Continuous-Flow Heater Connector with Central Protective Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection devices for continuous-flow heaters require a large number of electrical cables with varying lengths and cross-sections to connect safety-relevant and functionally relevant elements to an external electrical protective conductor, leading to complex and error-prone assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact connection device with a one-piece, electrically conductive base body featuring U-shaped clamping brackets and a multi-part collective terminal, which integrates a first clamping element for central electrical contacting of the external protective conductor, reducing the need for multiple cables and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple flexible cables with different lengths and cross-sections are used to connect various elements to the external protective conductor, then all safety-relevant and functionally relevant elements can be electrically connected, but the assembly complexity and error probability increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cable connections into a single integrated base body structure. The base body with its U-shaped clamping brackets consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate cables into one unified component, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections to all safety-relevant and functionally relevant elements
Solution Approach 2:
The base body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical clamping for pipelines, establishes electrical connections to multiple elements, and acts as the protective conductor connection point. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cables for each connection, reducing both the number of components and assembly steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of cables with different characteristics are used to connect distributed elements to the protective conductor, then comprehensive electrical coupling is achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable functions into a single base body structure that can connect to multiple distributed elements simultaneously. The U-shaped clamping brackets are positioned to engage with different pipelines and elements, providing comprehensive electrical coupling through one integrated component rather than multiple separate cables
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is segmented into multiple U-shaped clamping brackets that can be independently positioned and adjusted to connect with different elements at various locations. This segmentation allows the single base body to adapt to distributed element arrangements while maintaining a unified structure that simplifies assembly
3Reliability
If multiple separate connections are made to the protective conductor, then all elements are electrically contacted, but the probability of assembly errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection operations into a single assembly action. By integrating all protective conductor connections into one base body component, the system ensures that all electrical contacts are made simultaneously in one step, eliminating the sequential error-prone process of connecting multiple separate cables
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 reliable and efficient method for connecting multiple elements to an external protective conductor, reducing assembly complexity and error probability while maintaining a compact design, thus enhancing safety and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
the base body has a first clamping element 14 as part of a multi-part collective terminal 16 to be formed for the central electrical contacting of an external electrical protective conductor 20
Implementation Method 2
The U-shaped clamping brackets of the base body are used to mechanically fix pipes or the like to a housing of the continuous-flow heater
Data Source
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AI summary
The connecting device (2) has an electrically conductive single-piece base body (4) having a U-shaped clamping bracket (6) for attachment to a pipe (8). The base body has a clamping member (14) for central electrical contact of an external electrical protective conductor (20). The clamping member is designed as a section of a multi-part collection terminal (16). An independent claim is also included for a heater for heating water.