Air Heater Case Coupling Structure for Stronger, Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling structures between the case and air heater body in air heaters require multiple manufacturing and assembly processes, leading to reduced productivity due to difficulties in maintaining consistent screw hole distances and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling structure featuring coupling flanges on the case and brackets on the air heater body with surface contact points and corresponding screw holes, allowing for unitary fastening with fewer parts and simplified assembly, enhanced by contact pads and locking steps for improved fixing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple screw fastening holes and fixing brackets are used to couple the case and air heater body, then the fixing force is improved, but the number of manufacturing and assembling processes increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple screw fastening holes and fixing brackets into a single integrated coupling flange structure. The coupling flange includes a flange body with a through hole that aligns with a single screw hole in the air heater body, eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening components and processes while maintaining fixing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling flange serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables screw fastening through the through hole, and ensures proper positioning through its integrated design with the air heater body. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate fixing brackets and multiple screw holes.
2Strength
If multiple screw fastening holes are used to couple the case and air heater body, then the fixing force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete fastening components (fixing brackets, multiple screw holes) into a single integrated coupling flange assembly. The flange body with its through hole and the air heater body's screw hole form a unified coupling system, significantly reducing structural complexity.
3Strength
If multiple screw fastening holes are used to couple the case and air heater body, then the fixing force is improved, but the number of assembling parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the quantity of assembly parts by merging multiple screw fastening holes and fixing brackets into a single coupling flange structure with one through hole. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate fastening parts while maintaining the required fixing force.
4Strength
If multiple screw fastening holes are used to couple the case and air heater body, then the fixing force is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases due to difficulty in maintaining consistent distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple screw holes with specific distance requirements by using a single through hole in the coupling flange that aligns with a single screw hole in the air heater body. This dramatically reduces manufacturing precision requirements for hole positioning and distance consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling structure of a case and an air heater body in an air heater, and the coupling structure includes: an air heater body for generating flames with the fuel supplied from a fuel tank and forcedly blowing the heat of the flames to the outside; the case detachably coupled surroundingly to the air heater body; fastening screws for unitarily coupling the air heater body and the case to each other; coupling flanges formed on both sides of the case in a longitudinal direction of the case and having first screw coupling holes screw-coupled to the fastening screws; and coupling brackets located on one side and the other side of the air heater body in the longitudinal direction of the air heater body in such a manner as to come into surface contact with the coupling flanges and having second screw coupling holes formed thereon correspondingly to the first screw coupling holes.