Furnace Inducer Choke Tab Structure for Accurate Airflow Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In induced draft furnaces, it is challenging to determine the size of the removable and interchangeable inducer choke installed in the blower due to its location and positioning, which affects the control of combustion air entering the furnace.
Innovation Solution
A furnace inducer choke with a choke body having an opening that limits combustion air entry and a protruding tab for identification, along with a mounting feature to assist in installation, ensures accurate sizing and positioning during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inducer choke is made removable and interchangeable for different furnace sizes, then the adaptability of the inducer blower is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the choke size increases
Solution Approach 1:
A tab is introduced as an intermediary visual indicator that mediates between the choke component and the installer. The tab protrudes from the choke body at a specific distance that corresponds to the choke size, allowing the installer to easily identify the correct choke size without complex measurements or markings on the choke itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual differentiation through the tab structure, where the tab's presence, length, or position serves as a visual indicator (similar to color coding) that allows quick identification of choke size. This visual cue system enables installers to distinguish between different choke sizes at a glance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the inducer choke location is positioned to control combustion air effectively, then the combustion air control precision is improved, but the ease of operation during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is pre-positioned on the choke body during manufacturing at a specific distance that corresponds to the choke size. This preliminary action of placing the identification feature before installation allows the installer to quickly identify the correct choke size without requiring precise measurements or complex alignment procedures during the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A furnace inducer choke and a gas furnace employing the furnace inducer choke. In one embodiment, the furnace inducer choke includes: (1) a choke body configured to engage a furnace inducer blower, the choke body having an opening extending entirely therethrough to limit an amount of combustion air entering a furnace that the furnace inducer blower is attached, and (2) a tab protruding from the choke body a distance sufficient to identify the opening when the choke body and furnace inducer blower are installed in the furnace.