Installation for preparing domestic hot water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Condensing gas boilers experience differential deformation between the water tank and the outer casing due to varying pressures and temperatures, leading to stress at connection points and potential failure from fatigue, resulting in water leaks and boiler malfunction.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a compensation element connected to both the tank and the outer casing, which allows for freedom of movement in the main deformation direction, thereby reducing stress and preventing fatigue at connection points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the tank and outer casing are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but differential deformation causes stress at connection points leading to fatigue failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconnection point durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a compensation element with flexible characteristics (conduit with intermediate portion) that can deform elastically to accommodate differential movement between the rigid tank and outer casing, preventing stress concentration at connection points while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation element changes its physical parameters (shape, length) in response to temperature and pressure variations, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction without generating damaging stresses in the rigid components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the tank and outer casing are made flexible to accommodate deformation, then reliability is improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection point durabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation element uses flexible conduit design that can bend and deform within controlled limits, providing the necessary compliance to accommodate differential movement while the rigid tank and casing maintain their structural strength for containing water and withstanding pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If rigid connections are used between tank and outer casing to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but fatigue failure occurs due to differential deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidconnection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation element is integrated into the existing connection structure as a conduit with flexible intermediate portion, providing deformation accommodation without requiring complex mechanical joints or multiple components, thus maintaining relative simplicity while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The compensation element effectively mitigates differential deformation, reducing the risk of malfunction and extending the service life of the boiler by protecting connection points from fatigue-induced failure.

Implementation Method 1

the element being shaped to compensate for deformations undergone by the installation in operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the vapors transmit their energy to the primary water and undergo condensation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

the vapors transmit their energy to the primary water and undergo condensation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP4560219A1Installation for preparing domestic hot water
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 GROUPE ATLANTIC MANUFACTURING BELGIUM
  • EP4560219A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560219A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4560219A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a condensing gas boiler, comprising an outer casing (2) delimiting an internal volume (V), the boiler comprising a combustion chamber (9) for the gas and an exchanger (11) for circulating in the outer casing (2) steam and fumes resulting from the combustion of the gas in the combustion chamber (9), at least one tank (15, 16) intended to contain water and arranged in the outer casing (2) so that, when the boiler (1) is operating, the water contained in said at least one tank (15, 16) can be heated by the steam and fumes circulating in the exchanger (11), the boiler comprising at least one water inlet (21) in said at least one tank and at least one water outlet (22) out of said tank (15, 16), at least one of said inlet (21) and outlet (22) being provided with an element (30), called a compensation element, connected to the outer casing (2) and said at least one reservoir (15, 16),the element (30) being shaped to compensate for deformations undergone by the boiler (1) in operation in at least one direction.,