Universal Boiler Base With Removable Membranes for Leak-Safe Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boiler bases require multiple types to accommodate different heating applications, leading to increased development costs and the need for multiple bases during installation or repair, with risks of leaks from pre-machining and plugging unused reservations.

Innovation Solution

A universal boiler base with removable membranes allows for adaptation to various uses by piercing or not piercing ducts with a simple tool, enabling the connection of desired accessories, and a flat parallelepiped shape with a low height for easy installation and reduced thermal inertia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of bases are produced for different heating applications, then adaptability to various uses is improved, but device complexity and development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various heating usesVSAvoidnumber of base types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different heating applications (central heating, domestic hot water, accumulated hot water) through a single standardized design. The base includes standardized openings and connection points that can be configured for various uses without requiring different base types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is divided into functional segments with standardized openings that can be selectively used or blocked. Each opening corresponds to a specific function (e.g., central heating inlet/outlet, hot water connections), allowing the base to be adapted to different applications by selectively activating or deactivating specific segments rather than requiring entirely different base designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single universal base is produced with all reservations machined and plugged, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and leak risks appear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle base for all usesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and leak risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pre-plugging all unused openings in the base, the invention extracts the plugging function to a separate, removable element. The base is manufactured with all openings clear and accessible, and the plugging is performed later using simple removable plugs that can be inserted or removed as needed. This eliminates the complex and costly pre-machining and plugging operations while maintaining the ability to adapt the base to different uses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is prepared in advance with all necessary openings and connection points clearly defined and accessible, but the actual plugging or blocking of specific openings is deferred to the installation stage. This preliminary preparation allows the base to be manufactured once as a universal component, while the specific configuration for each application is finalized later through simple plug insertion rather than complex pre-machining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If membranes are used to control liquid circulation, then adaptability to different uses is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrollable liquid circulationVSAvoidmembrane structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive membrane elements that can be easily inserted or removed to control liquid circulation paths. These membranes are basic flat elements rather than complex mechanical devices, and can be quickly replaced or adjusted during installation or maintenance. The simplicity of these membrane elements minimizes the added device complexity while providing effective control over liquid flow for different heating applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP1991816B1Boiler base
Publication Date: 2016.12.21 SOCIETE MULLER & CIE
  • EP1991816B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP1991816B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~1g
  • EP1991816B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d

AI summary

The base has an inlet end (2) for receiving a hot liquid from a heating body of a boiler, where the body receives a cold liquid from an outlet end (5). Another outlet end (3) delivers the hot liquid to a central heating plant that provides cold liquid to another inlet end (4). Ducts (6, 7) are extended from respective inlets to outlets, and membranes (17-20) connect branches (15, 16) to adjunct ends (21-24). One of the membranes is removed for allowing liquid passage between one adjunct end and branch.