Patent ID: 8516701
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: B21D,F28D,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger, comprising the steps of: providing a manifold header having an interior surface defining an inner diameter; providing a bending support having two opposing edges; providing a refrigerant conduit; affixing said refrigerant conduit onto said bending support between said two opposing edges; inserting refrigerant conduit and said bending support into said manifold header, thereby abutting said two opposing edges of said bending support against said interior surface across said inner diameter of said manifold header, providing a mandrel having a work surface; positioning said manifold onto said work surface, wherein one of said opposing edges of said bending support is oriented toward said work surface; bending said manifold onto said work surface of said mandrel forming an inner radius of the bend, wherein said bending support substantially maintains said inner diameter and prevents said manifold header from deforming at said inner radius of the bend during bending process.