Abstract
A heat exchanger having an inlet tube, a chamber section, an outlet tube, and a medium directing member assembly disposed within the chamber section. The medium directing member assembly comprise an inlet channel member and an outlet channel member, with a medium directing distribution panel longitudinally disposed in between. The medium directing distribution panel is provided with an inlet face, set at an angle with respect to the inlet channel member, and an outlet face set at an angle with respect to the outlet channel member. Two independent sets of a pair of semi-circular symmetrical heat exchange medium flow pattern is established, with the first pair flowing peripheral to the inlet channel member, while the second pair flowing peripheral to the outlet channel member. The medium directing distribution panel is provided with two lateral and two vertical adjustment panels, permitting heat exchange medium throttling means within the chamber section.
Claims
1. A heat exchanger having an inlet tube, an outlet tube, and a chamber section, the chamber section comprising: a chamber section anterior wall and a chamber section posterior wall, longitudinally spaced apart, joined concentrically together by a chamber section lateral wall; and a medium directing member assembly comprising an inlet channel member, an outlet channel member, and a medium distribution panel disposed within, wherein the inlet channel member, comprising an inlet bottom wall, an inlet first side wall, and an inlet second side wall, having the inlet first side wall coupled to a first lateral side of the inlet bottom wall, extending vertically upwardly away from the inlet bottom wall, while having the inlet second side wall coupled to a second lateral side of the inlet bottom wall, extending vertically upwardly away from the inlet bottom wall, forming a fluid passageway therein, the outlet channel member, comprising an outlet top wall, an outlet first side wall, and an outlet second side wall, having the outlet first side wall coupled to a first lateral side of the outlet top wall, extending vertically downwardly away from the outlet top wall, while having the outlet second side wall coupled to a second lateral side of the outlet top wall, extending vertically downwardly away from the outlet top wall, forming a fluid passageway therein, longitudinally disposed between the inlet channel member and the outlet channel member is the medium directing distribution panel, having an inlet face facing towards the inlet tube, having an angled planar face with respect to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the inlet channel member, while having an outlet face facing towards the outlet tube, having an angled planar face with respect to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the outlet channel member, the inlet channel member longitudinally disposed within the chamber section interior, positioned spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall, a first free end of the inlet channel member coupled to the chamber anterior wall, while having a second free end of the inlet channel member coupled to the inlet face of the medium distribution panel, the outlet channel member longitudinally disposed within the chamber section interior, positioned spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall, a first free end of the outlet channel member coupled to an outlet face of the medium distribution panel, while having a second free end of the outlet channel member coupled to the chamber section posterior wall, and the medium distribution panel positioned to obstruct flow of the heat exchange medium flowing within the inlet channel member to the outlet tube, disposed free from contact from the chamber section lateral wall.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the medium directing distribution panel having two lateral surfaces comprising a first side face medium directing distribution panel and a second side face medium directing distribution panel facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall, while having two vertical surfaces comprising a top face medium directing distribution panel and a bottom face medium directing distribution panel facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall, wherein the first side face medium directing distribution panel, the second side face medium directing distribution panel, the top face medium directing distribution panel, and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel outward facing surfaces are positioned spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the first side face medium directing distribution panel facing the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall is above a plane established by the outer surface of the inlet first side wall, the outer surface of the second side face medium directing distribution panel facing the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall is above a plane established by the outer surface of the inlet second side wall, the outer surface of the top face medium directing distribution panel extend above the leading vertical edge of the inlet first side wall and the inlet second side wall, and the outer surface of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel extend away from a plane established by the inlet bottom wall.
4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a pair of semi-circular divergent heat exchange medium flow forward of the medium distribution panel axially centered around the inlet channel member, having a separate and independent pair of semi-circular divergent heat exchange medium flow rearward of the medium distribution panel axially centered around the outlet channel member.
5. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial manner to form a larger heat exchanger assembly.
6. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the heat exchangers are coupled together in a parallel fashion to form a larger heat exchanger assembly.
7. A heat exchanger comprising: a chamber section; and a medium directing member assembly disposed within the chamber section, wherein the chamber section having a cylindrical body having a chamber section anterior wall terminating the first end of the cylindrical body, while having a chamber section posterior wall terminating the second end of the cylindrical body, the chamber section provided with an inlet tube to facilitate means to introduce a heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger, the chamber section provided with an outlet tube to facilitate means to discharge the heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger, the medium directing member assembly comprising the inlet channel member, the outlet channel member, and the medium distribution panel longitudinally disposed between the inlet channel member and the outlet channel member, the inlet channel member, comprising an inlet bottom wall, an inlet first side wall, and an inlet second side wall, having the inlet first side wall coupled to a first lateral side of the inlet bottom wall, extending vertically upwardly away from the inlet bottom wall, while having the inlet second side wall coupled to a second lateral side of the inlet bottom wall, extending vertically upwardly away from the inlet bottom wall, forming a fluid passageway therein, the outlet channel member, comprising an outlet top wall, an outlet first side wall, and an outlet second side wall, having the outlet first side wall coupled to a first lateral side of the outlet top wall, extending vertically downwardly away from the outlet top wall, while having the outlet second side wall coupled to a second lateral side of the outlet top wall, extending vertically downwardly away from the outlet top wall, forming a fluid passageway therein, the medium distribution panel having a top vertical face, spaced apart from the chamber section interior wall, facing greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section, the medium distribution panel having a bottom vertical face, spaced apart from the chamber section interior wall, facing greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section, the medium distribution panel having a first lateral face, spaced apart from the chamber section interior wall, facing greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section, and the medium distribution panel having a second lateral face, spaced apart from the chamber section interior wall, facing greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein the medium distribution panel comprise two vertical surfaces and two lateral surfaces, along with a forward facing inlet face planar body and a rearward facing outlet face planar body.
9. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein a plurality of the heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial manner to form a larger heat exchanger assembly.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein a plurality of the heat exchangers are coupled together in a serial manner to form a larger heat exchanger assembly.
11. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein a pair of semi-circular divergent heat exchange medium flow forward of the medium distribution panel axially centered around the inlet channel member, having a separate and independent pair of semi-circular divergent heat exchange medium flow rearward of the medium distribution panel axially centered around the outlet channel member.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of a chamber section according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a chamber section interior, illustrating the general heat exchange medium flow pattern within a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic frontal view of a chamber section, illustrating the general heat exchange medium flow pattern within a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6 is an internal right-side view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the chamber section lateral wall removed, illustrating the positioning of a medium directing member within a chamber section interior;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a frontal view of a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a right-side view of a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective anterior view of another embodiment of a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective posterior view of another embodiment of a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a schematic frontal view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing distribution panel along section A of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a schematic frontal view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing distribution panel according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing member assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a schematic frontal view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing distribution panel along with locations of fluid passageways indicated by boxed areas according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a schematic frontal view of another embodiment of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing distribution panel along with locations of fluid passageways indicated by boxed areas according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a schematic frontal view of yet another embodiment of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing distribution panel along with locations of fluid passageways indicated by boxed areas according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing member assembly along with locations of fluid passageways indicated by boxed areas according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 20 is a schematic left side view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing member assembly along with locations of fluid passageways indicated by boxed areas according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 21 is a schematic right-side view of a chamber section interior, showing a spatial relationship between a chamber section lateral wall and a medium directing member assembly along with locations of fluid passageways indicated by boxed areas according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 22 is a schematic frontal view of a chamber section interior, showing interior chamber section lateral wall arc surface area faced by respective outside lateral and vertical surface area of a medium directing distribution panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0048] FIG. 23 is a schematic frontal view of a chamber section interior, showing interior chamber section lateral wall arc surface area faced by respective outside lateral and vertical surface area of a medium directing distribution panel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] Referring to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a heat exchanger 100 is shown. The heat exchanger 100 illustratively comprises an inlet tube 110, a chamber section 115, and an outlet tube 120. The inlet tube 110 is coupled to the chamber section 115, having an inlet 105 to introduce a heat exchange medium into the heat exchanger 100. Now referring to FIG. 4, a schematic perspective view of a chamber section interior, illustrating the general heat exchange medium flow pattern within the heat exchanger 100 is shown. In addition to facilitating means to introduce the heat exchange medium in to the heat exchanger 100, the inlet tube 110 generally functions as means to establish a desired directional flow characteristic of the heat exchange medium, as the heat exchange medium is introduced into the chamber section 115. The desired flow characteristics generally conform to the longitudinal axial characteristics of the inlet tube 110, which generally produces a uniform longitudinal flow pattern. Now referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the inlet tube 110 is generally hollow, fluidly connected to the interior of the chamber section 115, which is also hollow. An embodiment of the inlet tube 110 may be shown as cylindrical in shape, however, the inlet tube 110 may be of any other geometric shape like ovoid or rectangular parallelepiped, for example. Similarly, an embodiment of the chamber section 115 may also be shown as cylindrical in shape. However, the chamber section 115 may be of any other geometric shape like ovoid or rectangular parallelepiped, for example. To facilitate means to discharge the heat exchange medium out of the chamber section 115, the outlet tube 120 is coupled to the chamber section 115 as shown in FIG. 6. The outlet tube 120 is provided with an outlet 125, which is open to the exterior of the heat exchanger 100, providing means to discharge the heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger 100. The outlet tube 120 is hollow, fluidly connected to the interior of the chamber section 115. An embodiment of the outlet tube 120 may be shown as cylindrical in shape. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, it may be of any other geometric shape like ovoid or rectangular parallelepiped, for example.
[0050] The heat exchanger 100 generally utilizes two heat exchange mediums. A first heat exchange medium flow within the heat exchanger 100. A second heat exchange medium flow outside of the heat exchanger 100. The heat exchange medium utilized within the heat exchanger 100 may be of the same variant as the heat exchange medium utilized outside of the heat exchanger 100. Alternatively, the heat exchange medium utilized within the heat exchanger 100 may be of a different variant than the heat exchange medium utilized outside of the heat exchanger 100. The objective of the heat exchanger 100 is generally to transfer heat from the first heat exchange medium contained within the heat exchanger 100 to the second heat exchange medium flowing outside of the heat exchanger 100, or vice versa. The heat exchange medium may by gas or liquid. The heat exchange medium may comprise of one or a plurality of substances. In some embodiments of the present invention, solids may be mixed with gaseous or liquid compounds, such as in refrigerant medium with silica solids, for example.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, exterior top view of the heat exchanger 100, as well as an internal right-side view of the heat exchanger 100 is shown, respectively. The chamber section 115 comprises a chamber section anterior wall 235, a chamber section posterior wall 240, and a chamber section lateral wall 245. The chamber section anterior wall 235 and the chamber section posterior wall 240 are generally planar features, each respectively having a first planar face and a second planar face. The chamber section 115 frontal and rearward walls are respectively established by the chamber section anterior wall 235 and the chamber section posterior wall 240, spaced apart, leaving a space between the respective walls. The chamber section lateral wall 245 is generally a cylindrical feature, wherein a first free end of the chamber section lateral wall 245 is coupled to the first planar face of the chamber section anterior wall 235, while a second free end of the chamber section lateral wall 245 is coupled to the first planar face of the chamber section posterior wall 240. The chamber section anterior wall 235 and the chamber section posterior wall 240 may be joined concentrically together by the chamber section lateral wall 245, completing the chamber section 115 as a fluid containing vessel. The diameter of the chamber section 115 may be generally greater than the diameter of the inlet tube 115 and the outlet tube 120. The inlet tube 115 is generally coupled to the second planar face of the chamber section anterior wall 235, while the outlet tube 120 is generally coupled to the second planar face of the chamber section posterior wall 240.
[0052] Now referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, disposed within the chamber section 115 is a medium directing member assembly 145. The medium directing member assembly 145 generally comprises an inlet channel member 135, a medium directing distribution panel 155, and an outlet channel member 150. The inlet channel member 135 generally appears to have a U-shaped appearance, with a bottom vertical section of the inlet channel member 135 formed by an inlet bottom wall 195, while the lateral sides of the inlet channel member 135 are formed by an inlet first side wall 185 and an inlet second side wall 190, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 5. Now referring to FIG. 7, the inlet first side wall 185 and the inlet second side wall 190 are generally planar features, positioned laterally spaced apart, extending longitudinally within the chamber section 115. Referring to FIG. 8, the frontal view of the medium directing member assembly, the inlet bottom wall 195 is generally a panel member featuring a concave inward face on the surface of the panel member facing towards the central axis of the chamber section 115, extending longitudinally within the chamber section 115 (see FIG. 4). In other embodiments of the present invention, however, the inlet bottom wall 195 may feature a generally planar inward and outward surface. The inlet bottom wall 195, the inlet first side wall 185, and the inlet second side wall 190 are generally coupled together forming a unitary unit, wherein the inlet first side wall 185 is coupled to a first lateral edge of the inlet bottom wall 195, while the inlet second side wall 190 is coupled to a second lateral edge of the inlet bottom wall 195 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The inlet first side wall 185 and the inlet second side wall 190 are coupled to the inlet bottom wall 195 in a generally perpendicular fashion so that the respective lateral walls extend vertically upwardly from the inlet bottom wall 195 (see FIG. 8). As can be observed in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the top vertical medial section of the inlet channel member 135 is generally open to the chamber section 115 interior, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therethrough. Referring again to FIG. 6, the inlet channel member 135 generally extends longitudinally within the chamber section 115, with a first free end of the inlet channel member 135 coupled to the chamber section anterior wall 235, while a second free end of the inlet channel member is coupled to the medium directing distribution panel 155.
[0053] The inlet channel member 115 comprising the inlet bottom wall 195, the inlet first side wall 185, and the inlet second side wall 190 form an inlet channel member passageway 285, a flow channel wherein the heat exchange medium flow therethrough. As can be observed in FIG. 6, the inlet channel member passageway 285 formed on the inlet channel member 135 generally align axially with the central axis of the inlet tube 110. The inlet channel member 135 generally has a similar longitudinal characteristic as the chamber section lateral wall 245, in that the two components are generally positioned parallel to each other. In other embodiments of the present invention, however, the inlet channel member 135 may by positioned within the chamber section 115 in such a matter so that the inlet channel member 135 may not be in a parallel relationship with the chamber section lateral wall 245, or in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet channel member passageway 285 may be axially offset from the central axis of the inlet tube 110. The inlet channel member 135 is generally disposed within the chamber section 115, leaving a space between the respective components comprising the inlet channel member 135 and the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the outlet channel member 150 comprises an outlet top wall 210, an outlet first side wall 200, and an outlet second side wall 205. The outlet channel member 150 generally appears to have an inverse U-shaped appearance, with the top vertical section of the outlet channel member 150 formed by the outlet top wall 210, while the lateral sides of the outlet channel member 150 are formed by the outlet first side wall 200 and the outlet second side wall 205. The outlet first side wall 200 and the outlet second side wall 205 are generally planar features, positioned laterally spaced apart, extending longitudinally within the chamber section 115. The outlet top wall 210 generally is a panel member featuring a concave inward face facing towards the central axis of the chamber section 115, extending longitudinally within the chamber section 115. In other embodiments of the present invention, the outlet top wall 210 may feature a generally planar inward and outward surface. The outlet top wall 210, the outlet first side wall 200, and the outlet second side wall 205 are generally coupled together, forming a unitary unit, wherein the outlet first side wall 200 is coupled to a first lateral edge of the outlet top wall 210, while the outlet second side wall 205 is coupled to a second lateral edge of the outlet top wall 210. The outlet first side wall 200 and the outlet second side wall 205 may be coupled to the outlet top wall 210 in a perpendicular fashion so that the respective walls extend vertically downwardly from the outlet top wall 210. The bottom vertical medial section of the outlet channel member 150 is generally open to the chamber section 115 interior, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therethrough.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 15, the orientation of the outlet channel member 150 is generally in an inverse relationship to the positional orientation of the inlet channel member 135. Whereas the inlet channel member 135 has the top vertical section generally open to the interior of the chamber section 115, the outlet channel member 150 generally has the bottom vertical section open to the interior of the chamber section 115. However, in other embodiment of the present invention, the orientation of the inlet channel member 135 may not be in a direct inverse positional relationship to the outlet channel member 150 orientation. Instead, the respective vertical openings of the inlet channel member 135 and the outlet channel member 150 may be at a divergent angular relationship from each other.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the outlet channel member 150 generally extends longitudinally within the chamber section 115, with a first free end of the outlet channel member 150 coupled to the medium directing distribution panel 155, while a second free end of the outlet channel member 150 coupled to the chamber section posterior wall 240. The outlet channel member 150 comprising the outlet top wall 210, the outlet first side wall 200, and the outlet second side wall 205 form an outlet channel member passageway 305, a flow channel wherein the heat exchange medium flow therethrough. The outlet channel member passageway 305 formed on the outlet channel member 150 generally align axially with the central axis of the outlet tube 120. The outlet channel member 150 generally may have similar longitudinal characteristic as the chamber section lateral wall 245, in that the two parts may be generally positioned parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the outlet channel member 150 and the chamber section lateral wall 245 may not be in a parallel relationship. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the outlet channel member passageway 305 may not align axially with the central axis of the outlet tube 120. The outlet channel member 150 is generally disposed within the chamber section 115, leaving a space between respective components comprising the outlet channel member 150 and the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 15, longitudinally disposed between the inlet channel member 135 and the outlet channel member 150 is the medium directing distribution panel 155. The medium directing distribution panel 155 features an inlet face 165 and an outlet face 170, a forward facing generally planar feature and a rearward facing generally planar feature, respectively. The inlet face 165 faces towards the inlet tube 110, while coupled to the second free end of the inlet channel member 135. The outlet face 170 is coupled to the first free end of the outlet channel member 150, while generally facing towards the outlet tube 120. The inlet face 165 generally features an angled face with respect to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the inlet channel member 135. The outlet face 170 generally features an angled face with respect to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the outlet channel member 150.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 15, the medium directing distribution panel 155 features on its first and second lateral sides, a first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and a second side face medium directing distribution panel 220, respectively. The first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 generally have a curved outward facing surface facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, while generally conforming to the interior shape of the chamber section lateral wall 245. The plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 generally extend above the plane established by the outward plane of the inlet first side wall 185, facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. The plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 generally extend above the plane established by the outward plane of the inlet second side wall 190, surface of which faces towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In another embodiment of the present invention, however, the plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 may be on generally the same plane as the plane established by the outward facing surface of the inlet first side wall 185 and the inlet second side wall 190, respectively.
[0059] The first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 may be positioned spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween. The flow space provided between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 provides a left quadrant distribution panel passageway 260, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therethrough. The flow space provided between the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 provides a right quadrant distribution panel passageway 265, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therethrough. The shape of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 may be generally similar in shape. Furthermore, the flow space created between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may be generally similar in size to the flow space provided between the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, to permit equal distribution of heat exchange medium flow between respective spaces. In other embodiments of the present invention, however, the two flow spaces may have dissimilar amount of space created between respective components to obtain a desired effect to the flow characteristics of the heat exchange medium within the chamber section 115. Furthermore, the two spaces may have dissimilar shape or configuration to obtain a desired effect to the flow characteristics of the heat exchange medium through respective spaces. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 may feature generally planar surface. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 may have surface features, such as but not limited to, serrated surface or protrusions, for example.
[0060] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, the right-side view of the medium directing member assembly, and FIG. 15, the schematic top view of the chamber section interior. The medium directing distribution panel 155 on its top vertical section and its bottom vertical section features a top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and a bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230, respectively (see FIGS. 20 and 21). The shape of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 generally feature curved outward facing surface facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, while generally conforming to the interior shape of the chamber section lateral wall 245.
[0061] The plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 generally extends above the leading vertical edge of the inlet first side wall 185 as well as the leading vertical edge of the inlet second side wall 190. The plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 generally extends above the plane generally established by the outward surface of the inlet bottom wall 195, surface of which faces towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In other embodiments of the present invention, the plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 may be generally on the same plane as the leading vertical edge of the inlet first side wall 185. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 may be generally on the same plane as the leading vertical edge of the inlet second side wall 190. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plane generally established by the outward facing surface of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may be generally on the same plane as the plane generally established by the outward surface of the inlet bottom wall 195.
[0062] The top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may be positioned spaced apart from the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween. The space provided between the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 forms a top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250, a flow path permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therethrough. The space provided between the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 forms a bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255, a flow path permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therethrough. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may be generally similar in shape. Furthermore, the flow space created between the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may be generally similar in size to the flow space provided between the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, to permit equal distribution of heat exchange medium flow between the two respective spaces. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the shape as well as space created between respective components may be dissimilar. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may feature generally planar surface. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may have surface features, such as but not limited to, serrated surface or protrusions, for example.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, as the heat exchange medium is introduced from the inlet tube 110 to the chamber section 115 interior, the heat exchange medium initially generally flow within the chamber section 115, substantially flowing within the inlet channel member passageway 285 (See FIG. 19) established by the inlet channel member 135. As the inlet channel member 135 terminates, the heat exchange medium is directed towards the inlet face 165 of the medium directing distribution panel 155, which fully engages the second end of the inlet channel 135 impeding any further forward progress of the heat exchange medium flow established within the inlet channel member 135. The flow established within the inlet channel 135 terminates as the heat exchange medium contacts the inlet face 165 of the medium directing distribution panel 155, while the angled face of the inlet face 165 generally causes a swirling and mixing effect to the heat exchange medium upon impact with minimal impact to pressure drop effect to the heat exchange medium flow, which is known in the art to greatly enhance heat transfer efficiency.
[0064] Now referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, an embodiment of the medium directing member assembly 145 according to the present invention is shown in the drawings. The inlet face 165 of the medium directing distribution panel 155 generally features an inclined angled face with respect to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the inlet channel member 135, facilitating means to substantially divert the flow of the heat exchange medium in a generally vertical direction, generally directing the heat exchange medium flow upwards away from the inlet channel member passageway 285 (See FIG. 19) established by the inlet channel member 135 towards a top quadrant of the chamber section 115 in an anterior portion of the chamber section 115, forward of the inlet face 165 of the medium directing distribution panel 155. The heat exchange medium flow directional change afforded by the medium directing distribution panel 155 further causes mixing and swirling effect to the heat exchange medium, known in the art to disrupt formation of boundary layers to the heat exchange medium, improving the heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchanger 100. Once the heat exchange medium reaches the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115, flow of the heat exchange medium is further diverted into three distinct flow paths. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first two flow paths are two divergent lateral flow paths, generally symmetrical to one another, flowing in a semi-circular manner within the anterior portion of the chamber section 115. The first semi-circular flow is generally longitudinally located in a space provided between the chamber section anterior wall 235 and the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 in the left quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115, while the second semi-circular flow is generally longitudinally located in a space provided between the chamber section anterior wall 235 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 in the right quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115. Again, the heat exchange medium flow divergent from its established directional flow characteristics is known in the art to cause mixing and swirling effect to the heat exchange medium, known in the art to enhance heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchanger 100.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 15, the two semi-circular flow paths generally flow away from one another, while generally vertically axially aligned to one another, flowing within the opening provided between the inlet channel member 135 and the chamber section lateral wall 245 in their respective spaces. The first semi-circular flow path is in a left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270, a space laterally bound between the inlet first side wall 185 and the proximate interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 to the inlet channel member 135 while longitudinally framed between the chamber section anterior wall 235 and the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 in generally the left quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115. The second semi-circular flow path is in a right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275, a space laterally bound between the inlet second side wall 190 and the proximate interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 to the inlet channel member 135 while longitudinally framed between the chamber section anterior wall 235 and the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220, in generally the right quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115. The third flow path is a rearward flow from the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115 through the outlet channel member passageway 305, an opening provided between the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the chamber section lateral wall 245 (See FIG. 20).
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 19 and FIG. 21, once the heat exchange medium flow through the two semi-circular flow paths respectively in the left quadrant and the right quadrant of the chamber section 115 anterior section, the respective heat exchange medium flows are generally directed to flow into one another at the bottom quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115, in a bottom quadrant inlet channel member passageway 280, causing further mixing and swirling effect to the heat exchange medium, generally known to improve the heat transfer effectiveness of the heat exchange medium by disrupting formation of boundary layers to the heat exchange medium. As the two semi-circular flows are directed to flow into one another inside the bottom quadrant inlet channel member passageway 280, the two semi-circular flows are generally merged into a singular flow. The merged heat exchange medium flow is then further directed to flow through the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255, the flow path for the heat exchange medium provided between the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 and the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium towards the bottom quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115, leading into the outlet channel member passageway 305 provided in the outlet channel member 150.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 5 and FIG, 15, the heat exchange medium directed towards the third flow path of heat exchange medium generally collects in a top quadrant outlet channel member passageway 300 (See FIGS. 20 and 21), in the top quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115, as any further forward progress is impeded by the chamber section posterior wall 240. The heat exchange medium collected in the top quadrant outlet channel member passageway 300 is generally further directed to flow through a left quadrant outlet channel member passageway 290 and a right quadrant outlet channel member passageway 295. The left quadrant outlet channel member passageway 290 is a flow path for the heat exchange medium provided in the left quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115, laterally framed between the outlet first side wall 200 and the proximate interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 to the outlet channel member 150, while longitudinally framed between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the chamber section posterior wall 240. The right quadrant outlet channel member passageway 295 is a flow path for the heat exchange medium provided in the right quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115, laterally framed between the outlet second side wall 205 and the proximate interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 to the outlet channel member 150, while longitudinally framed between the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 and the chamber section posterior wall 240. Referring to FIG. 4, flow of the heat exchange medium through the left quadrant outlet channel member passageway 290 and the right quadrant outlet channel member passageway 295 are two divergent lateral flow paths, generally symmetrical to one another, flowing in a semi-circular manner within the posterior portion of the chamber section 115. The two semi-circular flow of the heat exchange medium in the posterior portion of the chamber section 115 are independent and separate heat exchange medium flow regime from the two semi-circular flow of the heat exchange medium established in the anterior portion of the chamber section 115, separately controlled for heat exchange medium flow configuration. The two semi-circular flow of the heat exchange medium in the left quadrant outlet channel member passageway 290 and the right quadrant outlet channel member passageway 295 generally flow away from one another, while generally vertically axially aligned to one another, flowing within their respective space provided between the outlet channel member 150 and the proximate interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. Again, the heat exchange medium flow divergent from its established directional flow characteristics is known in the art to cause mixing effect to the heat exchange medium, known to enhance heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchanger.
[0068] Once the two semi-circular flows complete their flow through their respective flow space in the left quadrant and the right quadrant posterior section of the chamber section 115, the two separate heat exchange medium flows are generally directed to collide into one another at the bottom quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115, generally just below the outlet channel member passageway 305 merging into generally a singular flow. The merging of the two separate heat exchange medium flows into a singular flow causes further mixing and swirling effect to the heat exchange medium as the two flows are combined. The merged heat exchange medium flow is then generally further directed to flow into the outlet channel member passageway 305 of the outlet channel member 150, flowing longitudinally within the outlet channel member passageway 305, following the longitudinal axial characteristics of the outlet channel member 150.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the heat exchange medium flow that has been diverted into three distinct flow paths at the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section lateral wall 245 generally merge into one singular flow as the respective heat exchange medium flow reach the outlet channel member passageway 305. The action of merging multiple heat exchange medium flows into a singular flow causes significant mixing and swirling effect to the heat exchange medium, known in the art to improve the overall heat transfer characteristics of the heat exchanger, by disrupting formation of boundary layers to the heat exchange medium. The merged heat exchange medium, directed to flow into the outlet channel member passageway 305, generally flow in a longitudinal axial characteristic established by the outlet channel member 150. As the heat exchange medium reaches the end of the outlet channel member 150, the heat exchange medium is directed to flow into the outlet tube 120. Once the heat exchange medium reaches the outlet tube 120, the heat exchange medium is discharged out of the heat exchanger 100 out of the outlet 125 provided by the outlet tube 120.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, another embodiment of a medium directing member assembly 145A is shown. The medium directing member assembly 145A is a simplified embodiment of the present invention, which may be well suited for use in an embodiment of the present invention with the chamber section 115 of an extended, yet of moderate longitudinal length, not warranting extensive need for heat exchange medium distribution means within the chamber section 115. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the medium directing member assembly 145A comprises two lateral walls, spaced apart, of a first lateral wall 175 and a second lateral wall 180, with a planar angled body disposed between the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180. The planar angled body disposed between the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180 comprise the inlet face 165A and the outlet face 170A, the first face of the planar body and the second face of the planar body, respectively. The inlet face 165A faces towards the inlet tube 110, while disposed in an inclined relation to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180. The outlet face 170A faces towards the outlet tube 120, while disposed in an inclined relation to the longitudinal axial characteristics established by the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180. The first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180 are generally planar bodies, having generally similar dimensional characteristics. A first planar surface of the first lateral wall 175 facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 is generally positioned spaced apart from the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween. A first planar surface of the second lateral wall 180 facing towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 is generally positioned spaced apart from the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween. A first free forward edge of the first lateral wall 175 engages the chamber section anterior wall 235, while a second free rearward edge of the first lateral wall 175 engages the chamber section posterior wall 240. Similarly, a first free forward edge of the second lateral wall 180 engages the chamber section anterior wall 235, while a second free rearward edge of the second lateral wall 180 engages the chamber section posterior wall 240.
[0071] Referring again to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, an embodiment of the medium directing assembly 145A is shown. In this embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium fluid flow characteristics may be modified to suit the needs of the heat exchanger application, by modifying the dimensional characteristics of the components comprising the medium directing assembly 145A. The flow of the heat exchange medium to the left quadrant of the chamber section 115, between the chamber section lateral wall 245 and the first lateral wall 175 may be increased or decreased by increasing the spatial separation between the chamber section lateral wall 245 and the first lateral wall 175. Keeping all dimensional characteristics constant within the chamber section 115, with the exception of the first lateral wall 175, the flow of the heat exchange medium towards the left quadrant of the chamber section 115 may be increased or decreased by altering the thickness of the first lateral wall 175. When the thickness of the first lateral wall 175 is increased, the spatial separation between the first lateral wall 175 and the chamber section lateral wall 245 is decreased, thereby restricting flow of the heat exchange medium to the left quadrant of the chamber section 115. The opposite effect may be achieved by decreasing the lateral thickness of the first lateral wall 175, thereby increasing the spatial separation between the first lateral wall 175 and the chamber section lateral wall 245. Similarly, the flow of the heat exchange medium to the right quadrant of the chamber section 115, between the chamber section lateral wall 245 and the second lateral wall 180, may be increased or decreased by altering the thickness of the second lateral wall 180. When the thickness of the second lateral wall 180 is increased, the spatial separation between the second lateral wall 180 and the chamber section lateral wall is decreased, thereby restricting flow of the heat exchange medium to the right quadrant of the chamber section 115. The opposite effect may be achieved by decreasing the lateral thickness of the second lateral wall 180, thereby increasing the spatial separation between the second lateral wall 180 and the chamber section lateral wall 245.
[0072] The distribution of the heat exchange medium within the chamber section 115, along the longitudinal axis, either to the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 towards the chamber section anterior wall 235 or to the posterior portion of the chamber section 115, towards the chamber section posterior wall 240, may be achieved by altering the thickness of the first free end or the second free end of the first lateral wall 175, with concurrent alteration made to the thickness of the first free end or the second free end of the second lateral wall 180. Keeping all dimensions constant within the chamber section 115, with an exception of the thickness of the first free end of the first lateral wall 175 and the first free end of the second lateral wall 180, the flow of the heat exchange medium towards the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 interior may be increased or decreased. When the thickness of the first free end of the first lateral wall 175 and the first free end of the second lateral wall 180 are simultaneously increased, the flow of heat exchange medium may be decreased towards the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 by reducing the spatial separation between the first lateral wall 175 and the chamber section lateral wall 245, as well as the spatial separation between the second lateral wall 180 and the chamber section lateral wall 245. Alternatively, to achieve greater flow of the heat exchange medium towards the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 interior, the thickness of the first free end of the first lateral wall 175 and the first free end of the second lateral wall 180 may be decreased, thereby increasing the spatial separation between the first lateral wall 175 and the chamber section lateral wall 245, as well as the spatial separation between the second lateral wall 180 and the chamber section lateral wall 245, allowing for more flow of the heat exchange medium towards the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 interior. Similar effect to the heat exchange medium flow may be achieved by altering the thickness of the respective second free end of the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180. The thickness of the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180 may be partly increased or decreased, wherein a portion of the respective walls may be altered by means of forming an indentation or a protrusion on the plane established by the respective lateral walls facing towards the chamber section lateral wall 245. Similarly, the thickness of the first lateral wall 175 and the second lateral wall 180 may be altered by having a taper on the surface of the respective lateral walls facing towards the chamber section lateral wall 245, wherein the first free longitudinal end of the respective walls may be thicker or thinner than the second free longitudinal end of the respective walls, or vice versa.
[0073] Now, references are made to FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21, a schematic top view, a schematic left view, and a schematic right view of the chamber section interior, respectively, are presented. Provided with the medium directing member assembly 145 are means to coordinate and regulate flow of the heat exchange medium to fully and effectively utilize the surface area for heat transfer purposes provided by the chamber section 115, especially suited for the longitudinally elongated chamber section 115 having an extended surface area for heat transfer purposes. Initial flow establishing and re-establishing features are provided in the form of the inlet channel member 135 and the outlet channel member 150, respectively, within the chamber section 115. The inlet channel member 135 establishes the initial line of flow of the heat exchange medium within the chamber section 115 as the heat exchange medium is introduced into the chamber section 115 from the inlet tube 110, to allow subsequent flow directional change to occur within the chamber section 115 with maximal effect. The outlet channel member 150 is provided within the chamber section 115 to generally re-establish the initial line of heat exchange medium flow established in the inlet channel member 135, prior to discharge of the heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger 100. The outlet channel member 150 also functions as a space to provide the heat exchange medium to mix and agitate, prior to discharge of the heat exchange medium out of the heat exchanger 100, as the heat exchange medium flowing from multiple passageways provided within the chamber section 115 generally converge in the outlet channel member passageway 305, enhancing heat transfer efficiency by disrupting formation of boundary layers detrimental to heat transfer efficiency.
[0074] Reference is now made to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, which are schematic interior view of the chamber section 115 from the left-hand side and the right-hand side, respectively. The left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270, the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275, and the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250 provide the three flow paths for the heat exchange medium once the heat exchange medium reaches the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115. The means to adjust the distribution of the heat exchange medium into respective three flow paths are achieved by reducing or enlarging the respective passageway openings. The left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 may be generally set at a similar size to achieve equal distribution of the heat exchange medium flow. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, one side may be enlarged or reduced to allow for more flow or less flow, respectively.
[0075] The flow of the heat exchange medium into the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 represent the flow of the heat exchange medium within the anterior portion of the chamber section 115, from the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115 to the bottom quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115. The flow through the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250 represents the heat exchange medium flow towards the posterior portion of the chamber section 115 from the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115. Distribution of the heat exchange medium flow between the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 and the posterior portion of the chamber section 115 may be varied by adjusting the combined passageway size of the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275, along with the passageway opening provided in the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250. When the space provided in the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250 is increased, flow of the heat exchange medium to the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 may be decreased. The reverse effect may be achieved by decreasing the opening space provided in the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250, allowing for more flow of the heat exchange medium into the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275.
[0076] The heat exchange medium flowing through the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 generally collect at the bottom quadrant inlet channel member passageway 280, once flowing through their respective passageways. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium flow through the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 may be caused to follow a more vertical downward flow from the top quadrant anterior section of the chamber section 115 to the bottom quadrant inlet channel member passageway 280, when the opening in the left quadrant distribution panel passageway 260 and the right quadrant distribution panel passageway 265 are restricted. In such an arrangement, the two semi-circular flow of the heat exchange medium respectively in the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 may be directed to flow into one another at the bottom quadrant inlet channel member passageway 280 with more impact, causing extensive mixing and agitating effect to the heat exchange medium, known in the art to enhance the heat transfer effectiveness by reducing the formation of boundary layers to the heat exchange medium.
[0077] In another embodiment of the present invention, the flow of the heat exchange medium from the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115 may be directed to partially flow in a longitudinally downward diagonal flow from the top quadrant anterior portion of the chamber section 115 towards the bottom posterior portion of the chamber section 115, by enlarging the spatial openings provided in the left quadrant distribution panel passageway 260 and the right quadrant distribution panel passageway 265, while restricting the opening of the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the two semi-circular flow of the heat exchange medium flow in the left quadrant inlet channel member passageway 270 and the right quadrant inlet channel member passageway 275 partially merge with the two semi-circular flow of heat exchange medium flowing through the left quadrant outlet channel member passageway 290 and the right quadrant outlet channel member passageway 295, prior to fully merging into a singular flow at the bottom quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115, generally in the outlet channel member passageway 305. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing and agitating effect to the heat exchange medium may be maintained, thereby having superior heat transfer efficiency, while reducing pressure drop effect to the heat exchange medium flow by providing an overall greater spatial heat exchange medium flow passageway within the chamber section 115.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 16, the medium directing distribution panel 155 provides for means to easily adjust the heat exchange medium flow volume, flow directional adjustment, as well as flow characteristic alteration within the chamber section 115. The medium directing distribution panel 155 provides for a throttling effect to the heat exchange medium flow by means of adjusting the spatial separation between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, the spatial separation between the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, the spatial separation between the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, as well as the spatial separation between the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245.
[0079] The medium directing distribution panel 155 allows for more flow of the heat exchange medium from the anterior portion of the chamber section 115 to the top posterior portion of the chamber section 115, generally in the top quadrant outlet channel member passageway 300, by adjusting the opening of the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250. Flow of the heat exchange medium through the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250 may be increased by enlarging the spatial separation between the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting increased flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween. The opposite effect to the heat exchange medium flow may be achieved by decreasing the spatial separation between the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, thereby decreasing the flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween (See FIG. 17).
[0080] The medium directing distribution panel 155, similarly have means to easily adjust the flow of the heat exchange medium from the anterior bottom section of the chamber section 115, generally in the bottom quadrant inlet channel member passageway 280, to the bottom quadrant posterior portion of the chamber section 115 by adjusting the opening of the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255. Flow of the heat exchange medium through the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255 may be increased by enlarging the spatial separation between the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, permitting increased flow of the heat exchange medium therebetween. The opposite effect to the heat exchange medium flow may be achieved by decreasing the spatial separation between the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245.
[0081] The medium directing distribution panel 155 further provides for means to adjust the flow of the heat exchange medium through the top quadrant distribution panel passageway 250 and the bottom quadrant distribution panel passageway 255, by having the ability to alter the flow distribution by means of adjusting the openings of the left quadrant distribution panel passageway 260 and the right quadrant distribution panel passageway 265. The left quadrant distribution panel passageway 260 is provided between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. The flow through the left quadrant distribution panel passageway 260 may be increased by enlarging the spatial separation between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. The opposite effect may be achieved by decreasing the spatial separation between the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 (See FIGS. 16 and 18).
[0082] The right quadrant distribution panel passageway 265 is provided between the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. The flow through the right quadrant distribution panel passageway 265 may be increased by enlarging the spatial separation between the second side face medium distribution panel 220 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. The opposite effect may be achieved by decreasing the spatial separation between the second side face medium distribution panel 220 and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 (See FIGS. 16 and 18).
[0083] The medium directing distribution panel 155 by means of adjusting the shape and configuration of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215, the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220, the top face medium directing distribution panel 225, and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230, permit infinite adjustment of the spatial separation between the respective surfaces and the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245, thereby allowing for precise adjustment of the heat exchange medium flow characteristics within the chamber section 115, in an easy, cost effective manner (see FIGS. 16, 17 and 18). The medium directing distribution panel 155 easily allows for means to adjust the flow of the heat exchange medium within the chamber section 115, while also maintaining ease of manufacturability, in a simple yet effective manner. Regardless of the type of heat exchange medium utilized in the heat exchanger 100, whether it be gas, liquid, or a combination of two or more types of heat exchange mediums with various flow characteristics as well as viscosity, the present invention allows for means to effectively direct the flow of the heat exchange medium within the chamber section 115 to fully utilize the heat transfer surface provided by the chamber section 115, enhancing the overall performance of the heat exchanger 100.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 22, in an embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have a convex face. The arc of the convex face of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 generally face internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 equal to arc length of 90 degrees shown as 2A in FIG. 22. In other embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215 may face greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, surface of a first side face medium directing distribution panel 215A facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have generally a planar surface as shown in an embodiment of a medium directing distribution panel 155A (See FIG. 23). In such an embodiment of the present invention, the chord generally established by the planar face of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215A with respect to the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may be equal to arc length of greater than 10 degrees but less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245, shown as 7A in FIG. 23.
[0085] In an embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have a convex face. The arc of the convex face of the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 generally face internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 equal to arc length of 90 degrees shown as 3A in FIG. 22. In other embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220 may face greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, surface of a second side face medium directing distribution panel 220A facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have generally a planar surface as shown in an embodiment of the medium distribution panel 155A (See FIG. 23). In such an embodiment of the present invention, the chord generally established by the planar face of the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220A with respect to the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may be equal to arc length of greater than 10 degrees but less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 shown as 8A in FIG. 23.
[0086] In an embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have a convex face. The arc of the convex face of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 generally face internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 equal to arc length of 90 degrees shown as 1A in FIG. 22. In other embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225 may face greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of a top face medium directing distribution panel 225A facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have generally a planar surface as shown in an embodiment of the medium distribution panel 155A in FIG. 23. In such an embodiment of the present invention, the chord generally established by the planar face of the top face medium directing distribution panel 225A with respect to the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may be equal to arc length of greater than 10 degrees but less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 shown as 6A in FIG. 23.
[0087] In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 facing towards the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have a convex face. The arc of the convex face of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 generally face internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 equal to arc length of 90 degrees, shown as 4A in FIG. 22. In other embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may face greater than 10 degrees but equal to or less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, surface of a bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230A facing the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may have generally a planar surface, shown in the embodiment of the medium directing distribution panel 155A (See FIG. 23). In such an embodiment of the present invention, the chord generally established by the planar face of the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230A with respect to the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245 may be equal to arc length of greater than 10 degrees but less than 170 degrees of the internal circumference of the chamber section lateral wall 245, shown as 9A in FIG. 23.
[0088] The combined outward facing surface of the medium directing distribution panel 155 towards the interior surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245 comprising the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215, the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220, the top face medium directing distribution panel 225, and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may face the full circumference of the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. In other embodiments of the present invention, the combined outward facing surface of the medium directing distribution panel 155 comprising the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215, the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220, the top face medium directing distribution panel 225, and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may not face the full circumference of the internal surface of the chamber section lateral wall 245. Longitudinal surface length of the first side face medium directing distribution panel 215, the second side face medium directing distribution panel 220, the top face medium directing distribution panel 225, and the bottom face medium directing distribution panel 230 may be similar in length. In other embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal length of one or more panels may be longer or shorter than the other panels.
[0089] The heat exchanger 100 may comprise the inlet tube 110, the chamber section 115, the outlet tube 120, and the medium directing member assembly 145 disposed within the chamber section 115. In other embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of heat exchangers 100 as described herein may be coupled together in a serial or a parallel fashion to form a larger heat exchanger assembly. As such, the heat exchange medium flow pattern described herein may be repeated several times dependent upon the number of the inlet tubes 110, the chamber sections 115, the outlet tubes 120, and the medium directing member assemblies 145 packaged within an embodiment of a heat exchanger assembly.
[0090] The heat exchange medium flow paths established by the inlet tube 110, the outlet tube 120, and the chamber section 115, as well as the surface features of the medium directing member assembly 145 may feature surface enhancements, such as, but not limited to, dimples, fins, louvers, that is known in the art to enhance heat transfer effectiveness in a heat exchanger application.
[0091] The heat exchanger 100 may comprise of ferrous or non-ferrous material. The material may be an alloy, plastics, composites, or other material suitable for use as a heat exchanger known in the art. In other embodiments of the present invention, more than one type of material may be combined to construct the heat exchanger 100, such as with use of an aluminum alloy along with composite material, for example.
[0092] The inlet tube 110, the outlet tube 120, and the chamber section 115 as well as the medium directing member assembly 145 may be manufactured by stamping, cold forging, machining, casting, 3-D printing, or by other manufacturing methods known in the art. The inlet tube 110, the outlet tube 120, and the chamber section 115 of the heat exchanger 100 may be manufactured as one piece or may be manufactured as separate pieces. The medium directing member assembly 145 may be manufactured as one piece or may comprise as an assembly of two or more components. The heat exchanger 100 may be coupled together by means of brazing, soldering, welding, mechanical means, or adhesive means known in the art.
[0093] The heat exchanger 100 may be utilized as a cooler, a condenser, an evaporator, a radiator, or any other application requiring heat to be transferred from one heat exchange medium to another heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium may be air, liquid, or gas, known in the art. The heat exchange medium flowing within the heat exchanger 100 may be the same as the heat exchange medium flowing outside of the heat exchanger 100. In another embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium flowing within the heat exchanger 100 may be different from the heat exchange medium flowing outside of the heat exchanger 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium may be a compound, combining more than one type of heat exchange medium known in the art. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange medium may by combined with more than one type of material, such as with air and silica solids to obtain additional desired features, for example.
[0094] 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.
