Patent ID: 8387686

Claim:
A heat exchanger assembly, comprising: a first end tank; a second end tank opposite the first end tank; at least one tube in fluid communication with the first and second end tanks, the at one least tube adapted to have a fluid flow therethrough; at least one tube strengthener; and at least one internal fin distinct from the tube strengthener; wherein: the at least one tube strengthener and the at least one internal fin are positioned inside the at least one tube; the at least one tube strengthener replaces an end portion of the internal fin; and the at least one tube strengthener is joined to the at least one tube at localized, spaced-apart joints alternating with portions of an inner surface of the at least one tube that are not in contact with or joined to the at least one tube strengthener in a cross-section orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the at least one tube.