POLYMER MANIFOLD AND METHODS OF FABRICATION

摘要

A variety of polymer manifolds and associated fabrication methods are described. The described manifolds can be used in heat exchangers and a variety of other applications. In one aspect a polymer manifold is formed by welding distal tips of a multiplicity of polymer tubes to a polymer retainer. The tubes pass through guide passages that extend between opposing faces of the retainer and the distal tip of each tube is welded to a manifold face of the retainer. The welds between the tubes and the manifold face form sealed connections between the tubes and the manifold face. In some embodiments a locking plate is positioned adjacent the retainer. The tubes also pass through the locking plate such that during assembly, the locking plate and/or the retainer can be translated or otherwise moved slightly relative to the other to hold the tubes in place during welding to the retainer.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a multiplicity of polymer tubes, each of the polymer tubes including first and second ends and a passage having first and second openings; and first and second retainers, each retainer having a substantially planar polymer manifold face, an opposing second face and a multiplicity of guide passages that extend between the opposing faces; and wherein each tube passes through an associated guide passage in both the first and second retainers and the first end of each tube has a first skirt portion that has a wider diameter than the associated first retainer guide passage and is fused to the manifold face of the first retainer outside of the associated first retainer guide passage in a manner that encircles the associated first retainer guide passage and the second end of each tube has a second skirt portion that has a wider diameter than the associated second retainer guide passage and is fused to the manifold face of the second retainer outside of the associated second retainer guide passage in a manner that encircles the associated second retainer guide passage.