Expansion Tank Bracket Support to Reduce Piping Stress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, compact, and inexpensive apparatus to securely attach a thermal expansion tank to a hot water heater while allowing for expansion and contraction, minimizing stress on piping systems, and ensuring easy replacement without damaging the tank's surface coating or violating plumbing codes.
Innovation Solution
A universal bracket system that can be securely fastened to both the expansion tank and the hot water heater, using flexible securing means to accommodate the tank's weight changes and thermal expansion, while allowing for easy installation and compliance with official plumbing codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom support means are used for expansion tanks, then the tank can be supported, but the installation becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate modular components: a bracket assembly that attaches to the water heater and a separate expansion tank that attaches to the bracket. This segmentation allows for standardized, pre-fabricated parts that can be quickly installed without custom fitting, reducing installation time while maintaining support reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate different sizes and types of expansion tanks. The standardized interface and mounting mechanism allow the same bracket design to serve multiple functions and configurations, eliminating the need for custom support means for each installation scenario.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the expansion tank is securely attached to prevent movement, then support stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support system incorporates dynamic elements that allow for controlled movement and adjustment. The bracket assembly includes mounting mechanisms that can accommodate slight positional changes and thermal expansion of the expansion tank while maintaining overall stability. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to temperature changes without compromising support stability.
3Strength
If rigid support means are used to prevent tank movement, then support strength is improved, but stress on piping systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly serves as an intermediary support structure between the water heater and the expansion tank. It provides strength and stability while isolating the piping system from direct stress caused by tank movement or thermal expansion. The bracket absorbs and distributes forces, protecting the piping system from excessive stress while maintaining support strength.
4Ease of operation
If simple support means are used for easy installation, then ease of installation is improved, but compliance with plumbing codes may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is pre-fabricated with all necessary mounting components, attachment points, and structural elements required for code-compliant installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that the support system meets plumbing code requirements while maintaining ease of installation, as the compliant structure is already in place before installation begins.
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 provides a secure, cost-effective, and efficient means of supporting thermal expansion tanks, reducing stress on piping systems, ensuring compliance with plumbing codes, and allowing for easy replacement without damaging the tank's surface or requiring separate flooding protection.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion tank, as well as the piping to which the tank is connected, may expand and contract very slightly with temperature changes
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting s a thermal or hydronic expansion tank relative to a hot water heater comprises a rigid bracket adapted to be secured to the tank and to the hot water heater. The bracket provides support for the tank adjacent to the pipe nipple. The tank and the bracket are interconnected for securing the tank to the bracket. In one aspect, the bracket comprises a base, and an end wall at each end of the base. The end walls are adapted for engaging and supporting the tank, wherein one of the end walls engages the tank adjacent the pipe nipple and the other of the end walls engages the tank past the midpoint of the length of the tank from the base.