Continuous-flow heater

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing continuous-flow heaters are not constructed in a simple and cost-effective manner while maintaining high energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The closure element is formed in one piece by stamping, with a projection extending into the opening to create a large heat transfer region and provide stiffening, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the closure element is formed as a separate component with a heat transfer region, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidclosure element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closure element and heat transfer region into a single integrated component. The closure element is formed as one piece with an integrated heat transfer region that extends into the opening, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining thermal efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If the heat transfer region is made larger to improve heat dissipation, then energy efficiency is improved, but the closure element requires more material and becomes less stiff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidclosure element stiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the heat transfer region into the opening along the longitudinal axis of the channel, creating a three-dimensional heat transfer path. This projection into the opening provides additional surface area for heat dissipation while the stamped construction maintains structural stiffness through controlled material distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If a projection is added to the closure element to increase heat transfer area, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses stamping to create the projection on the closure element, which is a standard manufacturing process that can efficiently produce complex three-dimensional shapes. The stamping process allows the projection to be formed in one piece without additional manufacturing steps, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving enhanced heat transfer surface area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables a simple, cost-effective manufacturing process with enhanced heat transfer and structural integrity, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the closure element has a heat transfer region arranged in the region of the opening and being in contact with the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4187171B1Continuous-flow heater
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 KOSPEL SPÓLKA Z O O
  • EP4187171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4187171B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4187171B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a continuous-flow heater comprising a body (1) and a channel (2) extending in the body (1) and carrying water, wherein an opening (4) forming an access to the channel (2) and closed by a closure element (3) is provided on the body (1), wherein the closure element (3) has a heat transfer region (3.1) arranged in the region of the opening (4) and being in contact with the water. According to the invention it is provided that the closure element (3) is formed to be plate-shaped and, particularly preferably, to be provided with a stamping forming the heat transfer region (3.1).