embodiment of the present invention, a first longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member 135 generally extends towards the chamber inlet 155 at an inclining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, the first longitudinal end engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 at the first vertical chamber panel member 110, while a first longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140 similarly extends towards the chamber inlet 155, but in a declining angle, engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 (See
(39) Yet furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal end, respectively, of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may be shown generally aligned in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. As a result, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 may be shown generally symmetrical on a central plane along the center axis of the chamber assembly 105 (See
(40) A second longitudinal end, respectively, of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140, in contrast, are located longitudinally spaced apart from both the chamber inlet 155 and the chamber outlet 160, and further located vertically spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, specifically the first vertical chamber panel member 110 and the second vertical chamber panel member 115 in an embodiment of the present invention, thereby giving the plane established by the first medium directing panel member 135 and the plane established by the second medium directing panel member 140 an angled orientation relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, as can be readily observed in
(41) Longitudinally disposed within the chamber assembly 105 towards the second longitudinal end, facing the chamber outlet 160, may be the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 of the medium directing assembly 130 in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to
(42) The third medium directing panel member 145 generally extends longitudinally within the chamber assembly 105, with a first longitudinal end of the third medium directing panel member 145 located longitudinally spaced apart from both the chamber inlet 155 and the chamber outlet 160, while further vertically spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, specifically the first vertical chamber panel member 110 and the second vertical chamber panel member 115, in an embodiment of the present invention. A second longitudinal end of the third medium directing panel member 145 extends towards the chamber outlet 160 at an inclining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 (See
(43) Referring now to
(44) As the plane generally established by the third medium directing panel member 145 is arranged at an inclining angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, while the plane generally established by the fourth medium directing panel member 150 is arranged at a declining angle, vertical spacing is provided between the second longitudinal end, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150, thereby providing means to facilitate the flow of the first heat exchange medium therebetween. As can be observed in
(45) Furthermore, the plane generally established by the third medium directing panel member 145, as well as the plane established by the fourth medium directing panel member 150, are each respectively arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, thereby obtaining desired flow pattern of the first heat exchange medium. Yet furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal end, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 may be shown generally aligned in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinally extended axis established by the chamber assembly 105. As a result, in an embodiment of the present invention, the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 may be shown generally symmetrical on a central plane established along the center axis of the chamber assembly 105. Furthermore, having the respective second longitudinal end of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, which in an embodiment of the present invention may be the first vertical chamber panel member 110 and the second vertical chamber panel member 115, respectively, the flow of the first heat exchange medium is restricted from further longitudinal movement therefrom for the desired effect.
(46) In an embodiment of the present invention, the four medium directing panel members of the medium directing assembly 130, comprising the first medium directing panel member 135, the second medium directing panel member 140, the third medium directing panel member 145, and the fourth medium directing panel member 150, are each respectively laterally terminated by a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. Referring now to
(47) A first longitudinal end of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, respectively, of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140, the lateral edges comprising the first directing panel first lateral edge 165, the first directing panel second lateral edge 170, the second directing panel first lateral edge 175, and the second directing panel second lateral edge 180, are generally located laterally adjacent to the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first longitudinal end of the first directing panel first lateral edge 165 and the first longitudinal end of the second directing panel first lateral edge 175 may be shown generally engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 at the first lateral chamber panel member 120, while the first longitudinal end of the first directing panel second lateral edge 170 and the second directing panel second lateral edge 180 may be shown generally engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 at the second lateral chamber panel member 125 (See
(48) As such, the first longitudinal end, respectively, of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 extend laterally at length generally similar to the lateral span of the hollow interior within the chamber assembly 105, in an embodiment of the present invention (See
(49) Furthermore, referring now to
(50) As a result, in an embodiment of the present invention, the first directing panel first lateral edge 165 is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first lateral chamber panel member 120 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first vertical chamber panel member 110 in the vertical direction. The first directing panel second lateral edge 170, on the other hand, is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second lateral chamber panel member 125 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first vertical chamber panel member 110 in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, the second directing panel first lateral edge 175 is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first lateral chamber panel member 120 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second vertical chamber panel member 115 in the vertical direction. Finally, the second directing panel second lateral edge 180 is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second lateral chamber panel member 125 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second vertical chamber panel member 115 in the vertical direction.
(51) As the lateral edges of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 are angled in the way previously described relative to each respectively laterally adjacent interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 as well as vertically adjacent interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, the lateral edges, comprising the first directing panel first lateral edge 165, the first directing panel second lateral edge 170, the second directing panel first lateral edge 175, and the second directing panel second lateral edge 180, provide increasing lateral and vertical spacing between the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 and the respective lateral edges of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140, as the respective medium directing panel members extend longitudinally within the chamber assembly 105 towards the second longitudinal end of the chamber assembly 105.
(52) Referring now to
(53) Referring now to
(54) Furthermore, the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 are set generally at an angle, generally at an acute angle between 3 to 42 degrees, relative to each respectively adjacent surface of the chamber assembly 105. As a result, in an embodiment of the present invention, the third directing panel first lateral edge 185 is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first lateral chamber panel member 120 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first vertical chamber panel member 110 in the vertical direction.
(55) The third directing panel second lateral edge 190, on the other hand, is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second lateral chamber panel member 125 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first vertical chamber panel member 110 in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, the fourth directing panel first lateral edge 195 is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the first lateral chamber panel member 120 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second vertical chamber panel member 115 in the vertical direction. Finally, the fourth directing panel second lateral edge 200 is set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second lateral chamber panel member 125 in the lateral direction and set at an angle relative to the plane established by the second vertical chamber panel member 115 in the vertical direction.
(56) As the lateral edges of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 are angled in the way previously described relative to each respectively adjacent interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, the lateral edges, comprising the third directing panel first lateral edge 185, the third directing panel second lateral edge 190, the fourth directing panel first lateral edge 195, and the fourth directing panel second lateral edge 200, provide decreasing lateral and vertical spacing between the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 and the respective lateral edges of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150, as the respective medium directing panel members extend longitudinally from the first longitudinal end towards the second longitudinal end. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal end of the third directing panel first lateral edge 185 and the second longitudinal end of the fourth directing panel first lateral edge 195 may be shown generally engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 at the first lateral chamber panel member 120, while the second longitudinal end of the third directing panel second lateral edge 190 and the fourth directing panel second lateral edge 200 may be shown generally engaging the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105 at the second lateral chamber panel member 125 (See
(57) As a result, the second longitudinal end, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 extend laterally at length generally similar to the lateral span of the hollow interior within the chamber assembly 105 in an embodiment of the present invention. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the second longitudinal end, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 may extend laterally to be adjacent to the each respective laterally adjacent surface of the hollow interior within the chamber assembly 105, but may not engage the chamber assembly 105. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the lateral span of the second longitudinal end, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 may be arranged to be at least 80% of the lateral span provided by the hollow interior within the chamber assembly 105.
(58) Referring now to
(59) Referring now to
(60) Now referring to
(61) Referring now to
(62) Referring now to
(63) In an embodiment of the present invention, the initial flow of the first heat exchange medium directed inside the chamber assembly 105, shown by an arrow I′ in
(64) Unlike a typical heat exchange medium flow in a conventional heat exchanger known in the art that may utilize tubular structure to facilitate the flow of the first heat exchange medium within, in an embodiment of the present invention, as can be readily observed from the description of flow arrangement of the first heat exchange medium within the chamber assembly 105, the first heat exchange medium is directed to flow in a plurality of flow pathways that is divergent from the flow conforming to that of the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. In a conventional heat exchanger utilizing a tubular structure, wherein a plurality of fins as well, as protruding members, may be populated, the first heat exchange medium is generally broadly applied conforming to an initial line of low generated by the tubular structure, typically conforming to the longitudinal axial characteristics of such tubular structure. As such, conventional heat exchanger is typically designed without consideration for applying the first heat exchange medium in a most effective manner. The arrangement and consideration for flow path control observed in the present invention, generally maximizing the effectiveness of the primary surface for heat conduction provided by the chamber assembly 105, for example, enhances the overall heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger 100 by extension.
(65) In an embodiment of the present invention, referencing
(66) Referring to
(67) The flow I1′ and I2′, upon impact with the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the first planar surface of the second medium directing panel member 140, respectively, are then further laterally diverted into two laterally divergent arcuate flow along the longitudinal span of respective lateral edges of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lateral edges may comprise the first directing panel first lateral edge 165, the first directing panel second lateral edge 170, the second directing panel first lateral edge 175, and the second directing panel second lateral edge 180. As a result, the flow of the first heat exchange medium directed towards the first medium directing panel member 135 in a flow I1′ may be directed into laterally divergent arcuate flow, shown as flow MD1-1′ and MD1-2′, upon impact with the first planar surface of the first medium directing panel member 135.
(68) The flow MD1-1′ and MD1-2′ then crest over lateral edges provided by the first directing panel first lateral edge 165 and the first directing panel second lateral edge 170, respectively, which energizes the flow of the first heat exchange medium with mixing and eddying effect, now converting the flow of the first heat exchange medium as energized flow C1-1′ and C1-2′, respectively. In a similar fashion, the first heat exchange medium directed to impact the second medium directing panel member 140 is further diverted to two laterally divergent arcuate flow, indicated by flow MD2-1′ and MD2-2′, which then crests over lateral edges provided by the second directing panel first lateral edge 175 and the second directing panel second lateral edge 180, respectively, similarly energizing the flow with mixing and eddying effect, converting the flow of the first heat exchange medium as energized flow, C2-1′ and C2-2′, respectively.
(69) Referring now to the first heat exchange medium flow schematics shown in
(70) Furthermore, the arcuate flow directional changes afforded by the medium directing assembly 130, the energizing effect to the first heat exchange medium, as well as the action of colliding with the first heat exchange medium flowing within the first flow path 205 introduce desirable mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange, improving the convective heat transfer effect of the first heat exchange medium, thereby enhancing the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger 100, by extension. Yet furthermore, mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange medium is achieved while minimizing pressure drop effect to the flow of the first heat exchange medium, as mixing and eddying effect are achieved with minimal physical obstructions that may hamper the flow of the first heat exchange medium, especially within the first flow path 205 and the medial chamber zone 225, for example. The mixing and eddying effect occurring to the first heat exchange is also directed to occur adjacent to the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, the primary surface by which heat conduction is facilitated in the heat exchanger 100, further improving the overall performance of the heat exchanger 100. Additionally, the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium is longitudinally contained on a first longitudinal end as well as on a second longitudinal end by the medium directing assembly 130, thereby utilizing the second planar side of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 as well as the first planar side of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 for heat conduction purposes, thereby facilitating further heat conduction, increasing the performance of the heat exchanger 100 by extension.
(71) Now referring again
(72) The mixing of the first heat exchange medium flows generally occurs within the medial chamber zone 225, where the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium is directly vertically and laterally surrounded by primary surface for heat conduction purposes provided by the chamber assembly 105, further enhancing the performance potential of the heat exchanger 100. Additionally, the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium is longitudinally contained on a first longitudinal end as well as on a second longitudinal end by the medium directing assembly 130, thereby utilizing the second planar side of the first medium directing panel member 135 and the second medium directing panel member 140 as well as the first planar side of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 for heat conduction purposes, thereby facilitating heat transfer, increasing the overall performance of the heat exchanger 100 by extension.
(73) The arcuate flow directional changes afforded by the medium directing assembly 130, the energizing effect to the first heat exchange medium introducing mixing and eddying effect to the flow, the action of impacting the first heat exchange medium flowing within the second flow path 210 introduce desirable mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange medium, as well as the action of the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium to impact the second lateral chamber panel member 125, all improves the convective heat transfer effect of the first heat exchange medium, thereby enhancing the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger 100, by extension.
(74) Furthermore, mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange medium is achieved while minimizing pressure drop effect to the flow of the first heat exchange medium, accomplishing mixing and eddying effect while minimizing the use of physical obstructions that may hamper the flow of the first heat exchange medium, especially within the confines of the second flow path 210 and the medial chamber zone 225, for example. The mixing and eddying effect occurring to the first heat exchange is also directed to occur adjacent to the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, further improving the overall heat transfer effect of the heat exchanger 100 by locating the energized convective heat transfer effect adjacent to the primary surface provided for heat conduction purposes by the heat exchanger 100.
(75) Once inside the medial chamber zone 225, the energized first heat exchange medium generally originating from the lateral sides of the first medium directing panel member 135, in flow C1-1′ and flow C1-2′, as well as the energized first heat exchange medium generally originating from the lateral sides of the second medium directing panel member 140, in flow C2-1′ and C2′-2, flow in the energized state from the first longitudinal end of the medial chamber zone 225 towards the second longitudinal end of the medial chamber zone 225, effectively utilizing the heat conducting surface provided by the chamber assembly 105.
(76) Once the first heat exchanger medium approaches the second longitudinal end of the medial chamber zone 225, prior to discharge of the first heat exchange medium out of the medial chamber zone 225, the first heat exchange medium is directed to impact the first planar surface, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150. In an embodiment of the present invention, the energized flow originating from the lateral sides of the first medium directing panel member 135, in flow C1-1′ and flow C1-2′, may be directed to impact the first planar surface of the third medium directing panel member 145 in a flow MC1′, while the energized flow originating from the lateral sides of the second medium directing panel member 140, in flow C2-1′ and flow C2-2′, may be directed to impact the first planar surface of the fourth medium directing panel member 150 in a flow MC2′.
(77) Referring to
(78) As a result, referring to
(79) Referring now to the first heat exchange medium flow schematics shown in
(80) The mixing of the flows generally occurs within the second staging area 220, where the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium is vertically defined by the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly 130 while laterally defined and located directly adjacent to the primary surface for heat conduction purposes provided by the chamber assembly 105, further enhancing the performance potential of the heat exchanger 100. Furthermore, the arcuate flow directional changes afforded by the medium directing assembly 130, the energizing effect to the first heat exchange medium, as well as the action of impacting the first heat exchange medium flowing within the first flow path 205 introduce desirable mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange, improving the convective heat transfer effect of the first heat exchange medium, thereby enhancing the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger 100, by extension.
(81) Yet furthermore, mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange medium is achieved while minimizing pressure drop effect to the flow of the first heat exchange medium, as mixing and eddying effect are achieved with minimal physical obstructions that may hamper the flow of the first heat exchange medium, especially within the first flow path 205 and the second staging area 220, for example. The mixing and eddying effect occurring to the first heat exchange is also directed to occur laterally adjacent to the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, the primary surface by which heat conduction is facilitated in the heat exchanger 100, further improving the overall performance of the heat exchanger 100. Additionally, the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium within the second staging area 220 is longitudinally and vertically defined by the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly 130, thereby utilizing the second planar side, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 for heat conduction purposes, effectively, with the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium, thereby facilitating greater heat transfer, increasing the performance of the heat exchanger 100 as a result.
(82) Now referring again
(83) As a result, referring
(84) The mixing of the flows generally occurs within the medial second staging area 220, where the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium is vertically defined by the second longitudinal end of the medium directing assembly 130, while laterally defined and located directly adjacent to the primary surface for heat conduction purposes provided by the chamber assembly 105, further enhancing the performance potential of the heat exchanger 100. Additionally, the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium is longitudinally partitioned by the medium directing assembly 130 on the first longitudinal end of the second staging area 220, thereby utilizing the second planar side, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145 and the fourth medium directing panel member 150 for heat conduction purposes effectively with the energized flow of the first heat exchange medium, thereby facilitating greater heat transfer, increasing the performance of the heat exchanger 100 as a result.
(85) The arcuate flow directional changes afforded by the medium directing assembly 130, the energizing effect to the first heat exchange medium, the impacting of the energized flow to the laterally adjacent the second lateral chamber panel member 125, as well as the action of impacting the first heat exchange medium flowing within the second flow path 210 introduce desirable mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange, improving the convective heat transfer effect of the first heat exchange medium, thereby enhancing the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger 100, by extension. Furthermore, mixing and eddying effect to the first heat exchange medium is achieved while minimizing pressure drop effect to the flow of the first heat exchange medium, accomplishing mixing and eddying effect while minimizing the use of physical obstructions that may hamper the flow of the first heat exchange medium, especially within the confines of the second flow path 210 and the second staging area 220, for example. The mixing and eddying effect occurring to the first heat exchange is also directed to occur laterally adjacent to the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105, further improving the overall heat transfer effect of the heat exchanger 100, locating the energized first heat exchange medium adjacent to the primary surface provided for heat conduction purposes by the heat exchanger 100.
(86) Referring to
(87) Referring now to
(88) Now referring to
(89) Referring to
(90) Referring now to
(91) In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger 100 may be paired with the medium directing assembly 130 of various configurations. The medium directing assembly 130 may be comprised of various combination of components shown in
(92) Referring now to
(93) Referring now to
(94) Referring now to
(95) In a similar fashion, the second assembly 290B may comprise of a third medium directing panel member 145B and a fourth medium directing panel member 150B arranged at a divergent angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, thereby having a first longitudinal end of respective medium directing panel members engaging, interconnected with the vertical member 305B, while having a second longitudinal end of the respective medium directing panel members set apart in a vertical fashion. The vertical member 305B is a planar panel member having a thickness, generally arranged in a vertical fashion relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. The vertical member 305B is especially desirable when it is desired to maintain the moderate acute angle to the medium directing panel members comprising the medium directing assembly 130B, when the longitudinal span of the chamber assembly 105 is relatively short with respect to the desired longitudinal span of the respective medium directing panel members comprising the medium directing assembly 130B.
(96) Referring now to
(97) Now, reference is made to
(98) In a similar fashion, the second assembly 290C may comprise of a second medium directing panel member 140C and a fourth medium directing panel member 150C arranged where a second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140C and a first longitudinal end of the fourth medium directing panel member 150C are interconnected with the horizontal member 310C while having a first longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140C and a second longitudinal end of the fourth medium directing panel member 150C extend at a divergent angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105.
(99) In an embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal member 310C is a planar panel member with a thickness generally arranged in a horizontal fashion, generally conforming to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. The horizontal member 310C is especially desirable when it is desired to maintain the desired acute angle of the respective medium directing panel member comprising the medium directing assembly 130C, when the longitudinal span of the chamber assembly 105 is relatively long with respect to the desired longitudinal span of the respective medium directing panel members comprising the medium directing assembly 130C.
(100) Referring now to
(101) Referencing
(102) The second assembly 290D may comprise of a third medium directing panel member 145D and a fourth medium directing panel member 150D arranged at a divergent angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, thereby having a first longitudinal end of the respective medium directing panel members engage each other, while having a second longitudinal end of the respective medium directing panel members set apart in a vertical fashion. Furthermore, a first longitudinal end, respectively, of the first medium directing panel member 135D and the second medium directing panel member 140D, as well as a second longitudinal end, respectively, of the third medium directing panel member 145D and the fourth medium directing panel member 150D may be provided with a coupling plane 315D. The coupling plane 315D is a generally planar panel member facilitating greater contact surface between the medium directing assembly 130D and the interior surface of the chamber assembly 105. The plane established by the coupling plane 315D generally conforms to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the inner surface of the hollow confines of the chamber assembly 105. The coupling plane 315D is especially desirable when additional structural rigidity is desired in the heat exchanger 100.
(103) Referring now to
(104) Referencing is now made to
(105) Referring now to
(106) In an embodiment of the present invention, the first assembly 285E and the second assembly 290E may be shown generally similar in shape. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the first assembly 285E and the second assembly 290E may be configured to take a different shape. Furthermore, the first medium directing panel member 135E, the second medium directing panel member 140E, the third medium directing panel member 145E, and the fourth medium directing panel member 150E may be configured to take varying shapes as well as angle orientation, for example.
(107) Now referencing
(108) Coupled on a second longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member 135F is a supporting plane 325F1. The supporting plane 325F1 is a generally planar panel member having a thickness, generally arranged at a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. A first vertical end of the supporting plane 325F1 is coupled with the coupling plane 315F, while a second vertical end of the supporting plane 325F1 is coupled to the second longitudinal end of the first medium directing panel member 135F.
(109) In a similar fashion, the second assembly 290F comprises a second medium directing panel member 140F, a generally planar panel member having a thickness arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. A first longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140F is coupled with the coupling plane 315F, while a second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140F is coupled with a supporting plane 325F2. The supporting plane 325F2 is a generally planar panel member having a thickness, generally arranged at a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. A first vertical end of the supporting plane 325F2 is coupled to the coupling plane 315F, while a second vertical end of the supporting plane 325F2 is coupled to the second longitudinal end of the second medium directing panel member 140F.
(110) The third assembly 295F comprises a third medium directing panel member 145F, a generally planar panel member having a thickness arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, with a first longitudinal end of the third medium directing panel member 145F coupled with a supporting plane 325F3. The supporting plane 325F3 is a generally planar panel member having a thickness, generally arranged at a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. A first vertical end of the supporting plane 325F3 is coupled with the coupling plane 315F, while a second vertical end of the supporting plane 325F3 is coupled to the first longitudinal end of the third medium directing panel member 145F. Coupled on a second longitudinal end of the third medium directing panel member 145F is the coupling plane 315F.
(111) The fourth assembly 300F comprises a fourth medium directing panel member 150F, a generally planar panel member having a thickness arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105, with a first longitudinal end of the fourth medium directing panel member 150F coupled with a supporting plane 325F4. The supporting plane 325F4 is a generally planar panel member having a thickness, generally arranged at a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the chamber assembly 105. A first vertical end of the supporting plane 325F4 is coupled with the coupling plane 315F, while a second vertical end of the supporting plane 325F4 is coupled to the first longitudinal end of the fourth medium directing panel member 150F. Coupled on a second longitudinal end of the fourth medium directing panel member 150F is the coupling plane 315F. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first assembly 285F, the second assembly 290F, the third assembly 295F, and the fourth assembly 300F may be shown generally similar in shape.
(112) However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the first assembly 285F, the second assembly 290F, the third assembly 295F, and the fourth assembly 300F may be configured to take a different shape. As such, the first medium directing panel member 135F, the second medium directing panel member 140F, the third medium directing panel member 145F, and the fourth medium directing panel member 150F may be configured to take varying shapes as well as angle orientation, for example. Referring to
(113) The present invention generally mimics the common flow path of the first heat exchange medium directed inside a typical tube and chamber type heat exchanger, with the distinction that the flow directional changes applied to the first heat exchange medium occurs generally at a moderate acute angle, typically in a longitudinally extended fashion, without drastic flow directional changes approaching close to a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axial characteristic established by the chamber assembly 105, commonly seen in a typical tube and chamber type heat exchanger, thereby achieving the desired heat transfer effect without the adverse pressure drop effect to the first heat exchange medium. Minimizing pressure drop effect allows the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 to be designed smaller while achieving the same heat transfer performance of a typical tube and chamber type heat exchanger or other conventional heat exchanger known in the art, as the first heat exchange medium is much more effectively utilized with minimal pressure drop effect.
(114) Smaller heat exchanger design is generally desirable, as less material is needed to manufacture the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230, resulting in reduced overall cost. Furthermore, the smaller the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 footprint, may allow for the packaging space to be smaller, generally a desirable feature in a typical application of the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230. The medium directing assembly 130 also permits the desired partitioning of the hollow space provided within the chamber assembly 105, to bring about desired flow diversion of the first heat exchange medium without the need for coupling of separate parts in a shape of a chamber inlet tube or a chamber outlet tube, typically required in a prior art tube and chamber type heat exchanger, the omission of which may lead to a reduction in cost as well as minimization of manufacturing complexity, for example.
(115) The heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 may be utilized as a cooler, a heater, a condenser, an evaporator, a radiator, a heater core or any other application requiring heat to be transferred from the first heat exchange medium to the second heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 may be for use in various heat exchange applications, such as in automotive, industrial, commercial, or consumer electronics and appliance applications, for example, where packaging space provided for the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 may be generally limited or where a reduction in weight of the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 is desired. The first heat exchange medium, as well as the second heat exchange medium utilized in the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230, may be air, liquid, or gas, known in the art. In an embodiment of the present invention, more than one type of heat exchange medium may be utilized.
(116) In an embodiment of the present invention, various components of the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 may be produced of ferrous or non-ferrous material. Similarly, the components may be made of plastics or composite materials. The various components may be produced of the same material or may be produced of dissimilar materials. Various bonding means may be utilized, which may include, but not limited to, welding, adhesives, epoxy, or brazing and soldering, for example. The components may also be coupled together by mechanical means, such as by crimping or folding means, for example.
(117) In an embodiment of the present invention, various components of the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 may be produced using various manufacturing methods known in the art. The manufacturing methods may be molding, machining, stamping, forging, or casting, for example. Furthermore, more than one manufacturing methods may be combined in an embodiment of the present invention.
(118) In another embodiment of the present invention, various components may be welded together without additional bonding material, such as in the case of laser welding, spot welding, or ultrasonic welding, for example. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a portion or all the components comprising the heat exchanger 100 or the heat exchanger assembly 230 may be manufactured by means of additive manufacturing technology, known in the art. A combination of various bonding and coupling means may also be utilized in an embodiment of the present invention.
(119) The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
(120) Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.